A county social worker will interview to determine your child's eligibility and need for IHSS. Based on your child's ability to safely perform certain tasks, the social worker will assess the types of services they need and the number of hours the county will authorize for each of these services. This assessment will include information given by you and, if appropriate, by your family, friends, physician or other licensed health care professional.

You will be notified if your application for IHSS has been approved or denied. If denied, you will be notified of the reason for the denial. If approved, you will be notified of the service authorizations including, the number of hours per month which have been authorized for your child.

If your child is approved for IHSS, you must hire someone (their Individual Provider) to perform the authorized services.  You are considered the provider's employer and, therefore, it is your responsibility to hire, train, supervise, and fire your provider.

Care providers may be family members, friends, neighbors or registered providers through the Public Authority.

Physically reside in the United States. 

Be a California resident.

Apply for Medi-Cal if they are not already receiving.

Live at home or a dwelling of your own choosing (hospitals and care facilities are not considered "own home").

Submit a completed Health Care Certification form.

Participate in a home assessment interview; and

Obtain a health care certification from a licensed health care professional (such as a physician or psychologist) indicating that your child is unable to safely perform one or more activities and without IHSS, would be at risk of placement in out-of-home care. Applicants may provide the SOC 873 - In-Home Supportive Services Program Health Care Certification Form to certify their need for IHSS.