Expenditure Guide
Funding for: Consumer Support Grant
Family Support Grant
Dakota County CDS

Please Note: Dakota County is committed to supporting opportunities that afford all residents the ability to live in an inclusive community and pursue a life of their own choosing.

Client Driven Support is a flexible option that uses state/county funding to build supports for people with challenges. The primary philosophy of the funding is to help the recipient build upon and develop their skills, address health and safety concerns, and promote inclusion and overall development.

The budgeted services or items must be client focused, include outcomes, be fiscally responsible, and address the health, safety, and developmental concerns for the recipient. Approval of a plan is dependent upon these principals being addressed and thoroughly explained in the plan.

Funds may be budgeted in a plan for services and items when Medical Assistance or Private Insurance will not cover the cost.This Expenditure Guide is a guideline.Possible exceptions may be considered when circumstances warrant. Changes in guidelines from the previous year are highlighted in grey.
Forms Information Website:

search for CSG or FSG

CSG EXPENDITURES ALPHABETIZED

Adaptive Clothing – Fundable when we can see the disability related need documented in the plan. See also “Clothing”

Adaptive Equipment – Fundable when we can see the disability related need documented in the plan.

Additions to homes– Not Fundable. Funds cannot be used to add square footage.

Advocacy Memberships –Fundable when we can see the disability related need documented in the plan.

Agency with Choice (formerly Employer of Record) Fees– Fundable as a choice of an Employer Model for staff on the support plan.

Alternative Therapy – Alternative therapies and treatments that are not covered by insurance may be fundable with disability related need. For example therapeutic horseback riding, music therapy, auditory training, vision training and brain training may befundable with disability related need documented. Experimental Therapies are not fundable. If we are unsure if something is alternative or experimental we will ask you to have an MD fill out a form.

Applications – See Computer/Electronic Tablets

Bed–Typical beds and requests for larger beds due to growth are parent responsibility and not fundable. Full cost of adaptive beds only may be covered when MA/insurance will not pay the cost and there is a documented disability related need. Adaptations to current bed for health and safety may also be covered if there is documented disability related need.

Bed Linens– Fundableonly with an explanation of medical or behavioral need. Typical wear and tear is not fundable. See also “Property Damage”.

Behavioral Rewards/Reinforcers–Rewards that look very similar to parental responsibility (e.g. toys, video games, movies, books, food and treats) are not fundable unless part of a structured behavioral plan. This behavioral plan (including target behaviors to be addressed, a structured reinforcement schedule and list of effective rewards), should be drafted with the consultation of professionals and must be described in detail in the Support Plan. Gift cards or allowances are not permitted. Note*: only items listed on your approved support plan will be reimbursed by the FSE.

Bikes–Are fundable when adaption is related to disability. Adaptive may include tandem bike, side by side bike or uses hand controls in place of pedals, for example.Expenditure limit is $2,500.Age appropriate training wheels and larger bikes for growing children are typical parental responsibilities and are not fundable.

Books,Subscriptions and Software – Are fundable ONLY when related to the recipients disability and are needed to support an outcome in the Support Plan. Funding is not for pleasure reading or computer use.

Cable Television – Not fundable.

Camp as Caregiver Relief -Camps offer a variety of experiences and are also often used as respite/caregiver relief and are fundable.

Caregiver Relief (formerly Respite Care) Unlicensed/Informal – In Home

  • The term ‘respite’ may only be used to describe a licensed provider.
  • Family members who reside in the recipient’s home may not provide daily caregiver relief. The only exception is if the family member is NOT the primary caregiver AND the primary caregiver is away overnight.
  • Caregiver reliefstaff pay is NOT tax exempt.
**Whenever staff is paid for support on FSG, the parent is the employer and is responsible for all Employer and Labor Tax laws.

Caregiver Relief (formerly Respite Care) Unlicensed/Informal – Out of Home

  • The term ‘respite’ may only be used to describe a licensed provider. Unlicensed individuals providing out-of-home caregiver relief (in the relief staff’s home) are not paid directly by the county. Payment options are: 1. Hourly payment using an Agency with Choice or 2) hourlypayment using the Payroll Model through your Fiscal Support Entity. Daily Rate is not fundable. (Daily rates can only be paid to licensed respite providers.)
**Whenever staff is paid for support on FSG, the parent is the employer and is responsible for all Employer and Labor Tax laws.

Car Washing Services-Only interior car washes with adocumented disability related need (such as BM or vomiting) are fundable.Car washing due to normal ‘wear and tear’or ‘messiness’ are notfundable. See also “Property Damage”.

