How to Apply for Benefits at apply.mt.gov as a Montana Kinship Caregiver

Montana's apply.mt.gov is the single portal where you apply for TANF, SNAP, Medicaid (Healthy Montana Kids), and childcare assistance — all on one application. For kinship caregivers, the combined application is the fastest way to get every benefit the child qualifies for without visiting multiple offices or filling out separate forms.

Setting Up Your ePass Montana Account

Before you can submit an application, you need an ePass Montana account. Go to apply.mt.gov and select "Create Account." You will enter your name, email address, and create a password. The account gives you access to submit applications, upload documents, and track processing status.

If you are not comfortable with the online portal, you have two other options: call the Montana Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535 to complete the application over the phone, or pick up a paper application at your local Office of Public Assistance (OPA) and submit it in person or by mail.

What to Select on the Application

The combined application asks which programs you are applying for. As a relative caregiver, select:

• Cash Assistance (TANF) — this triggers the child-only grant pathway
• Food Assistance (SNAP) — processed alongside TANF
• Health Coverage (Medicaid/HMK) — for the child's medical, dental, and vision care
• Childcare Assistance — if you need help with childcare costs

You do not need to apply for each program separately. Checking all four boxes on one application means DPHHS evaluates the child for everything at once.

Key Information DPHHS Will Ask For

The application collects information about your household, the child, and your relationship. Be prepared to provide:

• Child's information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number (or application for one if the child does not have it yet)
• Your relationship to the child: grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, or other relative
• Household composition: who lives in your home and whether you purchase and prepare meals together (this matters for SNAP)
• Child's income: any child support, Social Security benefits, or other income the child receives (your income is excluded for TANF and Medicaid)
• Your income: wages, Social Security, pensions (counted for SNAP and childcare only, not for TANF child-only)

Documents to Upload or Bring

DPHHS verifies your application against source documents. Upload these through ePass or bring them to your OPA appointment:

• Child's birth certificate or hospital birth record
• Social Security numbers for you and the child
• Proof of Montana residency (utility bill, lease, or recent mail)
• Documentation of your relationship to the child (birth certificates tracing the family connection)
• Child's income verification (child support records, SSA award letter)
• Your income verification if applying for SNAP (30 days of pay stubs or benefit statements)

If you are missing a document, submit the application anyway. DPHHS gives you time to provide missing verification, and filing the application establishes your benefit start date.

Processing Times

• TANF: decision within 30 calendar days
• SNAP: standard processing within 30 days; expedited SNAP within 7 days if the household has under $150 gross monthly income and $100 or less in liquid resources
• Medicaid/HMK: decision within 45 days (90 days if a disability determination is needed)

After you submit, log into your ePass account to check the status or call the helpline at 1-888-706-1535.

The Montana Kinship Financial Help Guide includes a complete document preparation checklist with the exact verification items for each program, so you can gather everything before your appointment and avoid delays.

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