The Goodhue County Welfare Department helps persons in need apply for financial assistance. The staff is well trained regarding the laws and rules of the programs, the details involved and the verifications needed in processing an application. Applications are taken for medical assistance, the Minnesota Family Invest Program, emergency assistance to families with children, Minnesota supplemental aid, general assistance, general assistance medical care and food stamps. Eligibility is determined according to program requirements set by federal and state laws. The welfare unit has a welfare fraud investigator under contract to handle welfare fraud referrals and investigations and to work with law enforcement and county attorney in prosecution of welfare fraud. The Goodhue County Welfare Department is located in Red Wing, Minn.