Fill the Form Campaign Urges Eligible Families to Apply for Educational Benefits as New Income Guidelines Begin
MINNEAPOLIS — As new federal income guidelines take effect for the 2025-26 school year, the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) today announced new tools for school districts as they support eligible families in completing the Application for Educational Benefits. Completing the form not only unlocks additional resources for families, such as summer grocery benefits, utility discounts, and test fee waivers, but also secures critical federal investments for schools.
Although Minnesota now provides free school meals for students attending schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program, those schools must still collect Applications for Educational Benefits to determine eligibility categories and receive the correct federal and state reimbursements.
MDE's new Fill the Form campaign aims to remind families: One form. Five minutes. Big impact.
2025-26 Income Guidelines
Families may qualify for free benefits with monthly incomes up to $2,292 for a family of two, increasing by $596 for each additional family member. Reduced-price benefits are available at higher levels, up to $3,261 monthly for a family of two, with increases of $848 for each additional member.
Multiple Ways to Qualify
Households may qualify based on income, participation in assistance programs such as SNAP, MFIP, or FDPIR, or through student status such as foster care, Head Start, homelessness, or migrant status. Children may also be directly certified without an application if they already participate in qualifying programs.
Year-Round Applications
Families can apply at any time during the school year, including those experiencing temporary income loss due to unemployment or other circumstances. Families whose applications are denied have the right to appeal.
Families can complete the Application for Educational Benefits through their school or district website.
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