Can I get In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for a baby or toddler?

Some families think their children don’t qualify for IHSS because they’re told over the phone, “Your child is too young,” or “Call back when your child is a certain age.” Note that IHSS hours are tied to what kind of care a parent would be expected to provide to a typically developing child of the same age, so to the extent that your child has extraordinary care needs that exceed that, IHSS can't deny based just on age.

If you’re applying for IHSS for the first time and you’re told that your child is too young, Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck recommends this response: “I understand. I would like to apply anyway. If my child is denied, they can send me a written notice of action.” The reason is because if you appeal the denial and your child is later found eligible, IHSS will pay retroactive benefits to the date you first applied, potentially up to 90 days prior to the application date.

For more information, see our full article 14 Myths about In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for Minors.