Bring the moving pieces into focus.

What this route can help you explore

MnCHOICES is a conversation with a certified assessor about strengths, preferences and everyday support needs. It helps identify eligibility for certain long-term services and supports, including home- and community-based waivers and Community First Services and Supports (CFSS), and can point toward other resources. These are possibilities to explore, not services UHF or an assessor can promise in advance.

For a child, describe help needed to participate at home or in the community, what already works and where support is needed. Start with your questions rather than trying to select the right program yourself.

Do I need a diagnosis or MA first?

Do not assume a clinical evaluation, particular diagnosis or Medical Assistance enrollment must be completed before the first call. Explain what is known, what is still being evaluated and what help is needed. People needing long-term support may request an assessment regardless of financial status. Particular programs can require additional evidence or eligibility decisions later.

This does not mean every caller qualifies for a waiver, receives a case manager or receives paid services. Requesting an assessment and being approved for a funded service are different steps.

Three decisions can happen alongside each other

If another step is needed, ask who handles it and whether the processes can move forward together. School evaluation and medical care also have their own purposes; the county call does not replace them.

• MnCHOICES explores support needs and eligibility for relevant long-term services and supports.
• Medical Assistance eligibility staff determine healthcare coverage and financial eligibility.
• Disability certification, when needed, is a separate process, such as a SMRT referral. MnCHOICES is not a clinical diagnosis, financial-eligibility decision or disability-status determination.

Who to contact

Published details checked 30 October 2026. No calls were made and availability was not verified. Use the official page if a menu or number changes.

Which office should handle the request?

For the disability assessment route described here and people under 65, DHS generally assigns assessment activities to the county where the person is located when assessment is requested. An eligible person may choose a Tribal Nation assessment route. Temporary stays in another county can affect who handles the assessment.

Use the official county/Tribal directory and ask for disability services, long-term services and supports intake, or MnCHOICES. If unsure, explain the current living situation to agency staff and ask them to route the request. No location information is collected here.

A first-call example

ORIGINAL SAMPLE WORDING · NOT A REQUIRED SCRIPT OR REAL FAMILY STORY

Hi, I’m the parent of a child who needs extra support with everyday activities at home and in the community. I’d like to request a MnCHOICES assessment and understand what county services might fit. We [have / do not have / are applying for] Medical Assistance. We [have an evaluation / are waiting for one / are not sure where to start]. Can you help me make the request or connect me with the right intake team?

Then ask

• Have you recorded my request, and what happens next?
• Is a referral form or anything else needed to begin?
• Who will contact me, and what is the estimated timeline?
• Which documents would help, and how can I send them securely?
• Should I also contact healthcare eligibility or another team?
• What should I do if I do not hear back by the date you give me?

Say if you need an interpreter or have communication, scheduling or accessibility needs. Ask for process help if an online form is difficult to use.

Before the call: a small checklist

This is an organizing aid, not an agency’s mandatory document list.

• Child’s age and current county/location, for your private conversation with agency staff.
• Strengths, interests and everyday support needs.
• Two or three actual examples, including how often help is needed.
• Whether MA or another insurance plan is in place, pending or unknown.
• Relevant school, healthcare or service contacts.
• Available evaluations or reports; ask which are needed before sending them.
• Preferred callback information, language and accessibility needs.

Do not delay the first call because a blank is unanswered. Ask intake what is needed next. Share documents only through the agency’s verified, appropriate method.

Open the private call-note worksheet →

Preparing for the assessment

The state describes assessment as a free visit, generally in person at home or another chosen place. Plan for roughly two hours and confirm the length when scheduling. Think about what matters to your child and what makes daily life easier or harder. Have a current medication list if applicable, and ask about inviting a supportive person.

Include your child’s voice in a way that works for them. Share an honest picture of strengths and support needs, not only a best day or hardest day. These are preparation suggestions, not instructions to exaggerate or minimize need.

A parent or legal representative should participate as appropriate. Ask how your child and invited supporters will be involved and how information is kept private.

What happens next?

Ask for the written assessment summary, an explanation of results and a clear next-step list. If you qualify for and choose publicly funded support, planning identifies relevant services and choices. Eligibility, applications, authorization and an available provider are not one event; ask what is complete and what still needs action.

If an ongoing case manager is assigned, ask who that is and when to expect contact. If services are not approved, ask for the decision in writing, other available resources and how to raise a question or appeal. One ‘no’ does not explain every possible route.

If you are waiting

Record the request date, team or person and the follow-up date. For the general assessment process described here, Minnesota Statutes 256B.0911, subdivision 17(a), requires the team to begin the assessment, including an estimated timeline for full completion, within 20 working days of the request or recommendation.

This is not a promise of a completed assessment or funded service start within 20 days. Ask the agency how the requirement applies to your situation and for its actual schedule. Different rules may apply in institutional transition situations. This page does not calculate a personal legal deadline.

If there is no response, contact intake again with the dates and ask for the appropriate supervisor or help resolving the delay. Disability Hub MN, 866-333-2466, can help explain options and find the right contact.