Minnesota:
Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS)

CDCS and CFSS should not be confused

CDCS is available through specified waivers and Alternative Care. Community First Services and Supports, or CFSS, is the program replacing PCA and Consumer Support Grant services. Some people can use both CDCS and CFSS, but that does not create two unrelated pots of money: DHS describes how CFSS costs affect the CDCS budget. When the CFSS budget model is used alongside CDCS, the same FMS must be used. Ask the lead agency to show the combined plan before comparing caregiver earnings.

The assessment comes before the spending plan

The person must first qualify for an eligible waiver or Alternative Care. Their assessment informs the CDCS budget, while the underlying program determines applicable financial and care-level requirements. A community support plan describes outcomes, workers, goods, services and costs. Minnesota provides a plan template; an alternative format must still contain the required elements. Explain what assistance is actually needed and how the proposed supports meet it. A diagnosis alone does not tell the lead agency the full daily support picture.

Ask about the underlying waiver and plan approval

A CDCS inquiry is not itself enrollment in a waiver. Ask the county, Tribal Nation or health plan whether eligibility, waiver access, budget calculation or approval of the support plan is the outstanding step. We do not assign one Minnesota waiting period to all these programs. If an existing plan is being changed, ask how services continue during the transition. Keep the written budget and authorization dates, because an FMS payroll setup cannot replace a service decision from the responsible lead agency.

Plan for payroll costs as well as wages

Choose from DHS's enrolled FMS providers and compare what their fees include. The participant recruits, trains and supervises workers, while the FMS supports the employer's financial duties. A proposed hourly wage must fit the approved budget after other required costs and services. Minnesota has particular rules for personal assistance provided by a spouse or parent of a minor. Ask the lead agency and FMS to explain those restrictions and document the worker's approved role before changing another job or committing to a care schedule.

Live-in EVV flexibility still requires daily information

Minnesota includes CDCS personal assistance among EVV-covered services. Live-in caregivers are not required by DHS to interact with EVV in real time, but they must enter the required visit information at least daily; a provider may require real-time use. This differs from a complete exemption. Ask the FMS which system it uses and how to correct entries. Also review paid-time-off and other payroll obligations when building the budget, so an estimate based only on wage times hours does not overstate the hours the budget can support.

Your next steps

1. Contact the county or Tribal Nation; eligible older managed-care members can also start with their health plan.
2. Confirm the qualifying waiver or Alternative Care program, assessment and CDCS budget.
3. Write the community support plan, including worker duties, payroll-related costs and other necessary supports.
4. Choose an approved FMS, clear family-worker requirements and obtain authorization before submitting payable services.

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

• Minnesota DHS: Consumer Directed Community Supports
• Minnesota DHS: Approved FMS providers
• Minnesota DHS: CFSS and lead agencies FAQ
• Minnesota DHS: Electronic visit verification
• Minnesota statute 256B.4911: CDCS family-provider provisions
• Minnesota DHS: PCA Choice and FMS provider information

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.