Dakota County helps people of all ages and abilities find resources to live in the community.
Community Living Services can help find solutions to help you or a loved one live as independently as possible.
Getting started
All Minnesota residents are eligible to be assessed for services. Many programs and services also need you to receive Medical Assistance, have a disability certification or both.
It's not required to complete these steps first, but it would make the process faster.
To see if our services can help, you can request a MnCHOICES assessment. The assessment is an in-person visit that helps determine eligibility for home and community-based services. A certified assessor will educate you about programs available — even if you aren't eligible for publicly funded programs.
The assessment is of no cost to you. It usually occurs where you are living. The county will schedule an assessment with a certified assessor and walk you through next steps and what to expect.
Request an Assessment
For counties making a reassessment request, please send the standard DHS form (6791E) to clsintake@co.dakota.mn.us.
Community Living Services Brochure
Prepare for your assessment
To prepare for the meeting with the assessor, complete the following:
- Think about what is important to you, including:
- Hopes and dreams
- Employment interests
- Hobbies
- Challenges or barriers you have in completing your goals
- People you would like involved in supporting you with your goals
- Compile a list of medications and health care providers
- Complete applications for Medical Assistance and Certification for Disability, if you haven't yet
When you schedule the assessment, we will let you know what applications you need to complete. Sending them in quickly will help get services faster.
To learn more about the types of programs you will be assessed for, visit the
Minnesota Department of Human Services website.
What to expect
The assessor will conduct the assessment in your preferred setting. They will need a comfortable place to sit and a table to work at. They complete the assessment on their computer.
You can invite family members or friends to be present. Most visits last about two hours. Interpreters are available upon request.
After the assessment
After the assessment is completed, the assessor will let you know what programs and services you are eligible for. Home and community-based services are a voluntary program, so you will make the final decision if you would like to start services.
If you choose to start on a waiver program, you will be assigned a case manager. They will discuss your options for services. Once you have decided on supports that are right for you, the case manager will help coordinate the services and providers.
You can also sign up for our
Aging & Disability News. Information on our programs are emailed to residents every month.