What is IHSS?
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program helps older adults, people with disabilities, and people who are blind stay safe in their own homes instead of moving into a care facility. It provides help with daily activities like bathing, cooking, and cleaning.
Who can get IHSS?
To qualify for IHSS, you must:
- Live in California
- Be on Medi-Cal
- Live in your own home (not a hospital or care facility)
- Turn in a form from your doctor (called a Health Care Certification)
How Do You Get Services?
- A county social worker will visit your home to learn what kind of help you need.
- They’ll talk with you (and possibly your family or doctor) to figure out what services you qualify for.
- You’ll get a letter saying if you were approved or denied. If approved, it will list the services and hours per month you can get.
How does it work?
- If you’re approved, you hire someone (like a friend, family member, or neighbor) to help you.
- You are the employer, which means you choose who helps you, train them, manage their schedule, and can replace them if needed.
- This is called self-direction—you are in charge of your care.
- In some counties, you can choose a county worker or an agency to provide the help if you don’t want to hire someone yourself.
How Are Providers Paid?
- The State pays your provider directly.
- Wages depend on where you live and may vary by county.
- The State handles payroll taxes like Social Security and disability.
Reassessments:
Each year, IHSS checks to make sure your needs are still being met.The social worker looks at your health, living setup, and other needs to update your services. You can ask for a new assessment anytime if your health or living situation changes.
For more information or to apply, contact your county’s IHSS office or visit the California Department of Social Services IHSS page: