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Disability Hub MN: Money

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Managing your money can help you live the life you want. The information in this section can help you think about increasing your income, managing your money, reducing your debt and more. No matter how much money you have, you can start planning for what matters most to you.

Ways to get more money

Having regular income is important for independence. Income can come from different places, like work (earned income) or benefits (unearned income). If you need more money to pay your bills or do the things you want to do, here are some options.

In this section, learn about common ways to get more money:
  • Work

    For most people, working means more money, more independence, better health, new skills and new relationships.

  • Social Security

    Social Security disability benefits are monthly cash payments for people with disabilities.

  • Minnesota cash benefits

    If you don't have enough money to meet your basic needs or pay for child care, you might be eligible for cash assistance.

Ways to lower expenses

Finding ways to lower your expenses can help you afford the things you need — and maybe even leave you with more money to save for your goals.

First, look at your expenses to see if there are places you can cut costs. Use this guidebook for cutting expenses (PDF) to help you think through your expenses and ways you might be able to lower them.

Another thing you can do is find programs that can help pay for your expenses. You might be able to get help from programs that can help pay for groceries, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Minnesota Food Assistance Program. You might also be able to get help from energy assistance and phone discount programs.

Start saving money today! Check out this
Guidebook for cutting expenses (PDF) »
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is a food supplement program that used to be known as food stamps. SNAP won't meet all of your food needs, but it can help you stretch your food budget. Whether you qualify for SNAP and how much you'll receive depends on the number of people in your household and how much money you earn.

Who qualifies
The only way to know for sure if you qualify for SNAP is to complete the application process. You can use this screening tool (PDF) to estimate your eligibility, though.

How to apply
To apply for SNAP online, go to MNbenefits. To apply by mail or in person, complete the appropriate application form:

Submit the form by mail or in person to your local county or tribal office (PDF). For help completing the SNAP application, contact a local SNAP outreach partner. Find the nearest SNAP outreach partner by calling the Minnesota Food HelpLine at 651-486-9860 in the Twin Cities metro area or 888-711-1151 outside the metro area.

To learn more
To learn more, find answers to common questions about SNAP under Top Topics > Money > SNAP >>

Other options for food support

Other options for food support might include food shelves, food banks and organizations that offer free meals. To find these in your area, call the Minnesota Food Helpline at 888-711-1151 or check the following resources:

  • Minnesota Food Assistance Program. The Minnesota Food Assistance Program provides state-funded food assistance to legal noncitizens age 50 or older who don't qualify for SNAP because of their citizenship status.
  • Hunger Solutions. Hunger Solutions Minnesota connects hungry people with local help. They also work with public and private sector partners to bring community resources to the table
  • MinnesotaHelp. MinnesotaHelp allows people to search for local options for food support. 
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. This program is open to income-eligible households living on Indian reservations or Native American households living in designated areas.
  • Commodity Supplemental Foods Program. This government food and nutrition program is designed to provide healthy and nutritious food at no cost to income-eligible adults age 60 or older.
  • Summer Food Service. This Minnesota Department of Education program provides nutritious meals to children during the summer months. 
  • Minnesota Supplemental Aid (PDF). Minnesota Supplemental Aid provides monthly cash support to help meet basic living expenses.
Energy assistance and phone discount programs

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program helps pay for home heating costs and furnace repairs for income-qualified households. The state Telephone Assistance Plan and federal Lifeline programs provide monthly telephone service discounts on one landline or wireless telephone per household.

Computers and internet access

PCs for People provides affordable computers, low-cost mobile internet and affordable computer repair for eligible people and nonprofits.

Money management

You have the right to control your money and make your own financial decisions. From budgeting to money management, this section will give you tools and guides to help you succeed.

In this section, explore:
  • Budgeting

    Making a budget and a monthly spending plan can help you use your money wisely — and keep more money in your pocket. 

  • Debt and credit

    If debt has piled up and your credit score is in trouble, remember that you're still in control. Small steps can lead to big changes.

  • Savings and assets

    Saving money is important. It might seem impossible now, but taking small steps can move you toward a brighter future.

  • Taxes and tax credits

    Tax season can be challenging, especially when money is tight. Tax credits can lower the taxes you owe or increase your tax refund.

  • Help managing money

    If you're not comfortable managing your money, there are tools and people who can help.

Youth and money

Earning money and learning how to manage it are important parts of being independent. Working and carefully managing your money can help you have freedom and options — and starting out on the right foot can help you live your best life. It's never too early to learn about earning, spending and saving wisely.

In this section, get the basics on:
  • Earned income

    Many people with disabilities have meaningful jobs they enjoy. Find out what it means to work.

  • Unearned income

    Find out why disability benefits matter and how to get them.

  • Money management skills

    Find links to fun websites and games, plus tips on how to budget and plan so you have enough money when you need it.

How to the hub can help

Do you wonder where your money goes, or whether you're making the most of your benefits? The Hub can help you get the answers you need to reach your financial goals.

The Hub team can help you: 

  • Explore ways to increase your income and reduce your expenses
  • Connect to credit counselors who can help you improve your credit and reduce your debt
  • Access tools to help you create a budget and take control of your finances
  • Understand your current benefits and check for other benefits that might be helpful
  • Identify work incentives, which allow you to use your benefits and save for the future while you're working
  • Learn about savings programs that can help you save more while on benefits
  • Find free tax help
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