MNbenefits to MAXIS (M2M) Integration Pilot Kickoff: Partnering to Improve How Minnesotans Access Benefits
On July 29, partners from across Minnesota came together for the virtual kickoff for the MNbenefits to MAXIS (M2M) pilot, an initiative aimed at reducing manual data entry, improving processing accuracy, and helping Minnesotans receive benefits faster. The session set a strong foundation for collaborative design, shared learning, and systems modernization.
As one participant noted during the session, “This approach has the potential to be transformative for the state as a whole.”
Why this work matters
Across the state, workers at counties and Tribal Nations navigate high volumes, manual processing, and outdated technology to determine eligibility for public benefits. While MNbenefits has improved the online application experience for residents, workers still spend significant time entering information into MAXIS, creating delays and opportunities for errors. The M2M pilot introduces a secure integration layer to streamline the application intake process and reduce manual data entry.
During the kickoff, partners reflected on why being a part of the pilot is important to them. Common themes included collaboration, improvement, innovation, accuracy, and excitement for modernizing tools that support daily work.
Building a shared vision together
Through interactive Mentimeter activities, partners imagined future headlines about the pilot including stories that reflect improved worker experience, faster benefit delivery, and strengthened collaboration across counties, Tribal Nations, and state agencies. Aspirational headlines included:
- “Making work easier, delivering benefits faster. The MAXIS and MNbenefits pilot success story.”
- “Minnesota supports children with fastest most accurate approval rate in the country.”
- “The Oregon Trail is now motorized” – in reference to the 1990s-era technology currently used to determine eligibility for public benefits
These vision statements highlight the shared commitment to creating a faster, more accurate, and more connected system for both workers and residents.
Partner input: What support is needed and what partners can offer
Interactive discussion revealed what partners need to feel supported and what they can offer to advance the pilot’s success.
Partners shared needs including:
- A collaborative space for questions
- Simplified processes and clear updates
- Responsive support
- Strong documentation
- A learning environment open to experimentation
Partners also offered:
- Transparency and feedback
- Data-informed ideas
- Program knowledge and lived experience
- Insights from daily operations
This discussion underscored the pilot’s emphasis on co-design and shared learning.
Whole family approach and learning networks
The kickoff also highlighted The Whole Family Approach, an important lens guiding the project. This approach recognizes that children and adults thrive when systems consider family needs holistically. The principles behind this framework will support both the design of the pilot and the way that teams collaborate. In addition, partners received an overview of Learning Networks, an intentional approach where staff from counties, Tribal Nations, and state agencies involved with the pilot learn together, surface insights, test ideas, and build shared understanding over time. These networks will help ensure that the work moves forward collaboratively and transparently.
Final reflections from partners
In closing, partners shared what they liked, wished, and wondered about the pilot overview and approach. They liked the optimism, collaboration, and engaging Menti activities. They wished for continued strong collaboration, reduced touch points for residents, and effective systems change. They wondered about how accuracy rates might improve, how the new interface might affect worker satisfaction, and what additional functionality could be most impactful. These reflections reinforce both the enthusiasm for this work and the curiosity that will help guide it into the future.
Looking ahead
As the pilot continues, partners will participate in co-design sessions, provide feedback on prototypes, and help shape a modernized interface that supports timely and accurate benefit decisions for Minnesotans. The M2M Pilot engagement site will serve as a primary resource for updates, materials, and opportunities to engage: https://minnesotadcyf.us.engagementhq.com/reducing-time-to-benefits-mnbenefits-to-maxis-integration-pilot.
