What Will You Find in This Guide?
This guide explains Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS), an option available under Minnesota’s disability waiver programs. You will learn about:
- What CDCS is.
- How CDCS benefits you or your loved one.
- Who qualifies for it.
- What CDCS funds can and cannot cover.
- Steps to apply and use CDCS.
- Common questions and tips for families and trusted supporters.
What is Consumer Directed Community Supports (CDCS)?
CDCS is a self-directed option under Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. It gives people with disabilities more choice and control over their care and services. Instead of using only traditional services arranged by the county, people can design their own plan and hire their own staff or vendors.
Benefits of CDCS
CDCS gives you the flexibility to:
- Decide who provides your care and support.
- Use your budget for goods and services that meet your needs.
- Direct your care in a way that helps you live your best life in your community.
- Hire support workers, including family or friends (with some restrictions).
- Tailor services to fit your personal goals and daily routines.
Who Qualifies for CDCS?
CDCS is available under Minnesota’s HCBS waivers, including:
- Developmental Disabilities (DD) Waiver.
- Brain Injury (BI) Waiver.
- Community Alternative Care (CAC) Waiver.
- Community Access for Disability Inclusion (CADI) Waiver.
- Alternative Care (AC) Waiver.
- Elderly Waiver (EW).
To qualify, you must:
- Be eligible for one of the above waivers.
- Complete a MnCHOICES Assessment to identify your needs.
- Choose CDCS as your preferred option instead of traditional waiver services.
How Does the CDCS Process Work?
Schedule a MnCHOICES Assessment
- Contact your county to request an assessment.
- A county worker will visit your home to review your needs, living situation, and supports.
- This assessment determines if you qualify for waiver services and CDCS.
Step 2: Learn Your Budget
- The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) sets your annual CDCS budget.
- The county must explain your CDCS budget and let you compare it with a traditional waiver budget.
Step 3: Choose a Fiscal Management Service (FMS)
- An FMS agency manages your CDCS funds. They:
- Handle billing and payroll.
- Manage taxes.
- Pay your support workers and vendors.
- You can compare FMS providers, their services, and fees before choosing. You may also switch providers later if needed.
Step 4: Write a Community Support Plan (CSP)
- The CSP explains how you will use your CDCS budget.
- It must be approved by your county before funds can be spent.
The CSP includes:
- Personal and contact information.
- County case manager details.
- FMS provider and Support Planner (if used).
- Review of the past year.
- Goals and outcomes for the coming year.
- Personal assistance needs.
- Annual budget plan.
Step 5: Consider a Support Planner
Support Planners are optional, but their services can be paid through your CDCS budget. A Support Planner can:
- Write and submit your CSP.
- Help decide how to use your budget.
- Recruit and train support workers.
- Monitor your plan and problem-solve issues.
- Guide purchases and spending rules.
What Can CDCS Pay For?
CDCS funds must:
- Directly benefit the person receiving services.
- Address needs identified in the MnCHOICES assessment.
- Be related to the person’s disability.
Examples of allowable expenses include:
- Support staff.
- Goods or equipment related to disability needs.
- Services that increase independence or community access.
What can’t CDCS pay for?
CDCS cannot pay for:
- State Plan Services (like PCA, unless included in waiver services).
- Licensed Services (such as foster care, assisted living, or nursing homes).
- Duplicate Services (already covered in your CSP or another program).
- Natural Supports (help family or friends provide for free).
- Purchases that are not cost-effective or not related to disability needs.
For more details, see the CDCS Handbook, pages 26–27.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my CDCS budget isn’t enough?
- Compare your current MnCHOICES assessment with last year’s.
- If supports were reduced, collect evidence of your ongoing needs.
- You may appeal if the county does not adjust your budget.
- Request your full MnCHOICES assessment and review it to make sure the answers to the questions accurately reflect your needs. Errors can affect your budget.
Should I hire a Support Planner?
- If you are new to CDCS, a Support Planner may help.
- They know county requirements and can improve the chances of approval.
- If you feel comfortable writing your own plan, you can try without one.
Do all FMS providers charge the same?
- No. Providers charge different fees and offer different services.
- Compare providers and ask questions before deciding.
Tips for Parents and Trusted Supports
- Learn about MnCHOICES 2.0: Some reports suggest it can lower CDCS budgets.
- Explore budget exceptions: You may apply for extra funds above the state’s set budget. Budget Exception Form.
- Compare prices for goods: Save money to stretch your budget further.
Resources for More Information
Disclaimer
The Arc Minnesota shares information to help and support you. We do our best to keep it correct and up-to-date, but we can’t promise everything will always be complete or accurate. We recommend double-checking information to be sure.
Sometimes, we link to other websites for more resources. The Arc Minnesota is not responsible for what is on those sites or if the information there is correct.
Our information is for general use and doesn’t replace advice from experts like doctors, lawyers, or financial advisors. If you need specific help, please talk to a professional.
The Arc Minnesota is not responsible for any mistakes, missing details, or any problems caused by using our website. The information on our site belongs to The Arc Minnesota, and you can’t copy it without permission.