Help aging out of foster care in Minnesota
We've found 7 places in Minnesota for people aging out of foster care, and 7 that serve the whole state. Our volunteers haven't confirmed these yet, so a quick call ahead is worth it. Most of them help with benefits & cash (4), shelter & housing (2) and food (2).
Places in Minnesota
United Way 211 Minnesota
Free, confidential referral line staffed by Community Resource Specialists who point Minnesotans to shelter, food, benefits, and health programs. Dial 211, call the toll-free number, or text your ZIP code.
Foster Youth Transition Services (STAY and Extended Foster Care)
Extended Foster Care lets youth who were in care at 18 keep placement and payments to age 21. STAY offers independent living skills to current and former foster youth ages 14 up to 23, and former foster youth keep Medical Assistance to age 26. Start with your county or tribal social worker.
Education and Training Voucher (ETV) Program
Up to $5,000 per school year toward tuition, books, housing, and living costs for current and former foster youth under 26 attending a Pell-eligible school. Apply online with form DHS-5339 between July 1 and April 1.
MNbenefits
Online application for SNAP food assistance, cash assistance, child care assistance, emergency assistance, and Emergency General Assistance for adults without children. One form covers multiple programs and routes to your county or tribal agency.
Office of Vital Records
Issues certified Minnesota birth certificates by mail or fax; MDH itself has no walk-in counter. For same-day service, go to any county vital records office with photo ID. Mail requests need a notarized signature, or a witness can complete the Statement to Identify form if you lack ID.
Minnesota ID Card
State ID cards are issued at DVS exam stations and deputy registrar offices. Bring documents proving full name and date of birth; if you cannot, you may request a variance. Reduced-cost or free cards exist for youth experiencing homelessness.
Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
Free civil legal help for low-income people in 20 central Minnesota counties including Hennepin, seniors 60+ in 26 counties, and people with disabilities statewide. Cases include housing, public benefits, family, consumer, and immigration. Apply by phone or online intake.
National lines that work in Minnesota
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.