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Notice of Privacy Rights

MinnesotaHelp.info® takes data privacy and security very seriously, and is committed to preserving user privacy while navigating this site. Therefore, MinnesotaHelp.info® strives to collect the minimum amount of data necessary in order to help users find the help they need. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) about your privacy rights when using this site.

  1. Why do I need to know about my privacy rights?

    You have rights under federal and state law to know what private information might be asked, and why it might be asked. Users also have the right to know how the information that MinnesotaHelp.info® collects is being used and with whom it will be shared.

  2. What information could I be asked when using MinnesotaHelp.info®?

    Because MinnesotaHelp.info® is a resource for people looking for services and resources throughout the state, you might need to provide some information about yourself in order to receive help. For example, you may be asked to share where you live or what your zip code is, your exaction location, what services you are looking for or how much you are able to pay for services.

    You can use MinnesotaHelp.info® yourself or have a MinnesotaHelp.info® staff help you. You never have to answer questions you don't feel comfortable answering.

    You will never be required to provide personal information in order to generally use MinnesotaHelp.info®. However, in order to access, use or review certain features or use functions within the site, you may have to register an account with a name, username, password and valid email address.

    All registration information is private data and subject to these Terms and Conditions, and will not be disclosed unless specified.

    Registration will help MinnesotaHelp.info® communicate with you about services, providers, receive information, provide information regarding services, and help MinnesotaHelp.info® stay user- friendly. If you do not identify yourself and would like a response from MinnesotaHelp.info®, a business or service provider, it may be impossible to connect with you.

  3. Who can see my information on MinnesotaHelp.info®?

    When you make an account on MinnesotaHelp.info®, your information is secure. Secure means that the information you provide is viewable only by the Minnesota Board on Aging and the vendors who help update and maintain the site. Additionally, the Minnesota Board on Aging restricts employee access to any personal information except where necessary to perform required duties. Unless you grant specific permission, no other person or entity will see personal information about you.

    MinnesotaHelp.info® does not sell, rent, or lend user information, and does not allow businesses to advertise on the site.

  4. What information is stored about people who use MinnesotaHelp.info®?

    If you've contacted MinnesotaHelp.info® before, via chat using the MinnesotaHelp.info® NOW! Feature, or made an account or registered personal information about yourself using "My MinnesotaHelp.info®" or another feature, some information may already be stored about you. It's helpful to have information about users because if you do need help again, you can receive help more quickly and efficiently. All information is stored electronically in a secure system which is protected by encryptions and firewalls.

    Remember that you can use MinnesotaHelp.info® anonymously. Using "My MinnesotaHelp.info®", you can create an account, save searches with services, etc. without providing any personal information. You can always delete your accounts and sign up again in the future.

  5. Is the MinnesotaHelp.info® web site content monitored?

    The content on MinnesotaHelp.info® is the property of the Minnesota Board on Aging, which maintains the right to remove or edit content from the site that is inconsistent with privacy policies, agency policies, violates a federal or state law, or puts consumer privacy at risk.

  6. What are cookies and does MinnesotaHelp.info® use them?

    A "cookie" is a small text file that a website places on a user's computer to collect information about a user's activities on a site and are considered private data. Cookies can be used to evaluate and analyze how people are using websites. MinnesotaHelp.info® does not use cookies to record any personal information like names and email addresses.

    Google Analytics is used analyze traffic to MinnesotaHelp.info®. Google uses first-party cookies. These cookies are used to store information, such as what time the current visit occurred, whether the visitor has been to the site before, and what site referred the visitor to the web page. This site does not try to identify users based on cookies and does not share them with other sites.

    If you want to opt-out of Google Analytics collecting your information, you can. Blocking cookies does not affect access to MinnesotaHelp.info®.

    You can turn off JavaScript in your browser settings or download the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add on. For information on how to do this, consult your appropriate technology support provider.

    Any information gathered as a result of a cookie will not be associated with an individual user, and will be subject to the privacy protections governed by these Terms of Use.

  7. What are my rights when using this site?

    • You have the right to ask someone to explain any part of the Terms and Service to you.

    • You have a right to ask for a hard copy or electronic copy of our Terms and Service as well as our Notice of Privacy Practices.

    • You have a right to access and receive copies of your records in a manner that you want, although you may have to pay for postage and/or reasonable copying costs. Requests of this nature should be made in writing.

    • You have a right to let MinnesotaHelp.info® know if you think the information stored about you or your agency is incorrect or incomplete.

    • You can also send your own explanation of incorrect or incomplete information which can be attached any time, with your permission, when that information is shared with another agency.

    • You can give other people permission to see and obtain copies of private data about you, including protected health information.

    • You can decide to refuse to allow MinnesotaHelp.info® to share your information with a person or an entity. You can write to set up restrictions, and call us to remove them.

    • You have the right to receive a record of certain types of disclosures of your health information. A record of certain disclosures of your health information will be kept for six (6) years from the date it was shared. If you want a copy of this record, you must send a request in writing to the Privacy Official listed below for the Minnesota Board on Aging.

    • You have a right to complain. You cannot be denied service or treated badly because you have made a complaint. If you believe your privacy was violated, you may send a written complaint to the federal Office of Civil Rights:

      U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
      Office for Civil Rights - Region V
      233 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 240
      Chicago, IL 60601
      (312) 886-2359 (Voice)
      (312) 353-5693 (TTY/TDD)
      (312) 886-1807 (Fax)

      You can also write to the Minnesota Board on Aging if you think the Minnesota Board on Aging has violated your privacy rights, you may send a written complaint to the Minnesota Board on Aging:

      Attn: Privacy Official
      Minnesota Board on Aging
      P.O. Box 64976
      St. Paul, MN 55164-0976
      Phone (651) 431-2500