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Guidance on IHSS Eligibility, Application Process, And Forms
What Is IHSS?
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is California’s primary system for providing in-home care to eligible seniors, blind individuals, and people with disabilities, allowing them to remain safe, independent, and cared for in their own homes. Instead of being placed in a facility, IHSS recipients receive essential support that addresses their daily living needs while protecting their health and safety.
Who Is IHSS For?
IHSS is designed for individuals who cannot safely perform daily activities on their own due to age, disability, or medical limitations. To qualify for these California in-home care services, applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
Basic Eligibility Requirements
Be eligible for Medi-Cal benefits;*
To qualify for IHSS you must:
- Be 65 years old or older, blind, and/or disabled as defined by Social Security Administration (SSA) standards. Disabled children are also potentially eligible for IHSS;
- Be a California resident;
- Live in your own home. Hospitals, nursing homes, and licensed community care facilities are not considered “own home”;
Be eligible for Medi-Cal benefits;*
Be eligible for Medi-Cal benefits;*
- *IHSS applicants must complete a Medi-Cal eligibility determination or redetermination. Individuals whose income is too high to qualify for Medi-Cal with no share of cost (SOC) may still be eligible for IHSS with a Medi-Cal SOC. The share of cost may be applied towards the receipt of Medi-Cal and/or IHSS benefits.
Participate in a home assessment interview;
- Obtain a health care certification from a licensed health care professional (LHCP) such as a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, etc., indicating that you are unable to safely perform one or more activities and without IHSS, would be at risk of placement in out-of-home care. Applicants may provide the SOC 873 - In-Home Supportive Services Program Health Care Certification Form to certify their need for IHSS.
- These requirements ensure that IHSS is reserved for individuals who genuinely need in-home assistance to maintain their health, independence, and quality of life.
Conclusion
- **California Residency** — You must be a current resident of the State of California.
- **Medi-Cal Eligibility** — You must have an active Medi-Cal determination or be in the process of obtaining one.
- **Living in Your Own Home** — You must reside in a private residence of your choosing. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and licensed community care facilities do not qualify as an “own home” under IHSS rules.
- **Health Care Certification** — Your doctor must complete and submit the required SOC 873 form confirming that you need in-home supportive services to remain safely at home.
How To Apply
Resources and Helpful Links Hiring and Working with a Provider
Additional Forms
"Not All Forms Are Required"
Recipient Forms
https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/senior-and-disabled/ihss/recipients/forms.html
Some Of The Forms You May Need Throughout The Process Depending On Your Criteria:
- 295 (9/18) - Application For In-Home Supportive Services (14pt Font)
- SOC 295L (9/18) – Application For In-Home Supportive Services (18pt Font)
- SOC 838 (10/12) - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipient Request For Assignment Of Authorized Hours To Providers
- SOC 840 (10/12) - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program Provider Or Recipient Change Of Address And/Or Telephone
- SOC 426A (1/16) - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program Recipient Designation Of Provider
- SOC 873 (10/16) - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program Health Care Certification Form
- SOC 873L (1/19) - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program Health Care Certification Form (Large Print)
Additional Forms
Resources and Helpful Links Hiring and Working with a Provider
Additional Forms
- SOC 2279 (1/16) - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program Live-In Family Care Provider Overtime Exemption
- SOC 321 (11/99) - Request For Order And Consent - Paramedical Services
- SOC 825 (6/06) - Protective Supervision 24-Hours-A-Day Coverage Plan
- SOC 839 (8/25) - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Designation Of Authorized Representative
- SOC 2256 (11/15) - In-Home Support Services Program Recipient And Provider Workweek Agreement
- SOC 2274 (11/14) - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program Accompaniment To Medical Appointment
- SOC 2326 (8/25) - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipient’s Responsibility To Stop Sexual Harassment In The Workplace.
Resources and Helpful Links Hiring and Working with a Provider
Resources and Helpful Links Hiring and Working with a Provider
Resources and Helpful Links Hiring and Working with a Provider
- Interviewing, and Hiring a Provider - English
- Getting Started with Your New Provider - English
- IHSS Recipient and Provider Job Agreement - English
- Communicating with Your Provider - English
- Setting and Maintaining Boundaries - English
- Supervising Your Provider - English
- Deciding When to Fire a Provider - English
- Suggestions on How to Handle Money - English
- Recognizing Abusive Behavior - English
About IHSS-InHomeSupportiveServices.org
How to Appeal a Denial
If your provider enrollment is denied, you have the right to appeal. This resource explains the appeal steps and required documentation.
Paperless Mailing Options
Go paperless for faster, more secure communication. Through your Electronic Services Portal (ESP) account, you can:
- Receive digital paystubs
- Access timesheets
- View payment history
- Manage direct deposit
IHSS Provider Enrollment Process
Once a recipient is approved for IHSS services, the social worker assists them in selecting a care provider. Providers may include family members, friends, neighbors, and registered Public Authority providers.
Enrollment includes completing required forms, passing a background check, and activating your provider status through the ESP.
Time Sheet Processing
After your enrollment is approved, providers can access and submit timesheets electronically.
Key Points:
- Timesheets are available retroactively from the date you were assigned to the recipient.
- IHSS has two pay periods: 1st–15th & 16th–End of month.
- Providers must record hours based on authorized services only.
- Both provider and recipient must electronically sign timesheets.
- All submissions are completed through the Electronic Services Portal (ESP).