What is New and Different with Community First Services and Supports (CFSS)?

At Lifeworks Services, we’re committed to supporting innovative opportunities that enhance everyday lives. One of the latest updates in self-directed care is Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), which gives participants living in the community more choice and control over the care they receive.

CFSS replaces both the Personal Care Assistant (PCA Choice) service and the Consumer Support Grant (CSG), while maintaining the core services participants rely on.

What Stays the Same with CFSS?

• Your Service Provider and Caregivers: You can continue working with Lifeworks and your current caregivers when transitioning from PCA Choice or CSG to CFSS, ensuring a smooth transition.
• Eligibility: CFSS has the same eligibility rules based on the  MnCHOICES assessment. If you qualified for PCA Choice or CSG, you are eligible for CFSS.
• Covered Services: CFSS offers support for  activities of daily living (ADLs), instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), health-related procedures, observation, and redirection.
• Self-Direction: You, or your representative, will maintain the ability to direct your own care.

What’s New with CFSS?

CFSS introduces several key changes designed to give participants more flexibility and independence:

• Consultation Services: All CFSS participants will choose a consultation
  provider to learn about your options with CFSS and to help you write and review your CFSS Service Delivery Plan. Lifeworks is an approved consultation provider; however, you must choose a consultation provider different from your service provider.
• Budget Model: Lifeworks provides CFSS using the budget model, which is dollar based instead of unit based. Participants are the employers of their support workers and will recruit, hire, train, and supervise them. As a Financial Management Services (FMS) provider, Lifeworks will ensure compliance with labor laws, processing payroll, obtaining necessary insurances, and more.
  • For participants transitioning from CSG to CFSS, budgets will be approximately twice as large unless eligibility changes.
• Family Members as Support Workers: In CFSS, a participant’s spouse or parent of a minor will be able to provide CFSS services. However, Responsible Parties cannot be staff for a participant.
• Goods and Services: CFSS participants will be able to purchase goods and services that reduce the need for human assistance and/or give the participant more independence and control, such as home modifications or laundry service.

What’s Next for CFSS Participants?

The transition to CFSS will take place during your annual renewal process. During your annual assessment, your MnCHOICES assessor will provide detailed information about CFSS and help you select a consultation service provider.

Lifeworks Services is here to support you throughout the transition process. If you have questions about CFSS or need assistance, please feel free to contact us at 651-454-2732 or via email at contact@lifeworks.org.

Why Choose Lifeworks for CFSS?

Lifeworks is committed to making the transition to CFSS as seamless and supportive as possible. As a trusted nonprofit provider serving individuals with disabilities, we are here to help you navigate your care options and ensure that you have the resources you need to thrive.