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In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

What is IHSS?

IHSS is a California state program that provides paid assistance for in-home care to eligible aged,bline, or disables individuals so they can remain safely in their own homes rather than be places in institutional care. It is funded by state, federal, and county sources. It’s administered by the California department of Social Services and local county offices. Care is often provided by a family memeber, friend, or professional caregiver (the recipient can choose).

Are You Eligible?

To qualify for IHSS, you must meet all of the following:

  • Residency
    • Be a California resident
    • live in your own home or someones else’s home (not in a hospital or skilled nursing facility)
  • Citizenship/Immigration
    • Be a U.S. citizen or have eligible immigration status
  • Age/Disability
    • Must be: 65 or older or blind or permanently disabled (as determined by a doctor or disability evaluation).
  • Need for Assistance
    • Must need help with daily living activities such as:
      • Bathing. dressing, cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, taking medication, etc.
    • A social worker will assess your functional needs during a home visit.
  • Income and Medi-cal Eligibility
    • Must be eligible for Medi-Cal
      • Medi-Cal may be free or have a shared cost based on your income.
      • If you don’t already have Medi-Cal, you must apply and qualify first.

What Does IHSS Provide?

IHSS pays for non-medical personal care services, such as:

  • Personal Care Services
    • Bathing, grooming, dressing
    • Toileting and incontinence care
    • feeding assistance
  • Domestic Services
    • Housecleaning
    • Laundry
    • Meal Preparation and Clean-Up
    • Grocery Shopping
  • Paramedical Services (if ordered by a doctor)
    • Administering medications
    • Catheter Care
    • Feeding Tubes
    • Wound care
  • Protective Supervision
    • For individuals with mental impairments or developmental disabilities who need 24/7 monitoring to prevent injury.
  • Payment for caregivers
    • The recipient chooses their caregiver
    • the caregiver is paid by the state (hourly wage varies by county)
    • Max hours per month vary by case and level (up to 283 hours/month in extreme cases)

What Disqualifies You?

You may be disqualified from IHSS if:

  • You are not eligible for Medi-CAl
  • You live in a skilled nursing facility, hospital, or licensed board and care facility.
  • You don’t require assistance with qualifying daily activities.
  • You refuse the home assessment or fail to provide necessary documentation
  • You commit fraud or misuse IHSS services (this applies to you or the caregiver)
  • You do not have a physician’s certification stating that IHSS is necessary.

Application and Renewal

  • Apply for Medi-Cal and qualify
  • Apply for IHSS
  • Conduct the home visit assessment
  • Receive doctor’s certificate (SOC 873)
  • Approval and Hours Determination

IHSS requires you to have а yearly reassessment with your county social worker.

Changes that may trigger a review:

  • Hospitalisation
  • Change in residence
  • Change in caregiver
  • Changes in health condition
  • Change in income or Medi-Cal eligibility

Recipient Responsibilities

  • Notify IHSS of any major changes in:
    • Living situation
    • Health Condition
    • Medi-Cal status
    • Caregiver arrangement
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