California
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
Self-directed care programs in California that let you choose your own personal assistant or pay a family member as your caregiver.
In-Home Supportive Services
Open - No WaitlistPA Hourly Rate
$16.90 - $23.00
per hour
Monthly Benefit
$1,800 - $5,600
estimated range
What You Can & Can't Do
What You Can Do
- Hire a family member (parent, child, sibling) as your caregiver
- Choose and hire your own provider — you are the employer
- Receive up to 283 hours of care per month
- Get help with housekeeping, meals, laundry, bathing, dressing, and paramedical services
- Have your provider accompany you to medical appointments
- Request a reassessment if your needs change
- Receive protective supervision if you have a cognitive impairment
What You Can't Do
- Hire your spouse as a paid IHSS provider
- Use IHSS funds for skilled nursing care (RN-level services)
- Exceed the maximum authorized hours per month
- Have your provider perform tasks outside the authorized service plan
- Use IHSS if you live in a licensed care facility
- Receive IHSS without active Medi-Cal eligibility
How to Apply
Confirm Medi-Cal eligibility
You must have active Medi-Cal. Apply through your county social services office or online at Covered California if you don't have it.
Submit IHSS application
Call your county IHSS office or apply online through the CDSS website. You'll complete an SOC 295 application form.
Schedule in-home assessment
A county social worker contacts you within 30 days to schedule a home visit to evaluate your care needs.
Receive needs assessment
The social worker observes your daily living activities and determines how many hours you need in each service category.
Get your Notice of Action
You'll receive a written notice with your authorized hours. If you disagree, you can request a state hearing within 90 days.
Select and enroll your provider
Choose your caregiver. They must complete enrollment through the IHSS provider enrollment process, including a background check.
Begin receiving services
Once your provider is enrolled, services begin. Timesheets are submitted electronically via the IHSS Electronic Timesheet System.
PA Documents & Requirements
What your personal assistant needs to get started in California
Government-issued photo ID
Driver's license, state ID, or passport
Social Security card
Original or replacement card
SOC 426 Provider Enrollment Form
Completed and signed IHSS provider enrollment form
W-4 tax withholding form
Federal tax withholding election
I-9 Employment Eligibility
Proof of legal right to work in the United States
Live Scan fingerprinting
Background check via DOJ and FBI fingerprint scan — required since 2016
Direct deposit form
Bank account information for electronic payment (optional but recommended)
Provider orientation certificate
Completion of IHSS provider orientation program
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for IHSS in California?
You must be a California resident receiving Medi-Cal (Medicaid), be aged, blind, or disabled, and unable to live safely at home without help. There is no age minimum — children can qualify too.
Can a family member be my IHSS provider?
Yes. Parents, adult children, siblings, and other relatives can be paid IHSS providers. However, spouses cannot be paid providers under IHSS.
How are my IHSS hours determined?
A county social worker visits your home to assess your needs across categories like housekeeping, meal preparation, bathing, and paramedical services. Hours are based on how much help you need in each category, up to 283 hours per month.
How much do IHSS providers get paid?
IHSS provider wages range from $16.90 to $23.00 per hour depending on your county. Some counties have negotiated higher wages through unions. Providers also receive health benefits in many counties.
What is the IHSS application process timeline?
After submitting your application, the county has 30 days to schedule an in-home assessment. You should receive a Notice of Action within 30-60 days of applying. Services can begin once approved.
Can my IHSS provider work overtime?
IHSS providers are limited to 40 hours per week per recipient. If you need more than 40 hours, you can have multiple providers. Overtime rules apply under federal labor law.
Ready to check your eligibility?
Answer a few questions and we'll tell you if you qualify for California's IHSS program.