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. Services range from assistance with household chores to personal care, such as dressing, bathing, and paramedical services. Some IHSS can also be used in the workplace. IHSS is often seen as an alternative to out-of-home placement, such as assisted living or nursing facilities. The program is funded by state, county, and federal dollars.

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 IHSS you require to stay safely in your own home and the number of hours that will be paid for by the program. IHSS recipients may qualify for up to 283 hours of service per month.