In Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

The In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program will assist in paying for home care services provided to persons who meet certain qualifications. This program allows individuals the opportunity to receive in-home care, as opposed to being placed in a nursing home or a board and care facility.

IHSS Program Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for In Home Supportive Services, a person must meet at least one of these requirements:

1. Must be over the age of 65
2. Legally blind
3. Disabled
4. Disabled children are also eligible for In Home Supportive Services

There are other criteria that may affect eligibility for In Home Supportive Services such as:

• The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien.
• The care must be given in the applicant’s home or other dwelling, not in a facility such as a nursing home or hospital.
• A single applicant cannot have more than $2,000 in personal property or $3,000 per couple.

For those applying for In Home Supportive Services that are not receiving SSI/SSP benefits, their income will be used to determine eligibility for IHSS. Depending on the applicant’s income, they may or may not need to share in the cost of their In Home Supportive Services.

IHSS Services

There are a number of services that can be authorized through In Home Supportive Services:

• Light housekeeping
• Laundry
• Meal preparation
• Grocery shopping
• Personal care services (bathing, incontinence, bowel care, grooming, etc.)
• Medical appointment accompaniment

Depending on the level of care a recipient needs, other In Home Supportive Services may be offered.

Process: How it Works

After a social worker reviews the application for In Home Supportive Services, he or she meets with the applicant in the home to further evaluate the need for in-home care. During the interview, the social worker will determine what tasks can be handled by the applicant and what In Home Supportive Services will be needed. With that information, the total hours per month of needed in-home care can be calculated.

Hourly rates for In Home Supportive Services are generally calculated by the social worker handling the case. The hiring of an in-home caregiver, however, is the responsibility of the care recipient. Time-sheets will need to be filled out by the provider and caregiver verifying the services provided. The time-sheets must then be submitted to the social worker so that payment can be made for the In Home Supportive Services received.

Anyone who has questions concerning eligibility, needs to know more about the application process, or would like to find out additional information about the In Home Supportive Services program is encouraged to speak with their local IHSS office.