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Parent Question

Can I apply for IHSS while my Medi-Cal application is pending?


Published: Dec. 5, 2025Updated: Dec. 5, 2025

Your child must be enrolled in Medi-Cal in order to be approved for IHSS. Some case workers tell parents that they can start applying IHSS while their Medi-Cal enrollment is pending. Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck says that if IHSS processes the application before Medi-Cal is active, IHSS might issue a denial on the basis of not having Medi-Cal.
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