Community First Services and Supports

Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Minnesota health care program that provides flexible options to meet the specific needs of people with disabilities and their families. It helps individuals live more independently at home and in their communities.

Starting October 1, 2024, CFSS has replaced the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG).

Services available

CFSS includes the same main services as PCA, such as help with:

• Activities of daily living: Eating, bathing, grooming, and transferring.
• Health-related tasks: Support with health-related activities as needed.
• Instrumental activities of daily living: Tasks such as shopping, cooking, laundry, and assistance with self-administered medications.
• Observation and redirection of behavior: Monitoring and guiding behavior to ensure safety and well-being.

Eligibility

• Live in the community and not a facility such as a skilled nursing home.
• Be able to direct care or have a representative who can direct care on their behalf.
• Be enrolled in one of Minnesota’s health care programs: Medical Assistance (MA), an MA waiver, the Alternative Care program and some people on MinnesotaCare.
• Have an assessment that determines the Individual is eligible.
• Not be using the Family Support Grant.

CFSS New Options and Support

CFSS offers several new features that give individuals more choices and control over their services:

Service models

• Agency model: Continue to receive support through a provider agency.
• Budget model: Choose to become the employer of your support workers, giving you more control.

Support worker flexibility

• A spouse or parent of a minor can serve as the support worker.

Additional services

• Purchase of a personal emergency response system for backup support.
• Purchasing approved products and services that promote independence; known as goods and services.

Worker training and development

• Access to a training budget for employers to educate workers on specific individual needs.

Consultation Provider Services

• Provide education on available service options and help create personalized service delivery plans.

Training

These training videos provide general information for people who use CFSS, their families and other interested parties:

• What is community first services and supports?
• Transition Timelines
• New potential workers
• Eligibility for CFSS
• CFSS transition process
• Transition from CSG
• Consultation services
• Agency and budget models
• Goods, services and PERS
• Worker training and development
• Roles and responsibilities
• CFSS math

More information

For comprehensive information and updates on CFSS, please visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services website about CFSS.

For a list of approved consultation services providers, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services web page for Community First Services and Supports.

For CFSS agency providers, visit the Minnesota Department of Human Services website for this specialty search.