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Personal Assistant Services
Frequently Asked Questions

What is a personal assistant?
A personal assistant (PA) is an individual who assists a person with a disability in routine functions of daily living.

Why do people need PAs?
There are many reasons why someone might need a PA. A person may become disabled because of an injury or illness, and each person who has a disability has different needs. As you get to know the person you are working for, he or she will teach you what kind of 
assistance is needed.

What kinds of disabilities do people have who use PAs?
You may work for people who have any of these disabilities spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, respiratory illness, mental illness, arthritis, visual impairments, stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, cardiac, Parkinson's, ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), hearing impairments, etc.

If I'm hired as a PA, how am I paid?
If a person with a disability hires you, in most cases the DHS-Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS) formerly known as DORS, will pay your wage through the Home Services Program. In addition to paying PA wages, ORS provides such things as adaptive equipment and Meals on Wheels enabling people with disabilities to remain in their own homes. 
   People with disabilities who qualify for ORS's services and who request personal assistant services are evaluated to determine how many hours of PA services ORS will pay for. Consumers then receive a "PA Packet" which includes forms that you will need to fill out in 
order to be paid by ORS.
   Personal assistants are currently paid $7.00 an hour from ORS/Home Services. CNAs are paid $8.15 an hour. You will be paid twice a month, usually by the 5th and the 20th of each month. If you have questions about ORS or if you know someone who may qualify for the Home Services Program, please contact your local RAMP or ORS office.

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