Dealing with a family member or loved one that is struggling to care for themselves can be extremely challenging. Whether you are planning for long-term care or preparing for a loved one’s passing, it is important to find as many resources as available. State-run programs like IHSS can be an incredible resource for both long-term and acute situations.
In-Home Social Services (I.H.S.S.) is an excellent choice for those who need assistance due to health reasons, age, or disability because it allows them the option of receiving help in their home instead of being forced into a facility and can also benefit loved ones who might already be providing care.
Those who qualify may choose to hire a family member to perform services for them. In this way, not only the person who needs help receives assistance but also may be a chance to provide work to a loved one who finds it difficult to find a job
IHSS has multiple ways to qualify for their support and services. To be eligible, you must be 65 years of age, disabled, or blind. Disabled children are also potentially eligible for IHSS. Applicants must meet the following requirements
- Physically reside in the United States.
- be a resident of California
- have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination.
- live in a home of their choosing. Please note that acute care hospital, long-term care facilities, and licensed community care facilities are not considered eligible
- Submit a health care certification form.
How the program works:
A county social worker will interview you at your home to determine your eligibility and need for IHSS. Based on your ability to safely perform certain tasks for yourself, the social worker will assess the types of services you need and the number of hours the county will authorize for each of these services. This assessment will include information given by you and, if appropriate, by your family, friends, physician, or other licensed health care professional.
- A completed Health Care Certification (SOC 873) must be received by the county prior to authorization of services.
- You will then be notified if IHSS has been approved or denied. If denied, you will be notified of the reason for the denial. When approved, you will then be notified of the services and number of hours per month which have been authorized.
- If you are approved for IHSS, you must hire someone (your individual provider) to perform the authorized services. You are considered your provider’s employer and, therefore, it is your responsibility to hire, train, supervise, and fire this individual.
- If your county has contracted IHSS providers, you then may choose to have services provided by the contractor.
- If your county has homemaker employees, then you may receive services from a county homemaker.
How are IHSS payments made?
You may contact the social worker assigned to your case to determine the IHSS hourly rate in your county. Because unions negotiate with the employer of record in each county, the wage rates may vary from county to county. The State issues all checks for individual provider payments. If the provider qualifies, then the State withholds the applicable amounts for disability insurance and Social Security taxes.
The below will take you directly to the IHSS home page of California.
Applications are available to fill out at the bottom of the page in English, Spanish, Armenian and Chinese. Additional relevant resources can be found under quick links
IHSS OFFICES AND PHONE NUMBERS
Central Intake Unit for a referral for services
Phone (877) 200-4544
FAX (909) 948-6560
- Barstow
536 East Virginia Way, Barstow, CA 92311
760-256-5544 FAX 760-256-1605 - Needles District Office
1090 E. Broadway St., Needles, CA 92363
760-326-9328 FAX 760-326-9340 - Rancho Cucamonga
9445 Fairway View Place, Ste 110, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
909-948-6200
FAX 909-948-6201 Confidential FAX 909-948-6210 - San Bernardino
784 E. Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino, CA 92415
909-891-3700
FAX 909-891-3940 Confidential FAX 909-891-3939 - Victorville
17270 Bear Valley Road, Ste 108, Victorville, CA 92395
760-243-8400
FAX 760-243-8492 Confidential FAX 760-243-8494 - Yucca Valley
56357 Pima Trail, Yucca Valley, CA 92284
760-228-5390 FAX 760-228-5388
