The Basics

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provide people with low-income who are blind, disabled, or 65 years old or older with personal assistance and other services so they can live safely in their homes. If you sign up for IHSS, you become a recipient and work with providers that help throughout your day. Providers may do a range of tasks, such as household chores, personal care like dressing and bathing, and paramedical services. IHSS providers can also help at your workplace or when you are in the community. The IHSS program allows people to live in their own homes, instead of in assisted living or nursing facilities. The program is funded by state, county, and federal dollars.

IHSS is available for people who receive full-scope Medi-Cal. You apply at your county In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) office: when the county gets your application for IHSS, the county will contact you to schedule a home visit. During the home visit, a county employee will do a needs assessment to see what types of services you require to stay safely in your own home and the number of hours that the program will pay for. IHSS recipients may qualify for up to 283 hours of service per month and can work with one or multiple providers.