IHSS: In-Home Supportive Services
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IHSS: In-Home Supportive Services

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Overview

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) can fund home-based care to meet your child's needs and support your family. Learn how to take advantage of this Medi-Cal program, what it offers, what documents you'll need to apply, and what to do if you receive a denial.

Who is eligible for IHSS?

IHSS is a Medi-Cal program, so in order to apply, your child must first be eligible for Medi-Cal based on your household income or using the institutional deeming waiver. From there, your child’s eligibility for IHSS hours will be assessed based on how their care needs exceed that of a typically developing child of the same age.

Contents


Overview

Who is eligible for IHSS?

How do I become a parent provider?

What should I do to prepare for a home visit?

When and how can I appeal IHSS’s decision?

Related Parent Questions

What is In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)?
IHSS is a Medi-Cal program that provides home-based personal care and related services so that people with disabilities can remain safely in their communities. Part of Medi-Cal, the IHSS program will help pay for certain services for an eligible child with a disability.
What can In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) pay for?
For children, authorized In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) may include personal care services, meal preparation, paramedical services, accompaniment to medical appointments, and protective supervision to prevent injury to themselves or others.
Does my child qualify for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)?
IHSS hours are awarded for allowable services to the extent that a child’s needs exceed those of a typically developing child of the same age. IHSS uses a ranking scale to determine the number of hours awarded for each service.
How should I prepare for the IHSS in-home visit?
You and your child will be interviewed in your home to determine eligibility and need for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). Here are the top tips about how to prepare for this visit, what to do during the visit, and how to follow up afterward.
How do I choose an IHSS provider?
If you are ineligible to be a parent provider, you must hire someone to perform the authorized services. If you need assistance locating a provider, call the Personal Assistance Services Council. You may also have a family member or family friend become authorized to provide IHSS services.
What if I’m denied IHSS?
It is very common to be denied for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) the first time around, but many families succeed after appealing by requesting a state hearing.

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Author

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.

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Jennifer Drew, Undivided Senior Editor


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