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Diversionary Work Program (DWP)

The Diversionary Work Program (DWP) is a four-month program that helps Minnesota caregivers find jobs. The goal is to help caregivers quickly find work so that they do not need to go on the Minnesota Family Investment Program. Caregivers get help paying for housing and other bills, along with employment services, to help them find full-time work.

Caregivers usually start in the Diversionary Work Program before they are enrolled in the Minnesota Family Investment Program.

How to apply


Apply online in 20 minutes or less at mnbenefits.mn.gov
or
Fill out a paper application and submit it to the respective county or Tribal Nation human services office
 
After applying, applicants must complete an interview with their local county or Tribal Nation human services office. The interview may be in-person or over the phone. 

Eligibility

The Diversionary Work Program is for families with children and pregnant women. To qualify, applicants must:

  • Meet an initial income test
  • Meet an initial asset limit of $10,000 (excluding one vehicle per member of unit who is age 16 or older).

Benefits

Caregivers will get employment services and other assistance to help them while they find and keep employment. 

Employment services

Caregivers must seek full-time work immediately once approved. Caregivers will get employment services that include:

  • Help finding work that fits their employment plan
  • Help identifying and dealing with family issues that may prevent or delay them from getting a job
  • Limited training that they can complete in four months or fewer.
Other assistance

Caregivers may also get help paying for:

  • Housing costs
  • Utilities
  • Personal needs.

Often, rent and other bills are paid directly from a family's monthly benefit to the landlord or utility company, for example. Money left after those bills are paid can be used by families to pay for personal needs.

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