Frequently Asked Questions

Where Does MRCI CDS provide services?

As a division of one of the largest nonprofits of its kind in the state, MRCI CDS provides services statewide in Minnesota. 

​

What Client Directed Services does MRCI provide?

• Consumer Directed Community Support Services (CDCS)

• Consumer Support Grant

• PCA Choice, VD-HCBS

• Personal Support/Respite

• Private Pay

 

What is Self-Directed Services?

Self-directed services means that participants or their representatives have decision-making authority over certain services and manage their services with supports like those provided by MRCI. Self-directed services gives participants the responsibility for managing all aspects of service, more control and more flexibility regarding the services they receive.

​

How do I use MRCI Services?

County case managers can determine whether someone is eligible MRCI services. MRCI Staff work personally with the individuals we serve to ensure a positive experience: we understand your needs. MRCI Client Directed Services (CDS) is a leading provider of Financial Management Services (FMS) for the State of Minnesota. Since 2004, CDS has worked with families throughout the state to provide FMS to individuals and families who choose to self-direct their own services. MRCI-CDS offers FMS to 10 different programs under five different waivers.

 

How do I reach MRCI?

Our toll free phone number is answered by a real person during business hours.  Call us at 1-800-829-7110 or use our contact us form and we will call you. 

 

Why can’t I submit changes to the budget without the Case Manager approval?

As the Financial Management Service provider, MRCI CDS manages the client budgets with approval from the Case Manager. It is up to the family to contact the Case Manager to discuss how the funds will be allocated. For additional information on what is allowed, you can refer to the Lead Agency Manual.

 

Can I give my employee a raise?

Utilize the status change form on your program page. Fill out the form up to the maximum amount allowed on the Community Support Plan and turn it in, if allowed. (Please note depending on what program you are enrolled in there may be restrictions. Contact a Program Specialist for more information.)

​

How much money do I have left in my budget or in a certain category?

You contact our Program Specialist at 1-800-829-7110 and request a spending summary and this information will be available for you electronically on your participant dashboard.

 

Do I lose my Personal Time Off (PTO) at any point in employment?

According to the contract between the State of Minnesota and SEIU you can accumulate up to 80 hours of Paid Time Off. Please contact your SEIU representative for more details.

 

How do I use my Personal Time Off (PTO)?

You need to complete and submit the PTO request form which can be found on your program page. For other frequently asked questions specific to paid time off, refer to the Paid Time Off Notice.

​

 

What are the paid holidays for CDCS, CSG, and PCA Choice?

Effective July 1, 2015 the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and the State of Minnesota went into effect for home care workers, known as Individual Providers, that work for clients in PCA Choice, Consumer Directed Community Support (CDCS), and Consumer Support Grant (CSG). The contract was updated for the period of 2019-2021. The contact details are listed below. Beginning July 1, 2019 all active PCA Choice, CDCS and CSG workers began earning one hour of PTO for every 40 hours worked. Additionally, workers will receive pay for work on a holiday.  A worker will be paid at 1.5 times his or her normal rate of pay for all hours worked on holidays.  In addition, a worker shall be at 1.5 times his or her normal rate of pay for all hours worked on the following holidays on these dates only:

​​

View the 2021 Payroll Calendar for important dates including paid holidays. 

 

 

What is IRS Notice 2014-7?

If you and your client live together, and your client is receiving services through an MA waiver program, you may be eligible for the Difficulty of Care income exclusion outlined in IRS Notice 2014-7.   This means that the wages that you earn for providing personal care to the client you live with may be excluded from your income for income tax purposes.  As an individual tax payer, you can claim this income exclusion on your personal tax return when you file. If you need assistance on how to do that, please contact a tax professional or the IRS.  The following IRS link should be reviewed:

https://www.irs.gov/irb/2014-4_IRB/ar06.html#d0e417

 

​

What is wage theft?

Click here for more information.