RoundsHome health
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) in California: help with daily care at home
What California’s IHSS program is, who can qualify through Medi-Cal, the kinds of help it pays for, whether a family member can be the paid caregiver, and how to apply through the county.
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Home health brings nurses and therapists for a time. Many families also need help every day with bathing, meals and housework, for months or years. In California, In-Home Supportive Services, or IHSS, can pay for that help for people on Medi-Cal. This note explains how it works.
What IHSS is
IHSS provides in-home help for eligible people who are aged, blind or disabled, so they can stay safely in their own homes instead of moving into out-of-home care.1 It’s different from home health: IHSS pays for everyday help, while home health brings skilled nursing and therapy ordered by a doctor.
Who can qualify
A person needs a Medi-Cal eligibility determination, must live in California, and must live in their own home or a home of their choosing; hospitals, nursing homes and licensed care facilities don’t count.1 A Health Care Certification form from a licensed health professional must reach the county before services start.1
What it helps with
Services can include house cleaning, shopping, cooking, laundry and personal care.2 A county social worker visits the home, assesses needs and sets the monthly hours.1
Can a family member be paid?
Yes, family members and close friends work as IHSS providers and must meet the same requirements as any provider, including timesheets.3 The person receiving care acts as the employer, hiring, training and supervising the provider.1 For spouses and parents, Social Security taxes may not be withheld, so it’s worth asking a tax preparer.3
How to apply
Apply through your county IHSS office.1 Have the Medi-Cal information ready and ask the doctor to complete the Health Care Certification.1
How we help
A HealthView social worker can explain IHSS, help a family start the application and coordinate with the IHSS provider during home health or hospice care.
Questions families ask
Does Mom need Medi-Cal for IHSS?
Yes. IHSS requires a Medi-Cal eligibility determination.1
Can I get paid to care for my dad?
Family members can work as IHSS providers and meet the same requirements as any provider.3
Where do we apply?
At your county IHSS office.1
Sources
Sources 3 references
- California Department of Social Services, “In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program.” cdss.ca.gov (opens in a new tab)
- California Department of Social Services, “In-Home Supportive Services General Information Brochure,” PUB 56. cdss.ca.gov (opens in a new tab)
- California Department of Social Services, IHSS Training Academy, “Wearing Two Hats: When You are an IHSS Provider for a Family Member or a Close Friend.” cdss.ca.gov (opens in a new tab)
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