One minute, Sam was a typical kid enjoying himself on the playground. The next minute, he was withdrawn, angry and on a path to self-destruction. Thankfully, someone intervened.

Find out what happened to Sam »
More Stories of Justice »


     Home > Public Policy > Policy > Gov’t Benefits

food stamps icon

Government Benefits

For many Minnesotans receiving government benefits such as cash assistance through the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Food Support, General Assistance and Medical Assistance, establishing and maintaining eligibility is a complex task.

LSAP’s policy advocates work tirelessly to ensure the laws and administrative rules governing these programs work efficiently and effectively. LSAP’s work ensures basic necessities for low-income Minnesotans, including seniors and people with disabilities.  LSAP’s advocacy work also specifically results in opportunities for training and employment, food support, and health care.

  • Highlight
  • Legal Aid successfully advocated for legislation that helps more than 6,000 families who face employment barriers because of Minnesota’s welfare-to-work program, MFIP. The law formerly required every MFIP recipient to have an employment plan. The new law enables counties to create “family stabilization plans” for people who are unemployable due to factors such as physical or mental illness, disability and low I.Q. Most important, counties can no longer punish people because they are unable to work.