Programs Offered

Diversionary Work Program (DWP)

The Diversionary Work Program, or DWP, is a 4 month program that helps low-income Minnesota families find a job. DWP helps parents go to work rather than go on welfare. Parents are expected to enter into an employment plan with an Employment Specialist from Central Minnesota Jobs and Training before they are approved for DWP. After families have an employment plan, they can receive financial assistance to meet their basic needs and get other supports, such as SNAP (food support) and child and health care assistance.


Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

Cash, food, medical, and child care assistance for families whose income and assets are within program limits. Congress and the State Legislature have limited this program to 60 months per lifetime. Program requires participation with employment and training services (some exemptions may apply).


Biennial Service Agreement


Emergency Assistance (EA) - County Crisis Funds

Emergency Assistance is provided in the form of specific payments for shelter, utilities, or other emergency expenses outlined in the Wright County Crisis Fund Plan. The event or situation that is causing the emergency must present a threat to the health or safety of the individual or family and the family lacks the financial resources to resolve the crisis.


Emergency aid is for families with children under 21, is available once in a 12 month period, and the family must have residence in MN for at least 30 days prior to application. This program offers only short-term help.


People currently active on an assistance program with Financial Assistance should call their caseworker to apply for emergency assistance. People not currently active in a program in Wright County can call 763-682-7400 and ask for Financial Assistance Intake for information on how to apply for emergency assistance.


Cold Weather Rule

Minnesota's Cold Weather Rule is in effect from October 15 through April 15 each year. The Cold Weather Rule protects residential utility customers from having their heat shut off, if they make and keep an affordable payment plan with their utility company. The Cold Weather Rule applies to homeowners and renters who pay their own heat.


Contrary to popular belief, the Cold Weather Rule is not a moratorium on utility disconnections. In order to keep their heat on, or to reconnect their heat, customers must contact their electric and / or natural gas company to make and keep a payment plan.


More Information

These links provide additional information about the Cold Weather Rule:

General Assistance (GA)

Cash assistance to single and married adults without children whose income and assets are within program limits.


Group Residential Housing (GRH)

The GRH program is available to help recipients pay for room and board costs when living in certain group living arrangements. The recipient cannot be related to the person providing the care, and the home must be registered and licensed by the county. To qualify, the recipient must meet GA or MSA basis of eligibility.


Minnesota Supplement Assistance Program (MSA)

Cash assistance which supplements Social Security and / or SSI payments to elderly, blind or disabled individuals, whose income and assets are within program limits.


IV-E Foster Care

Pays for foster care for children whose families would qualify for cash assistance programs if child(ren) were at home.


Burial Assistance

There is assistance available for burials or cremations for Wright County residents who die with no ability to pay for burial. This program does not help subsidize a planned funeral or defray costs from a funeral; instead it pays for a low-cost County burial or cremation.


Burial Assistance Documents

Ask the funeral home for information on County Burials, or check the following links for an application and the Indigents Burial Policy.