What is the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program?

The IHSS Program was created to assist you in paying for services that will allow you to remain safely at home. It is an alternative to out-of-home care settings such as nursing homes or board and care facilities. Housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care services (such as bowel and bladder care, bathing, grooming, etc.), accompaniment to medical appointments, and protective supervision for the mentally impaired are examples of services that can be authorized through IHSS. It is open to individuals who are 65 years old and over, disabled, or blind. Disabled children may also be eligible for IHSS.

Eligibility Criteria

• Physically residing in the United States
• A resident of California
• Must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination in place before applying for IHSS
• Residing at home or in a residence of your choice (excludes acute care hospitals, long-term care institutions, and licensed community care facilities as they are not considered (“own home”).
• Completed Health Care Certification form must be submitted

IHSS Program, How It Works

An in-home interview will be conducted by a Social Worker to establish the eligibility and need for IHSS, the types of services needed, and the number of hours the county will authorize for each of these services. This evaluation will include information provided by you as well as, if applicable, your family, friends, physician, or other licensed health care provider.

Prior to service authorization, the county must have a completed Health Care Certification (SOC 873).

Once approved, an individual provider must be hired to perform authorized services since it is your responsibility to hire, train, supervise, and fire this individual. This could be a neighbor or family member. Alternatively, you may choose to have services provided by a contractor if your county has contracted with IHSS providers.

Get in Touch
Contact us for more information.