The Minnesota Essential Community Supports (ECS) program provides financial support to people 65 years of age and older who wish to remain living in their residence. It is intended to help seniors who need some assistance to live independently at home but don’t need the level of care provided at a nursing home. One cannot reside in assisted living or a nursing home and receive this assistance.
The Minnesota Department of Human Services administers the ECS program, offering qualified applicants, as of 2024, up to $466 a month toward essential services, such as home meal delivery, homemaker services, and adult day care.
To receive ECS support, applicants must meet several different eligibility criteria, including:
Essential Community Supports provides eligible beneficiaries up to $466 a month toward the following services:
A long-term care consultant will make a final determination regarding the exact benefits and services each beneficiary is eligible to receive.
Seniors interested in applying for Essential Community Supports can contact the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433.
Additional program information can be found on the Minnesota Department of Human Services webpage.
Once candidates have been approved, their eligibility must be reassessed each year.