In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program¶
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals as an alternative to out-of-home care, allowing recipients to remain safely in their own homes.
Authorized services include housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care services (such as bathing and grooming), paramedical services, accompaniment to medical appointments, and protective supervision for the mentally impaired. Recipients may receive up to 283 hours per month (average ~124 hours/month). The program pays providers (who can be family members) to perform these tasks, with the recipient acting as the employer. Provider wages vary by county.
Eligibility¶
- Household income at or below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level
Questions to ask the program¶
These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.
- Does the person receiving care live in California? — Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
- What are the current income and asset limits, and whose income counts? — Our record lists 138% of the federal poverty level — limits change, so confirm the current figures.
- Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. — Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
- What documents do you need from us to start an application?
- Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?
Services¶
Authorized services include housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care services (such as bathing and grooming), paramedical services, accompaniment to medical appointments, and protective supervision for the mentally impaired. Recipients may receive up to 283 hours per month (average ~124 hours/month). The program pays providers (who can be family members) to perform these tasks, with the recipient acting as the employer. Provider wages vary by county.
How to apply¶
Use the official program page for application details: official program page.