PCA to CFSS in Minnesota: What to Know About the Transition
Learn about Minnesota’s CFSS transition, the 2027 deadline, and how to move from PCA or CSG services without gaps in care.
Learn about Minnesota’s transition from PCA and CSG services to Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), including the extended deadline to September 30, 2027, eligibility requirements, transition steps, and the differences between the Agency and Budget Models. Discover how CFSS provides greater choice, flexibility, and control over homecare services and how Accra can help ensure a smooth transition without interruptions in care.
CFSS vs. PCA: What’s the Difference?
Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) is Minnesota’s new self-directed homecare service option, replacing Personal Care Assistance (PCA) and Consumer Support Grant (CSG). CFSS was designed to give participants more choice, flexibility, and control over how their services are delivered.
The key differences between PCA and CFSS include:
| PCA | CFSS |
|---|---|
| Single Service Model | Agency and Budget Models |
| No purchasing ability | Approved goods and services available |
| Less participant control | Greater participant choice |
| Being phased out | Replacing PCA statewide |
The transition from PCA and CSG to CFSS is well underway, and a number of Minnesotans still need to make the switch to avoid lapses in services. Accra is here to help you understand how CFSS can benefit you and give you the most control over your care.
When Do I Need to Switch to CFSS?
The Department of Human Services (DHS) recently announced that those who have not completed the transition to CFSS now have until September 30, 2027 to do so. This extension provides additional time for participants, families, and providers to complete the transition and avoid disruptions in care.
As of May 8, 2026, roughly 45% of individuals have transitioned to CFSS. An additional 42% are actively working towards transitioning.
Transitioning to CFSS
Those currently on PCA or CSG will be required to transition to CFSS as soon as possible, but no later than September 30, 2027. Most people will make the transition during their annual reassessment. The process typically follows these steps:
- The lead agency will complete the MNChoices assessment to determine eligibility of services
- You will meet with a Consultation Services Provider and choose the Agency or Budget Model
- You will create a Service Delivery Plan with Consultation Services
- The new Service Delivery Plan will be sent to the lead agency
- The lead agency will approve the Service Delivery Plan with a Service Delivery Plan Addendum and send a copy to the provider
- The lead agency will create a service agreement for the chosen model
- Accra will work with you to begin services
Accra is here to help you with the transition process and to ensure there are no potential lapses in service.
Agency vs. Budgel Model: Which One Is Right for Me?
Agency Model
CFSS Agency Model provides the structure of traditional PCA services while offering you the choice to hire your own caregivers and the freedom to focus on your independence. Accra handles administrative tasks such as hiring, scheduling, payroll, and taxes.
Agency Model may be right for you if:
- You want to maintain independence with consistent, reliable support
- You want to reduce stress and have the Agency to handle administrative tasks such as recruiting, hiring, and terminating workers
- You want to keep your current PCA worker
- You want to focus on your independence and quality of life
Budget Model
CFSS Budget Model allows you to flexibly use your budget to hire your own workers and give you the most control over your care. Approved goods, services, and personal emergency response systems (PERS) can be purchased directly.
Budget Model may be right for you if:
- You want maximum flexibility in how services are managed
- You want to choose and train your own support workers
- You are comfortable making decisions about your services with support from your Participant Representative
- You want the ability to manage your own budget with support from a Financial Management Service (FMS)
Starting Services with Accra
Navigating the transition from PCA to CFSS can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re just getting started with homecare services or need help transitioning your existing plan to CFSS, we are here to support you in that process and make it as easy as possible.
Accra helps participants and families understand their options, prepare for assessments, coordinate services, and begin CFSS without disruptions in care. Whether you’re considering the Agency Model or Budget Model, Accra offers both, and our teams are here to guide you through each step of the process.
Connect with Accra today to get started with your CFSS transition.
Training Available for Case Managers and Care Coordinators
Accra is proud to offer training designed specifically for Case Managers, Care Coordinators, and Social Workers on the differences between CFSS Agency and Budget Models.
This session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to help your clients choose the option that best aligns with their goals, preferences, and support needs. You will gain practical insights to better guide the individuals and families you serve through the CFSS transition. This training also provides you with a Continuing Education credit.
Schedule a session with our team today by emailing outreachmanagers@accracare.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visits are completed every 90 days. For the first year, they are required to be in-person, but after that some may be completed remotely. In-person competency visits are required for new workers within 30 days of hire.
Workers under CFSS Agency Model are not covered by SEIU. CFSS Budget Model workers are covered by the SEIU union contract.
Yes. Spouses and parents of minors can be paid caregivers under both CFSS Agency and Budget Models, though there are certain conditions.
Workers may only work 40 hours per week through Accra. Hours per month must not exceed 310 total across all PCA and CFSS participants they work with.
No. Our goal is to ensure participants and their families understand both models so you can make an informed choice that is best for you.
Not necessarily. You have until September 30, 2027 to complete the transition to CFSS. If you are still using PCA or CSG services, you will be switched to another service at the time of your reassessment.
CFSS is replacing PCA and CSG and offers support with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and purchasing of goods and services. Waivers can provide additional behavioral support, community supports, and more. Talk to the lead agency to see which option is the best for you or your loved ones and determine eligibility.
The deadline to switch from PCA to CFSS is September 30, 2027. Most people will switch to CFSS at the time of their reassessment.
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CFSS Agency Model allows you to maintain independence with consistent, reliable support and reduce stress related to administrative responsibilities. Under the Agency Model, the agency is the employer and will take care of tasks such as hiring, payroll, and taxes.
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CFSS Budget Model gives you more flexibility with your budget and allows you to hire and train workers you trust, including friends and family members. Budget Model is a great choice for those who are comfortable with administrative tasks and leading their own care. Under the Budget Model, you will act as the employer.
To start CFSS services through Accra, reach out to us via our referral page. Our Intake team will walk you through your next steps.
About Accra
Accra provides individualized homecare services and support to people and families across all 87 counties in Minnesota. By focusing on choice, independence, and high-quality care, Accra helps people with care needs live safely and comfortably, while strengthening the broader homecare system. Learn more at www.accrahomecare.org.