Understanding the DHS CFSS 310-Hour Monthly Limit for Support Workers

If you are a Community First Services and Supports (CFSS) worker or participant in Minnesota, understanding the DHS 310-hour monthly limit is essential. The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) has established this rule to promote quality care, protect workers from excessive hours, and ensure compliance with state regulations.

What Is the CFSS 310-Hour Rule?

Under Minnesota DHS regulations, a CFSS support worker may not provide or be paid for more than 310 hours of CFSS services in a single month. This limit applies to the total number of CFSS hours worked, regardless of the number of participants served or agencies worked for.

For example, if a support worker provides services to multiple individuals through one or more CFSS providers, the combined monthly hours must still remain at or below 310 hours.

Why Does DHS Have a 310-Hour Limit?

The monthly hour limit helps:

• Protect the health and well-being of support workers.
• Reduce the risk of worker fatigue and burnout.
• Promote safe, high-quality care for participants.
• Ensure compliance with Minnesota DHS billing and program requirements.
• Prevent payment issues caused by excessive or non-compliant hours.

Who Is Responsible for Monitoring Hours?

In many CFSS agencies, including agencies that allow flexible work schedules, support workers are responsible for tracking their own monthly hours. Because workers often choose their own schedules based on participant needs, it is important to regularly review total hours worked throughout the month.

Workers should communicate with their agency if they are approaching the monthly limit or have questions about their remaining available hours.

What Happens If a Worker Exceeds 310 Hours?

Exceeding the DHS monthly limit may result in:

• Delayed or denied claims.
• Compliance concerns during audits.
• Corrective action by the employing agency.
• Additional training or disciplinary action for repeated violations.

Even if the extra hours were worked unintentionally, agencies must address the issue to maintain compliance with DHS requirements.

Best Practices for CFSS Workers

To avoid exceeding the monthly limit:

• Keep a personal record of hours worked.
• Review Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) entries regularly.
• Check your monthly totals before accepting additional shifts.
• Inform your agency if your hours are nearing the maximum allowed.
• Ask questions whenever you are unsure about your remaining available hours.

Partner with a Compliant CFSS Agency

At Aafiya Home Care LLC, we are committed to helping both participants and support workers understand Minnesota DHS requirements. We provide education, guidance, and ongoing support to promote compliance while delivering compassionate, person-centered care.

Understanding the DHS CFSS 310-hour monthly limit is an important part of maintaining program integrity and ensuring that services remain safe, compliant, and focused on the needs of every participant.