Cell Phone Service – Today, a cell phone is a typical family expense. A cell phone may be funded under 24- houremergency assistance. Families may qualify for emergency assistance if they do not currently own a cell phone or if a cell phone is needed for disability related emergency situations. Cell phones used on a routine basis or for social purposes will not be funded. When a request for a cell phone is submitted to the case manager, the plan should explain how use of the cell phone relates to the client’s disability and need for emergency assistance. A monthly allowance of a maximum of $20.00 is awarded to qualifying families. The following are common situations when emergency assistance use of a cell phone may be appropriate:

  1. For the client or staff to call for in case of an injury or accident that is disability related. (Cell phones are typically carried by individuals to call in case of emergencies).
  2. For client to call for assistance to work through a situation in which they need prompts to handle the situation when their caregiver/staff is not available.
  3. For use during transport of client, if assistance is needed in the event of mechanical trouble, behavioral or medical issues.
  4. When GPS assistance is needed (may require an upgrade of current phone service).

Prepaid Cellular Phone - Dakota County will pay up to @20.00 per month for prepaid cellular minutes for emergency use, when the person does not already have access to a cell phone. Dakota County also limits the cost of the prepaid phone to $100.00.

OR

Monthly Contract Cell Phone – Dakota County will pay up to $20.00 per month for a contracted cell phone. Each request is approved by the case manager on an individual basis.

Child Care of Non-disabled Siblings - May be fundable if plan documents the disability related need AND is required so that primary caregiver may implement needed therapies for child with special needs.**Whenever staff is paid for support on FSG, the parent is the employer and is responsible for all Employer and Labor Tax laws.
Chore Services/Housekeeping–To enable the caregiver to support the client, chore services such as lawn mowing, snow removal and/or housekeeping may be fundable when disability related need is documented. The plan must also show need above typical family responsibilities (as an example if there is a nondisabled teen in the home, ifthe recipient is able to do this chore or another parent could be responsible to do it then it would not be fundable). When/if there is a distinct safety risk if the primary caregiver were to do these things; document the need and these may be approved. Labor costs only are fundable. Related supplies such as mowers, gas, chemicals, Chemlawn, etc. are not fundable.

Clothing–Purchasing clothes is a typical parental responsibility and not fundable. Clothing purchased through a specialty store with adaptations or specific alterations may be fundable when disability relatedness is documented in the support plan. Clothing and shoes needing replacement due to excessive wear and tear relative to a disability is fundable as “Property Damage”.

Community Activities – Are typically family/ personal responsibilities. Activities NOT related to the recipient’s disability, those typically paid for by parents/caregivers of non-disabled people are not fundable. Family activities are parental responsibility unless there is an expense related to the disability that is above and beyond typical family expenses.

We recognize that to integrate persons with disabilities into their communities,sometimes recreation, leisure or socialization activities done in place of more formal MA or disability services may be fundable because they can be cost effective and still meet the outcomes wanted. A skill building plan must be described in the Support Plan which outlines the goals, training and frequency of activity. Activities are limited to a couple of specific opportunities that focus on specific skill development. Related staff time and mileage for such activities may also be fundable. Memberships that are cost effective to outcomes may be approved when a specific goal is defined.

Adaptive community activities specifically for individuals with disabilities such as Special Olympics or Project Explore are fundable.

Enrichment classes (karate, music lessons, pottery, etc.), are considered typical parental responsibility, but may be approved with a therapist’s recommendation and identification of specific disability relatedgoals. All activities must be considered cost effective.

Computers or Electric Tablets – Either a computer or (not and) an electronic tablet can be purchased every three years. We recommend thinking carefully about which devise works best for the recipient and researching which option works best for the recipient before making a request. Research with teachers, therapists, etc., on the best option based upon on the recipients needs and plan ahead on what would be needed over the upcoming three years. Equipment warranty, insurance, and protective covering are recommended. * There will be no replacement of lost or stolen devices without a police report. After you choose which option is best, the guideline is:

Computers– Including peripheral equipment (e.g. printer) are fundable. The maximum limit for computers is $1000, and can be purchased once within a three year span. Computer related expenses are fundable.

- OR-

Electronic Tablets-(IPad, Kindle Fire) the limit for this hardware is $525. Device must be justified, a responsible use of dollars, and specific to recipients: i.e., used by recipient to increase skills, communication, educational supports, etc. Device along with what type of applications to be used needs to be recommended in writing by a professional outside of family such as a therapist, teacher, or doctor that provides services to the recipient. Either a computer or an electronic tablet can be purchased once within a three year span,but not both. Written recommendation must be attached to the plan in order to be considered. Additional funds may be allocated towards applications.* If an IPad is used only as an augmentative communication device, please explore MA funded options.

Diapers – are not fundable under CSG unless they exceed MA limits with rationale. After age four diapers can be covered by Medical Assistance providers.

Educational Costs – Are not fundable when child/recipient is enrolled in school. The school is considered financially responsible. Educational toys/supplies that are supplemental to the school are fundable when need is described in plan. Educational training costs for caregivers, see “Training for Caregiver”. Post-Secondary School tuition is not fundable. Home Schooling costs are not fundable.

Employee Health Insurance – Fundable.

