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Feb. 2, 2026
MFIP/Tribal TANF conference
As a reminder the 2026 Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) and Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy families (TANF) conference is scheduled during the Spring this year.
Conference information
- April 14-16, 2026
- 9am - 12 (noon)
- Theme: Connected in Purpose: Strengthening families, supporting workers, building community.
- This conference is virtual and free to attend. County and Tribal Nation eligibility workers, employment counselors, and anyone working with the MFIP/Tribal TANF programs are invited to attend.
Participant panel opportunity
Start thinking about a participant that would be interested in the participant panel session that will be offered this year. Any participant interested can email MFIPconference@state.mn.us by March 13, 2026. Information will be provided on what to expect, compensation, and more!
Stay up-to-date on conference information on the MFIP/Tribal TANF conference PartnerLink webpage.
Diversionary Work Program
As a reminder, the Diversionary Work Program (DWP) will be sunsetting. The last cohort of DWP cases will run through the end of February. There will be no DWP cases starting March 1, 2026.
Annual course reminder
Please remember to complete on a yearly basis the online course "Understanding domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment" or course code TES200. Completion of this course is federally required and can be found on TrainLink website.
Work Will Always Pay bulletin
The Work Will Always Pay bulletin (#26-11-01) has been reissued effective Jan. 1, 2026. The bulletin reflects changes due to the October 2026 annual Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) cost of living adjustment and the January 2026 state minimum wage increase.
The bulletin is published annually and should be used by eligibility workers and employment counselors when explaining the benefits of increased earnings while on MFIP.
Bulletins can be found on the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.
Minnesota Paid Leave
The Minnesota (MN) Paid Leave program has officially launched effective Jan. 1, 2026. MN Paid Leave is a state-run insurance program that provides payments and job protections. The program offers 12 weeks of medical leave or 12 weeks of family leave, but no more than 20 weeks combined each year.
Eligibility for payments depends on how much was earned in the past year. To receive payments, a person must apply and be approved for leave. To be approved, the person must experience an event that qualifies for Paid Leave and have the leave certified by a professional. Paid Leave pays part of the normal pay.
Encourage participants to apply for MN Paid Leave if it appears they may be eligible. Also, remember that if a participant receives Paid Leave benefits they may request to be exempt from working with employment services.
Check out the MN Paid Leave website for details on the program.
The Employment Services Manual will be updated Feb. 16, 2026 to reflect the changes in policy with MN Paid Leave.
DCYF tracking federal actions affecting Minnesota families
The federal government has recently proposed or taken actions that could affect funding and operations for some programs that support Minnesota families. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is assessing the potential impacts, taking appropriate action and sharing updates as we work to maintain benefits and services across the state.
We recognize that this is a difficult and unsettling time for many Minnesotans. Uncertainty around federal government decisions can create real stress for families who rely on these supports, as well as for the staff, providers and partners who work every day to deliver them.
In several cases, proposed federal changes have been temporarily blocked by the courts while legal challenges move forward.
Because federal decisions and court rulings can change quickly, DCYF created a centralized tracker to help Minnesotans understand what is happening, what it means for the state, and how services for children and families are being protected.
Visit the DCYF federal funding action tracker for more information.
New minimum wage in Minnesota
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, Minnesota's minimum-wage rate was adjusted for inflation to $11.41 an hour for all employers in the state. The 90-day training wage for workers under 20 increased to $9.31.
More information on minimum wage laws and resources can be found on the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry's website.
Energy Assistance Program
The Energy Assistance Program (EAP) is free and helps cover energy bills for eligible Minnesotans. Renters and homeowners can qualify. Eligibility is based on income and household size.
Payments for energy bills are sent directly to the household’s energy company or to a provider of fuel like propane, fuel oil or wood. Initial benefits average $550 per household and can be up to $1,400, depending on household income and fuel costs.
The deadline to apply for Energy Assistance during the winter of 2025-2026 is May 31, 2026.
Check out the Minnesota Department of Commerce EAP website to learn more, apply, and more!
Know your rights with ICE
The Office of the Minnesota Attorney General published a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) called Know your rights with ICE. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) issued a memo that previously off-limit sensitive locations are no longer protected from immigration enforcement arrests. The FAQ is informational only, so that Minnesota organizations can continue to provide safe and welcoming environment for everyone they serve. The FAQ is not legal advice, and organizations should consult with their attorney if they have specific legal questions about their rights and obligations.
Check out the Office of Minnesota Attorney General website for more information about their office and other resources.
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