What is In-Home Supportive Services?

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a State program under the direction of the California Department of Social Services. IHSS provides assistance to eligible individuals who are aged, blind, and/or disabled, who would be unable to remain safely in their own homes without assistance. IHSS is an alternative to out-of-home care, such as a nursing home or a board and care facility.

The Calaveras County Health and Services Agency is committed to providing services to eligible individuals to assist them in living independently in the least restrictive environment.

In an effort to assist eligible individuals to remain safely within their homes, the IHSS program is staffed with social workers trained to assess eligible individual’s needs to receive assistance with completing activities of daily living.


Eligibility Criteria for all IHSS Applicants and Recipients:

  • You must physically reside in the United States
  • You must also be a California resident
  • You must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination
  • You must live at home or an abode of your own choosing (acute care hospital, long-term care facility and licensed community care facilities are not considered “own home”)
  • You must submit a completed Health Care Certification form from a Physician authorizing services
     

Anyone who recognizes that a person is in need of in-home assistance may make a referral to IHSS. Once the requirements for the Health Care Certification and Medi-Cal eligibility are met a social worker is assigned to the case to conduct an assessment of need. The determination will take into consideration the applicant’s medical condition, living arrangement, persons living in the home and resources that may already be available.

Once the needs assessment is authorized, IHSS can assist a recipient with finding a caregiver. A friend or relative may serve as a caregiver, or a referral may be made through the Public Authority Registry. Once a caregiver is selected, the client acts as the employer and is responsible for supervision and signing of time sheets.

Working together, IHSS and the caregiver ensure that each recipient is able to remain in their home safely, comfortable and with as much independence as possible.

FAQs

How do I become an IHSS Provider

12 December 2022

How do I become an IHSS Provider

There are a few steps in becoming an IHSS Provider. The Public Authority website contains all the necessary information. Please go to the "Provider Enrollment" page on the website to enroll. If you do not have a computer or smartphone, we recommend going to a location that offers computer access such as your local library or Mother Load Job Training.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for IHSS?

30 November 2022

What are the Eligibility Requirements for IHSS?

A person is eligible for IHSS if they reside in their own home and meet the following conditions:

  • Consumer is currently receiving SSI/SSP benefits.
  • Consumer has at least one personal care or paramedical service need.
  • Disability is expected to last 12 months or longer.

What is IHSS Income-Eligible?

30 November 2022

What is IHSS Income-Eligible?

To be IHSS/Income-Eligible, a person must meet all SSI/SSP eligibility criteria.

If income exceeds the SSI/SSP eligibility standards, the Consumer is required to pay a share of cost for the services provided.

Who is an IHSS Consumer?

30 November 2022

Who is an IHSS Consumer?

An IHSS Consumer is a person who has been authorized to receive IHSS. The Consumer is the employer of the Provider for the purpose of selecting, hiring, supervising, training, and if necessary, terminating the employment of the Provider.

Resources

Electronic Timesheets Available

IHSS Providers and Consumers recently received letters from the California Department of Social Services about Electronic Timesheets available through the link below.

Easy Process  =  Faster payment. Access your information 24/7 from the Electronic Services Portal (ESP)

Provide the Following Information

  • Name
  • Date of birth
  • 9 Digit provider ID #
  • 7 Digit Case #
  • Last 4 digits of you Social Security Number
  • A valid email address

Timesheets

  • Submit your timesheets faster
  • Reduce timesheet errors
  • View your timesheet status
  • Obtain timesheets

Providers and Consumers register for the ESP at www.etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov

For portal help call:  (866) 376-7066 option 4