Minnesota
Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS)
Self-directed care programs in Minnesota that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
Consumer Directed Community Supports
Wait: VariesPA Hourly Rate
$20.00 - $22.90
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,800 - $5,500
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire your spouse or any family member as a paid caregiver
- Access the program at any age including children
- Manage your own budget for services and supports
- Use funds for attendant care, respite, assistive technology, and home modifications
- Work with a support planner to design your care
- Hire multiple workers to cover different shifts
What You Can't Do
- Use CDCS funds for room, board, or basic living expenses
- Exceed your approved annual budget
- Use funds for services not in your approved support plan
- Receive CDCS while in an institutional setting
- Hire workers who cannot pass required background studies
- Bypass the support planning process
How to Apply
Verify Medical Assistance enrollment
Ensure active Minnesota Medical Assistance (Medicaid) through MNsure or your county.
Contact your county or tribe
Reach your county human services or tribal health office to request a disability waiver assessment.
Complete assessment
A certified assessor evaluates your functional needs using the MnCHOICES assessment tool.
Choose CDCS option
Elect Consumer Directed Community Supports as your service delivery model.
Develop community support plan
Work with your support planner to create a person-centered budget and service plan.
Select and enroll providers
Hire caregivers and enroll them through your fiscal support entity (FSE).
Begin self-directing services
Start receiving services and managing your budget according to your support plan.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in Minnesota
Government-issued photo ID
Valid identification
Social Security card
For employment and payroll
W-4 tax withholding form
Tax elections
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Work authorization
Minnesota DHS background study
NETStudy 2.0 background study through DHS — required for all direct care workers
Direct deposit form
Banking details for payment
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CDCS in Minnesota?
Consumer Directed Community Supports gives you a budget to purchase support services. You decide who provides your services, what they do, and when — giving you maximum control over your care.
Can my spouse be my caregiver?
Yes. Minnesota allows spouses to be paid caregivers under CDCS, making it one of the most flexible self-directed programs nationally.
Is there an age requirement?
No. CDCS is available to people of any age, including children (with a legal representative managing services).
How is my CDCS budget calculated?
Your budget is based on a community support plan and assessment of your needs. The budget covers all services you'll receive, and you decide how to allocate it.
What is the role of the Support Planner?
Your support planner helps you develop your community support plan, identifies services and providers, and ensures your plan meets program requirements.
Can I use my budget for things besides attendant care?
Yes. CDCS budgets can cover attendant care, respite, environmental modifications, assistive technology, specialized supplies, and other approved support services.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for Minnesota's CDCS program.