Family Support Grant (FSG)

Family Support Grant (FSG) is sponsored by Washington County, MN. Provides cash grants to families of children under 25 with certified disabilities to promote family health and prevent out-of-home placement.

Family Support Grant (FSG) | Washington County, MN - Official Website Aging and Disability Services Family Support Grant (FSG) Family Support Grant (FSG) The Family Support Grant (FSG) Program gives cash grants to families with children under 25. These children must have a certified disability and live at home. The program aims to stop or delay placing children outside their homes.

It also improves family health and social well-being. This happens by giving access to family-centered services and support. Visit Department of Human Services (external) Recipients between the ages of 14 to 25 can use the grant funds toward transitional services and supports to achieve an employment goal.

When the recipient is working towards an employment goal they do not need to reside in their guardians’ or parents' home to utilize grants funds. The guardian or parent must monitor how grant funds are used and follow the program guidelines. Families must have an annual adjusted gross income that is less than $125,635 (starting January 1, 2024) per year.

If you are above this income you can apply for a hardship and it will be reviewed. Proof of income with most current tax forms are required when applying. Currently, people receiving any Medical Assistance Waiver are not eligible for this program.

People receiving Personal Care Assistance (PCA) or Consumer Support Grant are not eligible for the Family Support Grant Program unless approved prior and authorized by grant coordinator. Gap service or 30-day service stop You are allowed to use this program to fill a service gap time prior to actively using one of those programs or stop services under PCA/CSG for 30 days to obtain grant funds to make a lump sum purchase.

If you have questions on whether you can use this as a “gap service or 30-day service stop," contact your case manager or email the Family Support Grant Coordinator. Families can contact their Washington County social worker to request an application. Once returned, the application will be reviewed and scored based on need.

You will be contacted by your social worker if you are awarded a grant and the amount. Please return the following items completely filled out and signed to avoid a process delay: Application Form filled out and signed (DOC) . Application Form filled out and signed (PDF) .

Annual Expenditures (DOC) . Annual Expenditures (PDF) . Hardship Application – if applicable (DOC) .

Hardship Application – if applicable (PDF) . Other documents (for reference): Expense Category Definitions (DOC) . Expense Category Definitions (PDF) .

Respite/Staff Schedule (DOC) . Respite/Staff Schedule (PDF) . Recipients may receive a maximum of $3,113.

99 per year. This type of grant is for families who have ongoing needs and expenses that occur on a regular basis, such as respite care, therapy not covered by MA or private insurance, etc. This type of grant is for families who want to apply part or all of the grant towards the cost of one or more specific high-cost items, such as adaptive devices, special equipment and home modifications.

One-time lump sum grants are limited to the max yearly amount of $3,113. 99 per year. Please note the county receives limited funds per year.

When the funds are fully allocated, new applicants will be placed on a waiting list until more funds become available. Services and items that are directly related to caring for the child with a disability. You are not allowed to use the parent pay option under this program.

Only expenses that are beyond typical cost of caring for a child of similar age may be covered or for the child to achieve an employment goal (14- 25 years old). Allowable expense categories include: Support Services (Staff, Respite). Educational services/Tutors.

Transitional services related to employment. Specialized clothing, dietary needs, equipment or modifications. Other items/services may be covered – please check with FSG coordinator, if it’s related to the child’s disability.

Please ask your social worker or FSG coordinator if you have questions about coverage for a certain item or service not listed. Family Support Grants may not be used for purchases covered by other funding sources, such as private insurance and Medical Assistance/TEFRA. A denial letter may be requested from the applicant to show FSG is the last payment coverage option for some items requested to be covered.

You will be notified to fill out a W-9 form to complete the application process to get the funds mailed. Families must keep receipts for all expenses for two years. You may be requested to turn in receipts for items that were on your budget sheet to show proof of purchase.

Monthly grants are available as funds are available to a family on an ongoing basis each fiscal year through the annual renewal process, as long as their child remains eligible for the program. You will receive a renewal packet to start the renewal process. If you do not receive this renewal packet by December, please contact your social worker or the Family Support Grant Coordinator.

One-time grant recipients or hardship grant recipients will need to request the application from their social worker or Family Support Grant Coordinator. Renewal packets do not go out for these individuals. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Eligibility and Requirements Do I need a case manager in order to receive the Family Support Grant?

You do not need an assigned county case manager to be eligible for the grant. You will need to meet all of the requirements with income, age, disability, and need for the grant. Do I need to have Medical Assistance to qualify?

You do not need to have MA to be eligible for grant funds but the family support grant should always be used last payer, if you are on MA and it covers a service or your private insurance is able to cover it. You may be asked to provide documentation that show denials off coverage from MA and/or your private insurance before getting approved.

What if the person is eligible for all of the criteria besides the child still live at home and is over 25? As of right now, we can’t approve anyone that is 25 or older to receive grant funds. Please call the intake line to see if other services are available based on the needs of the person.

Using FSG With Other Programs Can I use this with PCA services, CSG program, or the while on a waiver? Yes, if you are currently using any other MA funded program you will need to consult with your case manager or the FSG Coordinator. Send an email to ComSvsFamilySupportGrant@co.

washington. mn. us to inquire if your situation is eligible.

What if I’m eligible at the moment but waiting to get PCA services, CSG, or waivered services set up – can I use this while I wait? Yes! We can use FSG funds as a gap services to assistance as long as you qualify while you wait for other services to be set up.

Multiple Children and Repeat Use Can I use this program more than once? You can reapply yearly for the program and your eligibility will be reviewed again. There is a yearly max per year that one child is allowed to receive.

If you do not qualify at some point after being approved you are responsibility for communicating this and returning any funds that you shouldn’t have received directly to the county. What if I have more than one child in the home that qualifies? Each child that qualifies for the Family Support Grant is allowed to receive up to the max amount each year as long as they qualify for the grant.

How long does it take to get approved for the grant? After all of the paperwork that is needed to process has been received you will be notified of what you have been approved for and the grant amount. It typically will take around 30-60 days to receive the funds.

When do you receive the monthly checks? Can I pick it up? The checks are always mailed out the beginning of the month.

It is very important to keep your mailing address updated with the case manager or the FSG coordinator. The checks are mailed directly to the family. We do not coordinate in-person pickups of the checks.

13000 Ravine Parkway South Toll-free: 1-844-711-1907 Email: Family Support Grant Coordinator Interpreter service is available No-English 1-844-711-1907 Government Websites by CivicPlus®