·State program
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides in-home assistance to eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals as an alternative to out-of-home care, allowing recipients to remain safely in their own homes.
What it offers
Authorized services include housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care services (such as bathing and grooming), paramedical services, accompaniment to medical appointments, and protective supervision for the mentally impaired. Recipients may receive up to 283 hours per month (average ~124 hours/month). The program pays providers (who can be family members) to perform these tasks, with the recipient acting as the employer. Provider wages vary by county.
Questions that decide eligibility
GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:
- 01
Does the person receiving care live in California?
Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
- 02
What are the current income and asset limits, and whose income counts?
Our record lists 138% of the federal poverty level — limits change, so confirm the current figures.
- 03
Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?
- 04
Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?
- 05
Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.
Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
- 06
What documents do you need from us to start an application?
- 07
Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?