• What Is IHSS?

The In‑Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is California’s primary system for helping eligible seniors, blind individuals, and people with disabilities remain safe, independent, and cared for in their own homes. Instead of being placed in a facility, IHSS recipients receive essential in‑home assistance that supports their daily living needs and protects their health and safety.

IHSS is designed for individuals who cannot safely perform daily activities on their own due to age, disability, or medical limitations. To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following eligibility requirements:

• 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 live 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.

These requirements ensure that IHSS is reserved for individuals who genuinely need in‑home assistance to maintain their health, independence, and quality of life.

How To Apply 

"Not All Forms Are Required", 

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 

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 838 (10/12) - In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Recipient Request For Assignment Of Authorized Hours To Providers

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

 How the IHSS Program Works

The IHSS process is structured, regulated, and designed to ensure that eligible individuals receive the in‑home support they need to remain safe and independent. Below is a clear, step‑by‑step breakdown of how the program operates from intake to service authorization.

A county social worker conducts an in‑home interview to evaluate your eligibility and determine the level of assistance you need. During this assessment, the social worker reviews:

• Your ability to safely perform daily tasks
• Input from family, friends, or healthcare professionals
• Medical limitations and functional needs

Learn more about the IHSS home assessment process.

Before any services can be approved, the county must receive a completed Health Care Certification from your doctor. This form confirms that in‑home supportive services are medically necessary.

After your assessment:

• If approved, you will receive a notice listing the authorized services and monthly hours.
• If denied, the county will provide the reason and instructions for appeal.

Understand IHSS approval and denial outcomes.

Once approved, you must hire someone to perform your authorized services. Under IHSS rules:

• You are the employer of your provider
• You are responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and terminating your worker

Some counties also offer:

• Contracted IHSS providers
• County homemaker employees

Learn about IHSS provider responsibilities.

IHSS payments vary by county because wage rates are negotiated locally. Key points:

• Contact your social worker for your county’s hourly rate
• The State of California issues all provider payments
• If eligible, the State withholds disability insurance and Social Security taxes

You may contact the social worker assigned to your case to determine the IHSS hourly rate in your county. Because unions negotiate with the employer of record in each county, the wage rates may vary from county to county. The State issues all checks for individual provider payments. If the provider qualifies, the State withholds the applicable amounts for disability insurance and Social Security taxes.

IHSS assessments are completed during home visits at the initial intake assessment and annual reassessments. Recipients may request for a reassessment of need at any time if their needs or circumstances change. County social workers continuously monitor recipients’ cases and have frequent contact with recipients to ensure their needs are appropriately met through program services. IHSS social workers complete a needs assessment for each applicant or recipient using the following criteria: the Functional Index Rankings, the Annotated Assessment Criteria, and the Hourly Task Guidelines (HTGs).

Service authorizations are assessed during the needs assessment, which is a comprehensive review of the recipient’s medical history/diagnosis, medications/purpose, emergency contacts, physicians’ information, household composition, functional index rankings, mini-mental health assessment, necessary referrals to Adult Protective Services (APS), Child Protective Services (CPS), Fraud, community services, etc., language preferences and whether an interpreter is needed, and a full biopsychosocial assessment. The social worker needs to document all service needs and justify service authorizations in the case narrative.

A complete resource hub for individuals who want to become IHSS providers, understand the enrollment process, and manage timesheets and payments through California’s Electronic Services Portal (ESP).

Becoming an IHSS provider allows you to deliver authorized in‑home care to an eligible recipient, often a family member, friend, or someone in your community. The process is regulated by the State of California to ensure safety, compliance, and proper payment through the IHSS program.

Below is a precise, step‑by‑step guide to becoming an approved provider.

All new providers must attend a mandatory orientation through the county or Public Authority. This covers program rules, responsibilities, timesheet procedures, and legal requirements.

You must complete and submit all state‑required enrollment documents, including:

• Provider enrollment agreement
• Provider identification forms
• Background check authorization

California law requires all IHSS providers to pass a Department of Justice Live Scan background check. This ensures the safety of vulnerable recipients.

Once your enrollment is approved, you can begin working for: A family member, A friend, A neighbor, A registered Public Authority recipient

The county social worker may also help match you with a recipient if needed.

All IHSS providers must use the Electronic Services Portal (ESP) to:

Submit timesheets, Sign timesheets electronically, View payment history, Manage direct deposit, Access paperless paystubs

Once approved and assigned to a recipient, you may begin providing care only for the services and hours authorized by the county. You and the recipient will electronically sign timesheets every pay period.

IHSS providers are paid by the State, not the recipient. Wages vary by county and may include: Hourly pay, Overtime (if applicable), Paid sick leave, State‑withheld taxes, if eligible

If your provider enrollment is denied, you have the right to appeal. This resource explains the appeal steps and required documentation.

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

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, & Registered Public Authority providers.

Enrollment includes completing required forms, passing a background check, and activating your provider status through the ESP.

After enrollment is approved, providers can access and submit timesheets electronically.

• 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)

Managing IHSS providers involves understanding legal responsibilities, hiring procedures, and effective communication. Our resources will cover all these topics, helping families select qualified providers and establish positive working relationships. We believe that well-informed families can ensure better care and more satisfying provider experiences.

We are passionate about serving communities with compassion and dedication. Our upcoming platform will emphasize accessible information, community engagement, and personalized support to assist families throughout their IHSS journey. Our mission is to foster trust and ensure that every family receives the support they deserve.

 You may contact the social worker assigned to your case to determine the IHSS hourly rate in your county. Because unions negotiate with the employer of record in each county, the wage rates may vary from county to county. The State issues all checks for individual provider payments. If the provider qualifies, the State withholds the applicable amounts for disability insurance and Social Security taxes.