Minnesota’s Consumer Support Grant, also known as the CSG Program, is a monthly cash grant provided to program participants in lieu of them receiving care services in their home. This grant is offered to Minnesotans as an alternative to home care services (home health aide, personal care assistance, and private duty nursing) covered via Medicaid. Aside from care support, this grant may be used for a variety of other supports, such as home modifications, meal delivery, and transportation assistance, in order to decrease an individual’s reliance on others.
Recipients are given a grant of cash and the flexibility to self-direct their care in place of receiving care services provided by state managed agencies. This model of care is also referred to as “consumer direction” or “participant direction.”
One particularly attractive component of the Consumer Support Grant is that family members can be hired as paid caregivers. Unlike many programs that offer consumer direction, even spouses, in addition to adult children and other relatives, can be hired and receive compensation as caregivers.
Make note, an individual cannot be enrolled in the CSG Program and simultaneously receive services via the Elderly Waiver, Managed Care, or Alternative Care programs.
Applicants for this program must meet the following requirements:
Income Limits
Financially, Medical Assistance has many different criteria depending on the eligibility group. As of July 2023 until June 2024, elderly (65 and up) residents can have a monthly income of up to $1,215, and couples can have no more than $1,644. (These figures are equivalent to 100% of the Federal Poverty Level.) The income limits are approximately 20% lower for individuals who intend to qualify for Medical Assistance through deducting their medical services from their income.
Asset Limits
A countable asset limit also exists that excludes necessary items, such as a home, household furnishings, a car, clothing, and some personal sentimental items, such as wedding rings. The 2024 asset limit is $3,000 for a single applicant. Married applicants have a $6,000 limit.
Persons exceeding the financial limits may still qualify. A professional Medicaid planner or adviser can offer families valuable insights on how to use the program rules strategically. Learn more about the benefits of using a Medicaid planner.
Participants in the program are provided cash grants that can be used for a variety of supports, such as:
Grant funds can be used for other services that are directly related to caring for the disabled or aged individual. Supports and services not explicitly identified above need to be approved by the program staff. Grants can be given out as cash, vouchers, or as payment directly to the vendor.
To begin the application process, one should contact their local county or tribal human services office. A complete list of offices can be found here. Unfortunately, this grant program is not available statewide.
More information can be found on the Minnesota CSG webpage or in this fact sheet.