Resources

When IHSS may apply

In-Home Supportive Services is a county Medi-Cal program. It can pay a family member or other individual provider for authorized hours. That is a different path from hiring a licensed Home Care Organization.

Start with Medi-Cal and the county

IHSS builds on a Medi-Cal determination and a county in-home assessment. Adult children often become the paid provider after enrollment. California Home Help explains those forms in plain language.

When families use both

Some households use IHSS hours for a family provider and hire a licensed agency for extra hours or for tasks the family cannot cover. The county still decides IHSS hours. The agency contract is separate.

Where to read next

Use the California Home Help encyclopedia for IHSS, Medi-Cal, and county steps. Come back here when you need a licensed organization name and facility number.

Continue on California Home Help for IHSS forms, Medi-Cal, and county steps.

Coordinating care at home

When the paperwork and the agency search pile up, Sevah's home care team can help you line up the next call. That is optional technology-enabled home support, not a substitute for a CDSS license check.

Read about Sevah

Need help finding care for a parent

Share a few details if you want a California Home Help coordinator to help you look through licensed agencies, or to talk through when IHSS may apply. CDSS and the county still decide licenses and IHSS hours.

  • A coordinator follows up
  • CDSS decides licenses
  • You can stop anytime
  • Educational help

For example: a parent in Sacramento who needs weekday help, or a question about IHSS versus a private agency. Keep medical records and diagnoses for the agency or county packet.