The Direct Care Worker Retention Stipend Program offers a significant financial incentive for eligible home care workers in Minnesota. Union members working in PCA Choice, CSG, CDCS, and CFSS Budget Model programs can receive a one-time $1,000 stipend after six months of employment. This includes Personal Care Assistants (PCAs), family caregivers, and paid parents.
Who is Eligible for the Direct Care Worker Retention Stipend?
Eligibility for the direct care worker retention stipend is determined by payroll data submitted by PCA agencies and FMS providers.
- Immediate Eligibility: Workers with six or more months of experience in a union home care position since 2015 are immediately eligible. Even shifts worked as far back as 2015 count towards the requirement. Any shift reported in a calendar month qualifies as one month of work.
- Future Eligibility: Workers with less than six months of experience will accumulate credit for their worked hours. Once they reach the six-month mark, they will be notified of their eligibility and can apply for the stipend. New workers are also eligible after six months of employment.
How to Apply for the Direct Care Worker Retention Stipend
Eligible workers can apply for the direct care worker retention stipend online through a dedicated application portal: https://fs10.formsite.com/togevents/retentionstipend/index
Assistance is available for those needing help with the application process. Group Zoom sessions are offered to guide applicants and answer questions. Registration for these sessions can be found here: Retention Stipend Assistance
Additional Stipends for Direct Care Workers
In addition to the $1,000 retention stipend, other financial incentives are available for direct care workers:
- Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Stipend: A one-time $200 stipend is available to offset costs associated with using personal devices for electronic visit verification.
- Training Stipend: A $500 stipend is available for workers in PCA Choice, CSG, and CDCS programs who complete qualifying training before June 30, 2025. This stipend is subject to availability of funds and is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Enhanced Rate – 7.5% Rate Increase: Workers in PCA Choice, Traditional PCA, CSG, and CDCS programs who complete and maintain specific training and care for clients with high needs can qualify for a 7.5% rate increase.
More information on the training stipend and enhanced rate can be found here: https://www.seiuhealthcaremn.org/home-care-training-info/
Discontinued Program: HCBS WDG Retention Bonuses
The HCBS Workforce Development Grant retention bonus program, which offered two $575 bonuses, is no longer available due to funding exhaustion.
Conclusion
The direct care worker retention stipend program demonstrates a commitment to supporting and retaining valuable home care workers. The $1,000 stipend, along with other available incentives, provides crucial financial recognition for the essential work these individuals perform. For eligible workers, applying for this stipend is a straightforward process with support available to navigate the application.
