Application for Educational Benefits

Culinary & Wellness Services > Application + Payments > Application for Educational Benefits

The Application for Educational Benefits (formerly known as Free and Reduced) can be completed online NOW.

1. Visit LINQConnect.com and look for the Meal Application section near the upper right corner.
2. You can change the language of the form by using the dropdown menu immediately below the START MEAL APPLICATION button. Note that Hmong and Somali languages will only be available in paper applications.
3. Follow the instructions to complete your online application.
4. Look for the dark green NEXT buttons to move forward.

EVERY FAMILY. EVERY YEAR. ALL families with children enrolled in the Minneapolis Public Schools district should complete an Application for Educational Benefits each year.

Information provided on Applications for Educational Benefits:

• Generates millions of dollars in funding for Minneapolis Public Schools and our schools, students, and families.
• Determines benefits for students and families such free bus cards and discounted internet service. All families are strongly encouraged to complete an application for their household.

An eligibility notice letter will arrive via mail or email within 10 business days.

Paper applications and letters will be also sent out in the mail prior to the start of the school year to every family that has not yet completed the form online. Save time and resources by filling out your application online today!

Additional Information

• One application needed per family each year.
• This form used to be called the “Free and Reduced Lunch” form.
• The income thresholds are higher than in some programs, so many families are surprised to find they DO qualify.

• If you wish to decline benefits, families will need to so on the paper application, or they can email info.cws@mpls.k12.mn.us with their student's names and decline benefits that way.

For Schools

Request additional paper applications for your site.

AEB Training

LINQ Connect

LINQ Connect can be used to view detailed school menus, complete your family's annual Application for Educational Benefits, and upload money to your student(s)’ accounts. Learn more here.

Online AEB Now Open!

To complete your application, you will need:

1. The number of children (0-18 years) and adults (parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles etc) in the household.
2. Income for each individual.
3. If applicable, case numbers for SNAP, MFIP or FDPIR.
4. The last 4 digits of an adults Social Security Number (SSN). If the adult completing the app does not have a SSN, please check "No SSN".

Important Changes to Meal Services

There will be several important changes to MPS meal services starting fall 2023. Please visit this webpage or download this handy summary page to learn more.