Who can receive the Educational Benefits program?
Children in households participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP) or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and foster children can qualify for educational benefits without reporting household income. Enter a current case number on the Application for Education Benefits form.
Also, children can receive Educational Benefits if their household income is within the maximum income shown for their household size in the instructions. Approval for Educational Benefits is effective for the entire school year.
How will I find out the status of my application?
You will receive an email from LINQ with your eligibility letter attached to the email or a letter in the mail with the status of your application.
Please keep your eligibility letter for your records. If your student qualifies for free or reduced Educational Benefits, you may receive reduced fees for athletics, extracurricular activities, community programs, busing and other costs within Mounds View Public Schools.
May I apply if someone in my household is not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. You or your children do not have to be U.S. citizens for your children to qualify for Educational Benefits.
Who should I include as members of my household?
Include yourself and all other people living in the household, related or not (such as grandparents and other relatives or friends). Include a household member who is temporarily away, such as a college student.
What if my income is not always the same?
List the amount that you normally get. If you normally get overtime, include it, but do not include it if you get it only occasionally. For seasonal work, write in the total annual income.
If I receive WIC Benefits or Medical Assistance. Can my children qualify?
Children in households participating in WIC or Medical Assistance do not automatically qualify. Children may be eligible depending on other household financial information. Please fill out an Educational Benefits application.
Where will the information I provide be kept?
Information you provide on the form, and your child's eligibility status for Educational Benefits, will be protected as private data.
Will the income information or case number I give be checked?
Yes. We may also ask you to send written proof.
What if my information changes in the middle of the school year?
You may apply for Educational Benefits at any time during the school year.
What if I disagree with the school's decision about my application?
Please call Nutrition Services at 651-621-6025 to discuss the application or email nutritionservices@mvpschools.org. You also may ask for a fair hearing by writing to: Mounds View Public Schools, Attn: Darin Johnson, Mounds View District Center, 4570 Victoria Street North, Shoreview, MN 55126.
If I don’t qualify now, may I apply later?
Yes. Please complete an application at any time if your income goes down, your household size goes up, or you start getting SNAP, MFIP or FDPIR benefits.
Can I get a printed copy?
Yes, please call Nutrition Services at 651-621-6025 or email nutritionservices@mvpschools.org.
Outreach for Minnesota Health Care Program
Click HERE to see if you qualify for Free or Low cost Health Care programs for Children.
Questions? Please call Nutrition Services at 651-621-6025.
