What is CFSS?

Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) program that helps people of all ages with disabilities, chronic conditions, or aging-related needs live more independently at home and in their community. CFSS replaces the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG).

With CFSS, you have more say in your care: you help decide what support you need, when you need it, and who provides it.

Moving from PCA to CFSS

If you or your loved one currently receives PCA services, the move to CFSS happens at your next yearly reassessment. The basic eligibility requirements are similar to PCA, and many of the same everyday supports are still covered. Our team can walk you through the change step by step to help avoid gaps in care.

What’s new with CFSS

• Family can be paid caregivers. Eligible spouses and parents of minor children may now be paid to provide support. Parents and spouses can be paid for up to 60 hours a week (80 hours combined if both parents work), at the standard support worker rate.
• More choice and control. You direct your own care and write your service delivery plan, with help if you want it.
• Goods and services. CFSS can help pay for certain items and services that increase independence, such as a personal emergency response system (PERS).
• Trained workers. All support workers must complete standardized DHS training and pass a test.

Agency Model vs. Budget Model: What’s the Difference for You?

CFSS offers two ways to receive services. The choice belongs to you and your family — pick the model that best fits your needs, your comfort level, and how involved you want to be in managing your workers.

	Agency Model (offered by AlchemyMN)	Budget Model
Who is the employer?	The CFSS agency employs your support workers.	You (or your representative) are the employer of your workers.
Hiring and paperwork	The agency handles background studies, hiring, payroll, taxes, and required records.	You handle employer tasks, with help from a Financial Management Services (FMS) provider you choose.
What is authorized	Your lead agency authorizes a number of service units (hours).	Your lead agency authorizes a dollar budget.
Choosing your worker	You can recommend a worker you trust, including an eligible family member, and the agency employs them.	You recruit, hire, and manage your own workers.
Backup and support	The agency helps with staffing, supervision, and questions along the way.	You are responsible for scheduling and finding backup workers.
Best for	Families who want choice in their care without the responsibility of being an employer.	Families who want full control and are comfortable managing employer duties.

In both models, you: direct your own care, choose who provides it, write your service delivery plan, and choose a consultation services provider who can help you plan.

AlchemyMN provides CFSS through the agency model. If you are not sure which model is right for you, call us — we’re happy to explain your options so you and your family can decide.

Who qualifies for CFSS?

In general, a person may be eligible if they:

• Are enrolled in Medical Assistance (or another qualifying Minnesota health care program such as Alternative Care or certain waivers),
• Complete a MnCHOICES assessment showing they need help with at least one activity of daily living, or have a Level I behavior,
• Live in their own home or community setting (not a hospital or nursing facility),
• Are able to direct their own care, or have a representative who can help, and
• Do not receive the Family Support Grant.

Your county, tribal nation, or health plan makes the final eligibility decision.

What CFSS can help with

How to get started with AlchemyMN

1. Contact us or submit a referral. We’ll answer your questions and explain the agency model.
2. Complete your MnCHOICES assessment through your county, tribal nation, or health plan, if you haven’t already.
3. Write your service plan with your consultation services provider.
4. Start services. We match you with a trained support worker, or employ a worker you recommend.

Client Forms

• CFSS Referral Form — for clients, families, case managers, and care coordinators. You can upload supporting documents securely.
• Contact Form — ask us a question about CFSS or the agency model.

Your intake packet, client rights, and service agreement are provided by AlchemyMN when services begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my family member be my paid caregiver?
Yes. Under CFSS, eligible family members — including spouses and parents of minor children — may be paid support workers once they meet training and background study requirements. Parents and spouses can be paid for up to 60 hours a week (80 hours combined if both parents work).

What happens to my services when PCA ends?
PCA clients move to CFSS at their yearly reassessment, and the switch itself doesn’t end your services. Your lead agency decides eligibility and hours. We’ll help make the change as smooth as possible.

Can I switch between the agency and budget models?
Yes. You can talk with your consultation services provider and lead agency about changing models if your needs or preferences change.

Who decides how many hours I get?
Your lead agency (county, tribal nation, or health plan) authorizes services based on your MnCHOICES assessment.