Available Now:

Caregiver Orientation - $100 Stipend + $0.40/Hour Wage Increase*

*Won by our Members!*

All workers in Union programs (CFSS Budget Model, PCA Choice, CSG, CDCS) will soon have access to a comprehensive Caregiver Orientation for the first time ever in Minnesota. This 3-hour orientation session covers many topics, such as reading a care plan, caring across cultural differences, creating and navigating healthy boundaries, and person-centered care. It also gives Caregivers a chance to learn more about your Union and how we can build collective power to improve wages, benefits, and access to care in Minnesota and beyond!

Caregiver Orientation is in the pilot phase right now, being tested and experienced by a random sample of workers in the state. If you got a text or an email inviting you to register for an orientation session, please do! If you have not yet been invited, please be patient - we will open the sessions to all Caregivers very soon!

* The additional $0.40/hour wage increase applies to any caregiver who completes an orientation session and cares for a Client in CFSS Budget Model or PCA Choice. The $100 stipend is paid to all Caregivers who attend and complete an orientation session.

Home Care Healthcare Stipend - $1,200

*Won by our Members!*  

Workers can apply until May 30, 2026

Note: We are working with the state to get this benefit up and running ASAP. Stay tuned!

All workers in Union programs (CFSS Budget Model, PCA Choice, CSG, CDCS) now qualify for a one-time $1,200 healthcare stipend after six (6) months of work! This applies to all caregivers, including Family Caregivers, and Paid Parents. Eligible workers who apply will receive a check in the mail, as well as a 1099 tax form.

Immediate Eligibility:
Existing workers who have already worked shifts in a Union home care position during six (6) calendar months or more are immediately eligible. Shifts worked since 2015 will count toward eligibility.

Note: All eligibility determinations are made based on payroll data submitted by PCA agencies and FMS providers. Any shift reported in a calendar month constitutes one month of work. To be eligible, a worker must have worked at least one shift during six calendar months.

Workers not immediately eligible and new workers going forward:
Workers who have not yet worked shifts during six (6) calendar months since 2015 will not lose credit for those months worked during that time, but those months will count toward your eligibility. Once you have been reported as having reached six active months, your information will be added to the eligibility list and you will be able to apply for the recruitment & retention stipend.

How to Apply:
Fill out the State webform here!

Training Stipend - $750

*Won by our Members!*

NOTE: Training Stipend funding has been exhausted until July 1, 2026. We are also working with the State of MN to update the training registration and stipend application process, with a new system due to launch in August 2026.

Stipends are available only for workers in CFSS Budget Model, PCA Choice, CSG and CDCS who complete qualifying training before June 30, 2027. A worker may receive a $750 stipend starting July 1, 2025, until the $2.25 million of stipend funding is exhausted or June 30, 2027, whichever comes sooner. Training stipends are available on a first come, first served basis.

Click here for more information!

Enhanced Rate - 12.5% Wage Increase for Complex Care

The Enhanced Rate is available for any workers in PCA Choice, Traditional PCA, CSG, and CDCS who complete and maintain qualifying trainings, and who care for a client with:

• An assessed need for ten (10) or more hours of care per day, or
• A home care rating of EN or higher.

The required training for this benefit is the same as for the training stipend above, and Enhanced Rate eligible workers will receive both the Enhanced Rate and the Training Stipend (while funds are available). Upon completion, you will receive notice of qualification to present to your agency or FMS.

*Thanks to our newest Home Care Workers Union Contract, the Enhanced Rate increased to 12.5% in January 2026!*

Click here for more information!