Information on economic assistance text messages

The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) offers one-way text messages through some of its economic assistance programs. These messages may include important updates and reminders about program benefits and services. The economic assistance programs that offer one-way text messages include:

• Diversionary Work Program
• Minnesota Family Investment Program 
• General Assistance 
• Minnesota Supplement Aid 
• Housing Supports
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer Program

Text messages will be sent from a toll-free number to anyone who opted in and provided valid cell phone number on the Combined Application Form, Household Update Form or online at MNbenefits.mn.gov and gave us permission to send text messages. 

DHS will not ask for personal information through text messages, and participation is voluntary. Choosing not to participate in the text message program will not affect your benefits or services.

Sample text:

The Department of Human Services invites you to get texts with important notices about your benefits and services. If you do not want to receive messages, please reply “STOP.”

You can opt-out of receiving text messages from DHS at any time by contacting your case manager or texting “STOP” to 830-95. After you opt-out, DHS will send you a final message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this confirmation message, you will no longer receive text messages from DHS. If you change your mind, you can opt back in by contacting your case manager.

If you are experiencing issues with the text messaging program, you can text “HELP” to 830-95 for assistance, or you can get help directly by emailing eaesd.communications.dhs@state.mn.us or by calling 651-431-4000.

Carriers and DHS are not liable for delayed or undelivered text messages.

Message and data rates may apply. If you have any questions about your text or data plan, please contact your wireless carrier. 

If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read DHS’s privacy policy.

Terms and Conditions

If you opt-in to receive text messages, the economic assistance programs will send you periodic text messages about your social services and economic assistance benefits. Below is additional information about the text messaging program including how to stop receiving text messages.  

1. You do not have to consent to receive text messages from the economic assistance programs. Choosing to not participate in the text message program will not affect your benefits or services.
2. Text messages will be sent to anyone who has opted to receive text messages and provided an active cell phone number via the Combined Application Form, Household Update Form, through a county or tribal eligibility worker or online via MNbenefits.mn.gov.
3. You will be responsible for any message or data charges from your service provider that are associated with text messaging. 
4. You may receive reoccurring text messages from DHS.
5. The text messages you receive from economic assistance programs may contain private information. You are responsible for protecting the information on your phone.
6. You can opt-out of receiving text messages from DHS at any time by contacting your case manager or texting "STOP" to 830-95. After you opt-out, DHS will send you a final message to confirm that you have been unsubscribed. After this confirmation, you will no longer receive text messages from DHS. If you change your mind, you can opt back in by contacting your case manager. 
7. If you opt-out of receiving text messages from the economic assistance programs, the economic assistance programs will contact you by mail or email if an email address was provided.  
8. If you are experiencing issues with the DHS text messaging program, you can text "HELP" to 830-95 for assistance, or you can get help directly by emailing eaesd.communications.dhs@state.mn.us or by calling 651-431-4000.
9. The economic assistance programs will keep your program information secure. Your name and cell phone number will only be viewed by Economic Assistance staff, the texting provider and as otherwise allowed or required by law. A complete notice of your privacy practices is available here. 
10. If you have any questions regarding privacy, please read our privacy policy.

Questions

If you have questions or for more information, contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services by email at eaesd.communications.dhs@state.mn.us or by phone at 651-431-4000.