AASD and DSD eList announcement

Date: May 16, 2023
To: Home and community-based services (HCBS) direct care workers, traditional personal care assistance (PCA) workers, service providers, lead agency staff, people who use services and other interested parties
From: DHS Aging and Adult Services and Disability Services divisions
Purpose: To explain how direct care workers, including traditional PCA workers, can apply for HCBS workforce shortage funds
Contact: Retention bonuses: retentionbonuses@togevents.com; traditional PCA training stipends: admin@minnesotadswtraining.com

Apply for grant initiatives, including retention bonuses and training stipends

HCBS direct care workers and traditional PCA workers can apply for grant initiatives, including retention bonuses and PCA training stipends. The two initiatives are part of the Legislature-created HCBS grant developed to help attract new direct care workers and keep current employees who provide HCBS services to people with disabilities and older adults.

Retention bonuses

HCBS direct care workers who meet income and service requirements can apply for a retention bonus. Those who apply by Dec. 31, 2023, are eligible for two $575 retention bonuses. Those who apply from Jan. 1 to March 15, 2024, can receive one $575 retention bonus. To learn about eligibility criteria and apply for a bonus, go to The Odyssey Group – HCBS Workforce Development Grant retention bonuses.

Training stipend

Traditional PCA workers can apply for one free training session that may qualify them for a stipend and fulfills a requirement toward an enhanced rate for PCA services they provide to eligible people. After completing that course and the other required courses, which are also free, participants who meet income qualifications can get a one-time $500 payment. To access the trainings and learn more about eligibility for the PCA enhanced rate, go to Direct Support Workers Training – Benefits.

Background

For more information about the initiative and legislation, go to DHS – HCBS Workforce Development Grant.

Previous eList announcements

AASD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD LEAD AGENCY ARCHIVE | DSD STAKEHOLDER ARCHIVE