Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Minnesota health care program that offers flexible options to meet the unique needs of people. CFSS allows people greater independence in their homes and communities. CFSS will replace personal care assistance (PCA) and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG).

DHS will begin implementing CFSS on Oct 1, 2024. View the Timeline tab for more information about the implementation.

CFSS will cover the same main services as PCA:

  • Activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, grooming and transferring
  • Health-related tasks
  • Instrumental activities of daily living, such as shopping, cooking, laundry and assistance with self-administered medications
  • Observation and redirection of behavior.
More options and supports

People who use CFSS will have more options and supports

  • People who want to continue to receive support from a provider agency may still do so using the CFSS agency model.
  • The CFSS budget model allows people more choice and control as the employer of their support workers.
    These new options are available in either model:
  • In CFSS, a person’s spouse or the parent of a minor may serve as that person’s support worker.
  • A person who uses CFSS may serve as the support worker for another person who uses CFSS.
  • People may choose to buy goods and services to aid in their independence.
  • People may choose to buy a personal emergency response system (PERS) to provide backup support.
  • The state provides a worker training and development budget that the provider agency (agency model) or the person (budget model) may use to train workers on the individual needs of the person.
  • The consultation services provider will provide education on the person’s options and support in writing their service delivery plan.

DHS has prepared several interactive videos for people who want to learn more about CFSS. Click the Training tab for links.