CFSS Consultation Services
Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is Minnesota's program that gives individuals with disabilities greater choice and control over their services and supports. We help you understand it, navigate it, and make it work for you.
What Is CFSS?
Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is a Minnesota Medicaid program that replaced the Personal Care Assistance (PCA) program. It provides services and supports to help individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions live as independently as possible in their homes and communities.
CFSS gives you more flexibility and control than the previous PCA program. You can choose how your services are delivered, who provides them, and how your support budget is used — within program guidelines.
Who Is Eligible for CFSS?
- Minnesota resident
- Enrolled in Medical Assistance (Medicaid)
- Have a disability or chronic condition
- Need assistance with daily activities or health-related tasks
- Meet functional eligibility criteria through assessment
CFSS is available to Minnesota residents who have a disability or chronic condition that requires assistance with daily activities, and who are enrolled in Medical Assistance (Medicaid). Eligibility is determined through an assessment process.
Agency Model vs. Budget Model
Agency Model
Under the Agency Model, a CFSS provider agency manages your services. The agency handles hiring, training, scheduling, and paying your support workers. This model is a good fit for individuals who want less administrative responsibility.
- Agency handles worker hiring and payroll
- Less administrative burden on you
- Agency ensures worker qualifications and training
- Good for those new to CFSS or who prefer less involvement in management
Budget Model
Under the Budget Model, you receive a budget to manage your own services and supports. You have more control over who you hire and how you use your funds, but you also take on more responsibility for managing your workers.
- Greater control over who provides your support
- Flexibility in how your budget is used
- You manage your own support workers
- Requires more involvement in administrative tasks
How the CFSS Process Works
Moving to CFSS can feel overwhelming. Golden Heart Services is here to help you understand each step and make informed choices along the way.
Assessment
Your county or Tribal Nation assessor completes an assessment to determine your eligibility and service needs.
Choose Your CFSS Services
If you are eligible, you can choose the CFSS services and supports that fit your needs and goals.
Choose a Consultation Provider
You choose a CFSS Consultation Services Provider. Golden Heart Services can guide you through your options and help you understand the process.
Develop Your Service Delivery Plan
We work with you to create a personalized CFSS Service Delivery Plan based on your goals, needs, preferences, and chosen services.
Plan Approval & Services Begin
Your county or Tribal Nation authorizes your services. Once your plan is approved, your CFSS services can begin.
Ongoing Support
Your needs and circumstances can change. We remain available to provide consultation, answer questions, and help you understand changes to your plan.
Assessment
Your county or Tribal Nation assessor completes an assessment to determine your eligibility and service needs.
Choose Your CFSS Services
If you are eligible, you can choose the CFSS services and supports that fit your needs and goals.
Choose a Consultation Provider
You choose a CFSS Consultation Services Provider. Golden Heart Services can guide you through your options and help you understand the process.
Develop Your Service Delivery Plan
We work with you to create a personalized CFSS Service Delivery Plan based on your goals, needs, preferences, and chosen services.
Plan Approval & Services Begin
Your county or Tribal Nation authorizes your services. Once your plan is approved, your CFSS services can begin.
Ongoing Support
Your needs and circumstances can change. We remain available to provide consultation, answer questions, and help you understand changes to your plan.
Transitioning from PCA or CSG?
If you're moving from PCA or CSG to CFSS, Golden Heart Services can help you understand what's changing, your available options, and what steps you need to take. You don't have to navigate CFSS alone.
No cost, no obligation — just answers.
Have Questions About CFSS?
We're here to help you understand the program and figure out if it's right for you. Contact us for a consultation.
Get a Consultation