IHSS
- Home
- IHSS
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program helps people who are elderly, blind, or disabled stay
safely in their own homes instead of moving to a care facility. IHSS provides financial assistance to pay for
caregivers who help with daily activities like cooking, cleaning, bathing, dressing, and shopping.
The program is run by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) and local county offices. IHSS
gives individuals the ability to hire their own caregivers, which can include trusted family members or
friends. This program allows people to remain independent while getting the help they need.
You may qualify for IHSS if you live in California and meet specific income, residency, and medical
requirements. Generally, you must:
• Be a California resident
• Be aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled
• Live in your own home or apartment (not a hospital or nursing facility)
• Be eligible for Medi-Cal
• Need help with daily tasks like cooking, bathing, dressing, cleaning, or moving around safely
Eligibility is determined by your county social services office. A social worker will visit your home to assess
your needs and decide how many hours of help you can receive each month.
Once approved, you can choose your own caregiver or hire someone through the IHSS registry.
Caregivers are paid by the state to provide the services that were approved in your care plan. The number
of hours you receive depends on your medical condition and level of need.
Typical services covered by IHSS include housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, and
personal care like bathing and dressing. The goal is to help you live comfortably and safely in your home
while maintaining your independence.
Each year, your case is reviewed to make sure you still qualify for the same level of care. If your health or
living situation changes, your IHSS hours may be adjusted.
Applying for IHSS can feel confusing, especially if it’s your first time. You must fill out the correct forms,
provide medical proof of your need for care, and complete a home evaluation. Having help from an
authorized representative can make the process much easier and faster.
Marine Poghosyan helps clients prepare IHSS applications, organize their paperwork, and communicate with
county offices. She makes sure you understand what to expect at each step and that your application
includes everything needed for approval.