A personal care assistant (PCA) helps with daily living tasks, such as eating, bathing, using the bathroom and getting dressed. Here, see common questions about PCA services.
You can hire your own PCAs if you're using PCA Choice or you're eligible for a waiver and are using consumer-directed community supports (CDCS). To find PCAs, create an account at Direct Support Connect.
Normally, a parent can't be paid to provide PCA services. The rules are different during the COVID-19 pandemic, though.
The public health emergency will end on May 11, 2023. Spouses will no longer be allowed to be paid to provide PCA program services for their partner after that date.
If you are providing PCA services for your spouse, it is important that you make alternate arrangements for PCA workers prior to May 11, 2023.
Contact your spouses's PCA agency or county/tribal case manager to transition service workers or with questions.
Normally, a parent can't be paid to provide PCA services. The rules are different during the COVID-19 pandemic, though.
The public health emergency will end on May 11, 2023. Parents will no longer be allowed to be paid to provide PCA program services for their minor child after that date.
If you are a parent providing PCA services for your minor child, it is important that you make alternate arrangements for PCA workers prior to May 11, 2023.
Contact your child's PCA agency or county/tribal case manager to transition service workers or with questions.
To become a PCA, you must complete a PCA training course and pass a one-time online test offered by the Minnesota Department of Human Services. When you pass the test, you'll receive a PCA certificate (which you should keep as proof of passing the PCA test). Get the details on PCA training. If you're interested in additional training, you can take online classes through the College of Direct Support.
When you're ready to look for PCA work, go to Direct Support Connect. Here, you'll find people who are looking for PCAs. If the person is associated with a provider agency, you may need to enroll with the agency. You can also apply directly to provider agencies. Check MinnesotaHelp to find PCA provider agencies.
You'll need to pass a background check before you can be paid to provide PCA services. If you enroll with a provider agency, the agency may require additional training.
