In-Home Supportive Services


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About IHSS

In-Home Sup​portive Services (IHSS) is a Medi-Cal based program that is funded by county, state and federal dollars. The goal of the IHSS program is to allow low income aged, blind, and disabled persons, including children, who are at risk for out-of-home placement, to remain safely at home by providing payment for care provider services.  IHSS is considered an alternative to out-of-home care, such as nursing homes or board and care facilities.

The types of services which can be authorized through IHSS are housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care services (such as bowel and bladder care, bathing, grooming and paramedical services), accompaniment to medical appointments, and protective supervision for the mentally impaired. 


To Qualify

​Eligibility Criteria for all IHSS Applicants and Recipients: 

·      ​ Live in Sacramento County

·      Be a U.S. citizen or a legal permanent resident of California

·      Be 65 years of age or older, blind or disabled of any age

·      Must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination*

·      Must live at home or an abode of your own choosing (acute care hospital, long-term care faci​lities, and licensed community care facilities are not considered "own home.")

·      Be unable to live at home safely without assistance

·      Must submit a completed Health Care Certification Form (SOC 873)

​​​Important Medi-Cal Renewal Information

    · ​  Keep yourself and your family Medi-Cal covered!

      ·   *California is in the process of resuming the annual Medi-Cal eligibility process. In order for recipients to maintain both their Medi-Cal and IHSS             services, this renewal must be completed timely. For more information and to prepare for your renewal, visit KeepMediCalCoverage.org

      ·   Members can check their online account – Covered CaliforniaBenefitsCal, or Department of Human Assistance​ – for alerts

      ·   Members can also contact the Sacramento Department of Human Assistance's MEDS Service Center at 1-800-560-0976​ for renewal             

           information  ​


 Information Needed to Apply for IHSS

Whether you are calling for IHSS on your own behalf or on the behalf of someone else, please be prepared with the following information:

·    Name

·    Home Address (mailing address if different)

·    Phone number

·    Applicant's date of birth

·    Social Security Number

·    Gender

·    Ethnicity

·    Preferred spoken and written language

·    Marital status

·    Names of all household members

·    Number of minor children related to applicant living in home (if applicable)

·    Summary of services applying for

·    Disability related accommodations

·    Involvement with other community agencies (ex. Alta, STEP, etc.)

·    Authorized Representative information (if applicable)

·    Name of prospective care provider​

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How to Apply for IHSS

To apply for IHSS call: 916-874-9471​

Monday – Friday (9:00 am – 4:00 pm)

Or complete and submit an application for In-Home Supportive Services:

·    SOC 295  14pt Font

·    SOC 295  18pt Font


Mail to:

In-Home Supportive Services 
PO BOX 269131
Sacramento, CA  95826

Or FAX to: (916) 854-8828

 

Application Process Overview

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 locating a caregiver. A friend or relative may serve as a caregiver, or a referral may be made through the IHSS Registry. Once a caregiver is selected, the client acts as the employer and is responsible for supervision and signing time sheets.

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

 

Electronic Timesheets

The Electronic Timesheet System allows a provider to submit their IHSS/WPCS timesheets online using a tablet, smartphone, laptop or computer instead of receiving and submitting paper timesheets when their recipient(s) opt in to approve timesheets online. This service also allows a provider's timesheets to be reviewed and approved by their recipient(s) using their tablet, smartphone, laptop or computer. 

 

For more information on Electronic Services Portal (ESP) and how to enroll, visit the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Electronic Timesheet System (ETS) Website at:

http://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/IHSS-Providers/Resources/Timesheet-information







Cost

​Not Applicable

Contact Information

PO BOX 269131
Sacramento
CA
95826
(916) 874-9471
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