Education for Justice

FACT SHEET G-18

Fall 2011

MSA

(MINNESOTA SUPPLEMENTAL AID)

 

 

 

WHAT IS MSA?

MSA is Minnesota Supplemental Aid.  It pays people with low incomes who are elderly, blind, or disabled to bring their income up to a set amount.  If your monthly income, with certain deductions, is less than these amounts, then MSA will pay you the difference:

·     Person living alone                    $735

·     Person living with others          $542

·     Couple living alone                   $1,102

·     Couple living with others          $738

·     Personal needs allowance         $89  (If you are in certain non-medical care facilities)

 

Many people on MSA get their income from SSI.  If you work, some of your earned income is not counted.   

 

 

SHOULD I APPLY FOR MSA?

Yes, if you:

·         Are 65 or older or

·         Are blind or disabled.  MSA uses the same rules as Social Security to say who is disabled.

·         Are disabled and between the ages of 18 and 65

 

Your income must be less than the amounts listed above or you must have special needs.  Special needs can be things like a special diet or representative payee fees.  You can also get special need payments for home repairs, furniture or appliances.  MSA has asset limits.  To apply, call your county welfare office.  A worker will go over your income and assets to see if you are eligible.

 

 

WHAT ARE THE MSA ASSET LIMITS?

A single person can have up to $2,000 in assets.  A couple can have up to $3,000.  Assets mean money or property.  But some things don’t count:

·         A home

·         Personal items and household goods

·         1 car, no matter how much it is worth, does not count if you or someone in your household uses it for transportation.

·         Any property or tools you use to support yourself.

·         Life insurance and burial plans worth up to $1,500.

·         Burial plots.

 

 

 

 

 

Emergency Minnesota Supplemental Assistance (EMSA) no longer exists.  If you have an emergency, apply for Emergency General Assistance.  See our fact sheet G-19 Emergency General Assistance. 

 

 

WHAT IF I GET TURNED DOWN FOR MSA?

You have the right to appeal.  Ask your worker for a form or give them a short letter saying you want to appeal.  You have to appeal in writing.  You have 30 days from the date you got the notice that you were turned down to file an appeal.  You may appeal within 90 days of the notice if you have a good reason for not being able to appeal in 30 days.   See our fact Sheet G-25 Welfare Appeals.

 

You will get a hearing with a state referee, who will make a written decision on your appeal.  If you have an emergency, ask for an expedited appeal (“expedited” means fast).  Then your hearing date will be set quickly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minneapolis Legal Aid – CLE

MN Legal Services Coalition

2324 University Avenue W. – Suite 101B

St. Paul, MN 55114

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