Who Qualifies for IHSS in California? Benefits & Eligibility Explained
- Linda Varga
- Jul 21
- 3 min read
📌 Quick Answer: To qualify for IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) in California, an individual must be a low-income California resident who is blind, disabled, or over age 65, and must require assistance to remain safely in their home. Eligibility is determined through a Medi-Cal application and a needs assessment.
California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides vital support to seniors and people with disabilities who want to stay safely in their own homes instead of moving into institutional care. But not everyone qualifies. This blog breaks down who is eligible for IHSS, what benefits it offers, and how to apply.
At Moravec, Varga & Mooney, we help families understand IHSS eligibility and coordinate long-term care planning with estate strategies that protect both assets and dignity.
🧾 What Is IHSS?
IHSS is a Medi-Cal-funded program that pays for in-home assistance with daily living tasks. The goal is to help eligible individuals remain in their homes, avoiding costly nursing home placement.
Services may include:
Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting
Meal preparation and feeding
Mobility assistance
Housecleaning and laundry
Accompaniment to medical appointments
Protective supervision (for cognitively impaired individuals)
👨⚖️ Who Qualifies for IHSS in California?
To qualify for IHSS, an applicant must meet three key requirements:
✅ 1. Residency & Citizenship
Must be a California resident
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident
✅ 2. Medi-Cal Eligibility
Must be enrolled in or qualify for Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program)
This involves meeting income and asset limits
For 2025, an individual’s income must typically be under $1,732/month, with assets below $2,000 (some exemptions apply)
📝 Note: Planning tools like special needs trusts or Medi-Cal asset protection trusts can help applicants qualify while preserving family assets.
✅ 3. Demonstrated Need for Assistance
Must be aged (65+), blind, or disabled
Must be unable to live safely at home without help
Must undergo a needs assessment by a county social worker who determines the number of care hours based on functional limitations
💰 IHSS Benefits: What You Get
If approved, IHSS provides funding to pay a caregiver—often a family member—to assist with approved tasks. Benefits include:
Hourly compensation (paid directly to the caregiver)
Flexible caregiving from someone familiar and trusted
Staying in your home instead of a facility
No cost to recipients if they meet Medi-Cal financial criteria
👪 Can a Family Member Be the Caregiver?
Yes! One of the most attractive features of IHSS is that you can choose your caregiver, including:
A spouse
An adult child
A friend or neighbor
Another relative
The caregiver will receive hourly wages through the IHSS system and must complete enrollment and training.
📝 How to Apply for IHSS
1. Apply for Medi-Cal (if not already enrolled)
Visit BenefitsCal.com or contact your local county office.
2. Submit IHSS Application (SOC 295)
Request the application from your local County Department of Social Services (CDSS).
3. Home Visit & Assessment
A social worker will visit your home to assess your need for in-home care and assign authorized hours.
4. Medical Certification Form (SOC 873)
A licensed health care professional must verify your disability and need for assistance.
5. Choose Your Caregiver & Begin Services
Once approved, you can select your caregiver and begin receiving paid assistance.
⚠️ What Disqualifies Someone from IHSS?
Income or assets that exceed Medi-Cal limits (unless planning strategies are used)
Being in a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or licensed care home full-time
Failing to complete the in-home assessment or required medical certification
Not being a legal California resident
🏁 Final Thoughts
IHSS is a lifeline for thousands of California families, allowing seniors and people with disabilities to receive dignified care at home. However, navigating Medi-Cal and IHSS requirements can be overwhelming. The earlier you plan, the more options you have to protect your eligibility and your estate.
If you or a loved one is considering IHSS, contact Moravec, Varga & Mooney. We offer comprehensive support with Medi-Cal eligibility, special needs planning, and estate protection strategies tailored to California law.