Employer Costs –Employer costssuch as payroll FICA, FUTA, SUTA, Workers’ Compensation, wages, employer shares of benefits, and liability insurance are fundable. Processing fees are fundable.

Environmental and Equipment Modifications–Modifications to home and equipment that are disability related are fundable.

Fences - Allowable when disability related need is documented in the support plan. Expenditure limit is $4,500.

Food– Is not fundable. Room and board costs are not fundable. See “Special Diets”.

Furniture -Typical furniture is not fundable. Also see “Property Damage”.

Guardianship/Conservatorship Costs – Are not fundable. Other funding is available. County coordinates with the Guardianship Committee.

Habilitation (Skill Building) Materials – Are fundable. Materials that look very similar to parental responsibility (such as toys, etc.) or recreational activities (videos, books) must clearly state disability related need and the desired outcome must be described in detail in the support plan.

Home Modifications – Fundable with disability related need documented in the support plan.

Home Schooling Costs– Are not fundable. Education is considered the school’s financial responsibility.

Insurance for personal use or employees- Is not fundable except for insurance costs related to employee coverage.

Insurance or warranties for adaptive equipment/electronics – May be funded in order to protect equipment when disability related need is described in the support plan.

Internet – Is fundable with a disability related reasoning that isdocumented in the plan. We encourage families writing their own plans to communicate electronically. Limit of $25/month per household.

Laundry Costs –Excess laundry due to disability related needs may be reimbursed by the load only. The average all-inclusive cost of doing laundry is $4 per load and should be expensed as such. Laundry detergent purchases are NOT fundable. If you are getting additional electricity it cannot be based on additional laundry because a load of laundry cost is anall inclusive cost and cannot be duplicated.

Legal Fees – Not Fundable.

Maintenance/Repair – Of recipient’s disability related equipment or due to disability related property damage is fundable when within typical costs.

Medical Co-pays – Including MA and private insurance are fundable when not funded through another source.

Medical Mileage – Is not fundable as it is fundable through straight MA. Requests are made through MNET. The phone number for MNET is 1-866-467-1724.

Memberships: Zoo, Science Museum, etc.–Fundable when support plan documents disability related need and expected outcomes. * See Community Memberships.

Mileage Reimbursement – To parents and staff is fundable for disability related mileage only. Mileage cannot exceed the county mileage reimbursement rate. Mileage must be documented.

Modifications–Modifications & Adaptations that that have a documented disability related need documented in the support plan are fundable. See “home modifications”.

Music Lessons and Instruments – Not fundable typically.Some exceptions may be made when inclusion in a typical band/music setting is the goal. See Music Therapy. Instrument costs are not funded.

Music Therapy – fundable with a disability related need andwhen provided by a music therapist or in consultation with a music therapist. Instruments costs are not fundable. Private music lessons provided by anyone other than a music therapist are not covered and areconsidered parental responsibility.

Over the Counter Meds–Fundable when disability related needvs typical family responsibility is documented in the support plan.

Parking Reimbursement to parents or support staff – Fundablefor disability related needs if not medically related and covered by straight MA.

PCA (Personal Care Assistant) Staff-are ONLY those that are providing PCA services through a certified PCA agency. All other staff is considered “support staff”.

Personal Care Supplies that are disability related – AND are above and beyond typicaluse are fundable as described in the support plan.

Personal Care supplies not disability related – Not fundable

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Pets and Related Costs – Are not fundable. Therapy animals are not funded.

Certified Service Animal Training relating to the recipients disability may be considered if not funded by through another source.

Property Damage– Parents/Caregivers are expected to take protective/preventive measures to protect their property when recipient is prone to property damage behaviors. Lifestyle choices such as expensive large TV’s, china, etc., will not be replaced. Property damage to common household items may be replaced when directly related to the recipient’s disability and there must be a documented behavior prevention plan prior to replacing the item in order to prevent repeated replacements. Prevention plans may include behavioral program for prevention, behavioral intervention techniques, training, and environmental adaptations. Increased parental supervision or staff supervision alone is not an acceptable behavior intervention plan. When considering whether property damage can be used, remember it must be a fiscally responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Normal wear and tear and age of the item will be considered in approvals. Excessive wear and tear as related to the recipient’s disability may be considered. When requesting replacement of an item used by the whole family, only a portion may be covered. An individual cost over $200.00 requires Case Managerapproval.

Playsets (Outdoor)/Swing sets–Are a typical family expense.Sometimes, due to disabilities one may need more than a typical family swing set. (sensory needs for a specific type of swing, or person’s size is larger than the typical play set, etc) In these cases the disability related needs should be documented in the support plan (Think in terms of what is the reason why a typical swing set that the family would purchase can’t meet the needs.) When a swing set is approved, the limit is $2000.

Ramps – are fundable.

Record Keeping Costs – Such as postage, copying, print cartridges, supplies are fundable as identified in the support plan when you can document the disability related needs.