Connecticut:
Community First Choice (CFC)

Understand CFC and the proposed transition

DSS currently describes CFC as a State Plan service. Its March 2026 transition FAQ proposes moving participants to waiver or other authorities with a proposed effective date of April 1, 2027. That document describes a proposal, not a completed change. Read subsequent DSS notices before drawing conclusions about your own services. Keep copies of communications identifying your program, service coordinator and effective dates so that a future reassessment can be compared with the existing plan.

Medicaid coverage and functional assessment both matter

CFC eligibility includes the assessed need for an institutional level of care that can be supported in the community. Having a Medicaid card alone does not settle the amount or kind of assistance. Describe hands-on help, supervision, existing services and unpaid support accurately during assessment. Ask how the proposed schedule fits with any other home or community program the person receives. A general family-care calculation cannot replace this individualized determination or identify which relative may be hired.

Ask what stage your application has reached

Start with the CFC application route on the DSS program page. Then distinguish a received application from an assessment appointment, an approved plan and completed worker onboarding. Request the contact responsible for the next step and retain any requests for missing documents. Neither the proposed transition date nor an online application receipt promises a first payday. If already receiving support, seek instructions for your own case before changing workers or altering the authorized schedule.

Confirm the worker and fiscal arrangement

Connecticut’s April 2026 procurement material identifies GT Independence in the state’s fiscal-intermediary arrangement. Use DSS instructions to confirm where your hiring paperwork belongs. Explain the proposed worker’s family relationship, household address and any guardianship or decision-making role. Ask explicitly whether that combination is permitted. The proposed-transition FAQ also distinguishes a caregiver from a support-and-planning coach; families should not assume that one person may hold both paid roles.

Keep a usable record through any changes

Electronic Visit Verification is part of CFC administration. Ask the fiscal intermediary which recording method applies and whether any documented exception fits your situation; do not treat co-residence as an automatic exemption. Keep the plan, approved schedule, worker enrollment confirmation and corrections together. If the state sends a transition or reassessment notice, note the action requested and response date. Request clarification when the proposed service description differs from what the person currently receives.

Your next steps

1. Use the DSS CFC application route.
2. Prepare the Medicaid and functional-assessment information requested.
3. Ask DSS to confirm the proposed caregiver’s relationship and roles.
4. Complete the assigned fiscal intermediary’s hiring and recording setup.
5. Keep current authorizations separate from proposed future changes.

Explore a pay scenario

The table uses a hypothetical amount of $18.00 per hour. This is not a rate verified for this state. Approved units depend on the assessment and written plan; the table does not establish a maximum or entitlement.

Monthly average = weekly × 52 ÷ 12. Overtime and taxes are not calculated.

Does caregiver pay qualify for IRS Notice 2014-7?

IRS Notice 2014-7 can exclude certain qualifying Medicaid waiver payments from federal gross income when the care recipient lives in the provider’s home. Sharing a home alone is not enough: the payment and program must qualify. This is not an exemption for all caregiver wages, all taxes or all state programs. Ask payroll which payments are covered and check the IRS guidance or a qualified tax adviser. Our calculator does not apply a tax exemption.

Questions families ask

Official sources and review notes

• DSS Community First Choice
• CFC proposed transition FAQs, March 2026
• DSS fiscal consultation procurement addendum, April 2026
• DSS community-based services overview
• DSS 2025 decision explaining CFC assessment standards

Sources describe the named programs; they do not endorse this website. Rules and provider arrangements can change. Check the linked agency before making a financial decision.