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    Information on eligibility and enrollment text messages

    The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) offers text messages to help people apply for and access benefits. These messages may include important updates and reminders about the application process, program benefits and services. Benefits and services may include food support, cash assistance, housing support and child care assistance.

    Text messages will be sent from a 10-digit number or short form code to anyone who provided a 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 application, benefits or services. DHS and servicing agencies will communicate with applicants and participants through other means, including in writing, by mail or by email.

    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 replying to a received text message with the word “STOP.” After you opt out, DHS will send you a final message to confirm that you have 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 replying to a received text message with the word “START.”

    If you are experiencing issues with the text messaging program, you can reply to a received text message with the word “HELP,” or you can call the DHS Information Desk at 651-431-2000.

    Text messaging is provided strictly as a convenience and using it does not absolve you of any responsibilities under any state and federal food support, cash assistance, housing support and child care assistance laws. If text messaging becomes unavailable, you must continue to comply with all applicable laws through other processes. DHS reserves the right to discontinue or end your participation in text messaging at any time and will notify you if you will no longer receive text messages. 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 choose to receive text messages, DHS will send you periodic text messages about your application and/or 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 DHS. Choosing to not participate in the text message program will not affect your application, benefits or services.
    2. Text messages will be sent to anyone who has chosen to receive text messages and provided an active cell phone number via the Combined Application Form, Household Update Form, through a county or tribal nation eligibility worker or online via MNBenefits.mn.gov.
    3. If you deactivate or change your cell phone number, it is your responsibility to provide an update to your servicing agency to continue receiving text messages.
    4. Text messages will be sent using unencrypted standard text messaging.  Standard unencrypted messages are at an increased risk of being read by people other than the intended recipient.
    5. You will be responsible for any message or data charges from your service provider that are associated with text messaging.
    6. You may receive reoccurring text messages from DHS.
    7. The text messages you receive from DHS may contain private information. You are responsible for protecting the information on your phone.
    8. You can opt out of receiving text messages from DHS at any time by replying to a received text message with the word “STOP,” or you can call the DHS Information Desk at 651-431-2000.. After you opt out, DHS will send you a final message to confirm that you have unsubscribed. After this confirmation, you will no longer receive text messages from DHS. If you change your mind, you can opt back in by replying to a received text message with the word “START.”
    9. If you opt out of receiving text messages from DHS, DHS will continue to contact you by mail or email if an email address was provided.
    10. 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 calling the DHS Information Desk at 651-431-2000
    11. DHS will keep your program information secure. Your name and cell phone number will only be viewed by DHS and servicing agency staff, the texting provider and as otherwise allowed or required by law. A complete notice of your privacy practices is available here.
    12. 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 Information Desk by phone at 651-431-4000.

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