Event Recap

Getting Started With IHSS? Frequently Asked Questions About Applying

Published: May. 25, 2022Updated: Jun. 6, 2025

If you’re working on your In-Home Supportive Services application, it can be intimidating to understand all the requirements and complete the mountain of paperwork. That’s why we’re continuing our monthly series on how to get started. During this live event, our Public Benefits Specialist, Lisa Concoff Kronbeck, answered questions about the IHSS program and provided tips for parents. Check out the top takeaways from the event below!

How long will the initial application take?

Lisa explained that it can take several weeks from the time you initially call IHSS to request an application for you to receive all the paperwork in the mail. However, you can stay busy in the meantime by visiting your child’s doctor and making copies of everything. The clip below is chock full of tips for submitting your paperwork and following up to make sure it was received, so be sure to watch it for Lisa’s advice before you send in your application!

Can I get paid as a parent provider if I work full-time or part-time?

In the IHSS program, parents can either receive funding for outside help to provide paramedical and protective services, or parents can be paid to provide this care for their own children. See our full article about IHSS providers to learn about who qualifies to become a parent provider and what the process looks like.

Can I claim time spent caring for my child in the hospital?

The short answer is no; unfortunately, IHSS won’t provide hours for the time your child is admitted to a hospital. Lisa elaborates in this clip:

Watch the full recording

If you missed the event or want to review what we learned, you can watch the full recording here. Parent Sonia B commented in the chat during our live event, “I didn’t know I could apply for this type of help.” We totally understand how confusing it can be to get our kids the services and supports they need, which is why we’re building a community of parents and experts to share resources.

If you have more questions about IHSS or other services, be sure to attend our next live event to ask your question in the chat and hear from our experts and fellow parents! Keep an eye on our Facebook page to learn more about upcoming events, and join our Facebook Group to keep the discussion going.

Contents

Overview

How long will the initial application take?

Can I get paid as a parent provider if I work full-time or part-time?

Can I claim time spent caring for my child in the hospital?

Watch the full recording

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Related Resources

IHSS: In-Home Supportive Services

How to Apply for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): The Essentials of Eligibility

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Brittany OlsenUndivided Editor

An editor and cartoonist who loves using words and images to simplify and share ideas. She has ten years of experience as a copy editor and lives near Portland, Oregon. She often spends her free time going on nature walks with her dog or trying new bread recipes. Reviewed by Lindsay Crain, Undivided Head of Content and Community Contributor Lisa Concoff Kronbeck, Undivided Public Benefits Specialist

Each piece of content has been rigorously researched, edited, and vetted to bring you the latest and most up-to-date information. Learn more about our content and research process here.

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