As of March 29, 2024, workers may apply for a one-time PCA Choice 2020 stipend of up to $1,000 if they meet all the following requirements:
We will calculate the amount of the stipend after all applications have been received. The stipend will be based on:
If applicants are approved for a PCA Choice 2020 stipend, they will receive a confirmation email indicating the number of hours reported by their provider agency(ies) from Dec. 1, 2020, to Feb. 7, 2021.
After the application deadline of June 21, 2024, workers will receive a separate email with the amount of their stipend by July 19, 2024
A total of $1.4 million in funding is available to award workers a one-time PCA Choice 2020 stipend of up to $1,000.
To submit your application, visit the PCA Choice 2020 stipend application page.
In 2020, the Legislature temporarily increased funding for direct support services. (Minnesota Session Laws, 2020, 5th Special Session, chapter 3, article 10, section 4) The Legislature recognized the important role of direct support workers who assist people with disabilities and older adults and the critical nature of their work during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Legislature directed employers to use at least 80% of the increased funding to increase the wages and benefits for direct support workers who provided these critical services during these extraordinary times. The change also allowed some of the funding to ensure direct support workers had the personal protective equipment they needed to stay safe as they continued to provide these vital supports.
