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Assistance

Consumer directed community supports

Providing options for people with disabilities

Consumer directed community supports (CDCS) is a service option for people with disabilities that gives the flexibility and responsibility to tailor services and supports to their unique needs.

With this program, you:

  • Decide how to spend your budget allowance based on your assessed needs
  • Have the option to hire people you know, such as family, friends and neighbors
  • Choose as much responsibility as you want to hire, train and manage your workers

Beginning CDCS services can be a lengthy process. We are here to support you.

How it works

CDCS gives you more control to design support services that meet your specific needs. You are involved in the planning, hiring and administration of your support plan, including managing your unique budget.

You or your managing party are responsible for all aspects of the process, including monitoring your plan to ensure it’s working, with help from county resources.

Online learning

Learn about CDCS and decide if it’s right for you in a program overview video from the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

Watch the training video.

Required viewing for participants and managing parties

Each county manages their CDCS program slightly differently. All participants or managing parties are required to watch these videos before filling out paperwork for CDCS services.

CDCS basics: Learn who is involved in the CDCS process and program, anticipated timelines, how to utilize your MnCHOICES assessment to complete your CDCS Community Support Plan, and what documents you need to fill out.

Understanding your allocation: You have two options of videos to watch, based on your program type. Learn about how budgets are determined, how to prorate budgets, how to use your budget, enhanced budgets, and determining the start and end of your waiver.

Writing your CDCS Community Support Plan: Learn how to write your own CDCS Community Support Plan.

Other options to meet your support needs

You may have other options outside of CDCS to address your support needs. Contact your case manager or assessor for more information.

Get started with CDCS

A MnCHOICES assessment and referral to Hennepin County’s CDCS is required to start services.

After watching the required videos above, follow the steps below to enroll. All items must be completed before you can start using services.

Step one: Decide who will write your Community Support Plan

Determine if you will use a support planner to write your Community Support Plan or if you will write it yourself.

Step two: Complete paperwork required by your chosen Financial Management Service

Choose a Financial Management Service (FMS) and follow their directions for filling out all paperwork. FMS paperwork must be completed before CDCS can begin and employees are paid.

Step three: Write your plans

Write the Community Support Plan and the Health and Safety Plan (DOCX, 1MB)

Step four: Submit completed documents

Sign and submit the following documents to hsph.ltss.CDCSreferrals@hennepin.us:

Get help enrolling in CDCS

We are available to answer your questions about the CDCS process. 

Connect with us via an in-person training or attend a virtual information session with a CDCS Specialist. Community information sessions - September to December 2025 (PDF, 2MB).

Your case manager or assessor can also help answer your questions.

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