Share This Page
Share This Page
How to Apply for IHSS in California?
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program helps eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals receive personal care and assistance so they can continue living safely at home instead of in a facility. If you or your loved one needs help with daily activities, IHSS can be a vital support system.
Please be aware that if you need significant support hours or are attempting to get Protective Supervision, find your advocate before you apply. This will give you the best outcome.
Below, we’ll walk through how to apply for IHSS, what forms you need, and what to expect during the process.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, make sure the applicant meets the basic eligibility requirements:
- You must be a California resident.
- You must have Medi-Cal eligibility or a Regional Center waiver such as the institutional deeming waiver.
- You must live at home or in an abode of your own choosing, not in a hospital or licensed care facility.
- You must submit a Health Care Certification (SOC 873) completed by a medical professional within 45 calendar days from the date it is requested. This request will be made by mail after you apply.
If you’re unsure about eligibility, contact the main IHSS office at 1-877-800-4544, or reach out directly to your county IHSS office for guidance.
Step 2: Complete the IHSS Application (SOC 295)
The main application form for IHSS is the SOC 295 – Application for In-Home Supportive Services. This form is available in multiple languages:
After completing the form, submit it to your county IHSS office. By law, your county must accept the application such as by mail, online, or over the phone. Check your local IHSS website or call to confirm the preferred method.
Step 3: Hire Your Advocate
If you are applying for Protective Supervision or a large number of hours and you do not already have an advocate on your case, you need to hire them now. The advocate will make sure you have the correct documents, attend your assessment, and testify at your hearing if the necessity arises.
An advocate can be an attorney or a non-attorney professional who knows the laws surrounding IHSS.
Your advocate will need a month to prepare you for the home assessment. Do not wait until the last minute.
If an advocate was not present at the home visit, they can rarely “save it” at a hearing. They will instead prepare you for the next home assessment and start from there.
Step 4: Include Additional Forms if Needed
Depending on your need, IHSS may ask for:
- SOC 821 – Assessment of Need for Protective Supervision.
- SOC 426 – Provider Enrollment Form
- SOC 847 to register as an IHSS provider
- SOC 321 Request for Order and Consent Paramedical Services
- SOC 825 Protective Supervision 24 hour a day coverage plan
- IEP’s
- IPP’s
- Medical Reports
You may also want to prepare:
- An incident report
- List of Medications
- Letters of support from doctors, therapists, or other specialists.
Step 5: Wait for Your Assessment
Once your application is received, the county will contact you to schedule an in-home assessment, usually within 30 days.
During the visit, a county social worker will:
- Review your medical condition and daily needs
- Assess your ability to perform tasks safely
- Determine the types and number of hours of IHSS services you qualify for
- Review your medical condition and daily needs
- Ask you to sign several documents, including registration to vote and a release of information for access to the applicant’s medical providers and school. Both of these documents are NOT mandatory to sign and will not affect your approval for services.
This assessment includes input from you, your family, and possibly your doctor or healthcare providers. If you do not sign the release, you will need to provide information from doctors/healthcare providers, as necessary.
Step 5: Receive Your Notice of Action (NOA)
After your assessment, the county will send a Notice of Action (NOA) explaining whether your application was approved or denied.
If approved, your NOA will outline:
- The specific IHSS services you are authorized to receive
- The number of hours per month approved
- Instructions for hiring or registering your IHSS provider
If denied, the NOA will explain the reason. You will also have the right to appeal the decision if you believe it was made in error. Information on how to do this is explained in the NOA.
This NOA and all future NOA’s should be saved and referred to if you lose or are denied services in the future.
However, when denied protective supervision or losing a significant number of hours it is never a good idea to file for an appeal without representation by an advocate or lawyer who specializes in IHSS laws and procedures. Your advocate should take the lead with the county and represent you at the administrative hearing.
Step 6: Hire or Enroll an IHSS Provider
If you are the applicant, you’ll need to hire a provider such as a family member, friend, or professional caregiver. You are considered the employer and responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and paying your provider.
If you are applying for a minor, a dependent adult or someone with a mental impairment, the custodial adult may choose to be the provider or hire another provider.
The State of California issues all provider payments, and hourly rates vary by county.
To find out your county’s current IHSS hourly rate, you can view our 2025 California Wages by County Resource here or contact your social worker or county IHSS office.
Step 7: Maintain and Update Your Case
IHSS recipients must complete annual reassessments to ensure their service hours and care plan remain appropriate. If your needs change, for example due to a new diagnosis or mobility issue, you can request a reassessment at any time.
County social workers continuously monitor IHSS cases to confirm that recipients’ needs are being met through authorized services.
Some advocates, like Galt Advocacy, will attend these annual reassessments to help secure the benefit
Helpful Resources
Need Help Applying for IHSS? Galt Advocacy Can Help
Many IHHS applicants face delays or denials due to missing or poorly prepared documentation, unclear assessments, or simply not understanding the rules of IHSS.
If you want to ensure the best possible outcome, contact a professional advocate for free advice or representation.
At Galt Advocacy, our team helps families navigate IHSS applications, appeals, and reassessments with clarity and confidence. We also follow up with yearly reassessments to help you retain your hours.
We can ensure your paperwork is accurate, your documentation is strong, and your case is presented effectively. Contact us today for a free consultation and get the guidance you need to secure your in-home supportive services.