The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program in California is designed to provide crucial in-home assistance to individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled. This program serves as a vital alternative to nursing homes and other out-of-home care facilities, allowing eligible individuals to remain safely and comfortably in their own homes. For those seeking to access these beneficial services, understanding the requirements, particularly the health care certification form, is essential.
IHSS Eligibility: Key Requirements
To be considered eligible for the IHSS program, applicants must meet specific criteria. These requirements ensure that the program benefits those who genuinely need in-home support. The basic eligibility criteria include:
- California Residency: Applicants must be current residents of California.
- Medi-Cal Eligibility: Determination of Medi-Cal eligibility is a prerequisite for IHSS.
- Home Setting: The applicant must live at home or in a residence of their choosing. It’s important to note that acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, and licensed community care facilities are not considered an individual’s “own home” for IHSS purposes.
- Completed Health Care Certification Form: Submission of a completed Health Care Certification form is mandatory for IHSS application. This form is a critical component in verifying the applicant’s need for in-home supportive services.
How the IHSS Program Operates
The IHSS program operates through a structured process that involves assessment, authorization, and service delivery. Understanding this process can help applicants navigate the system effectively:
- Initial Assessment: A county social worker conducts an in-home interview to assess the applicant’s eligibility and need for IHSS. This assessment evaluates the individual’s ability to perform daily tasks safely.
- Service Needs Evaluation: Based on the assessment, the social worker determines the types and hours of services needed. This evaluation considers information from the applicant, family, friends, physicians, or other healthcare professionals.
- Health Care Certification Form (SOC 873): Crucially, the county must receive a completed Health Care Certification form, officially known as SOC 873, before services can be authorized. This form provides medical verification of the applicant’s condition and need for care.
- Notification of Decision: Applicants are notified of the approval or denial of their IHSS application. If approved, the notification includes details of the authorized services and the monthly hours allocated.
- Provider Selection and Responsibilities: Approved recipients are responsible for hiring an individual provider to deliver the authorized services. As the employer, the recipient manages hiring, training, supervision, and termination of the provider.
- Alternative Provider Options: In counties with contracted IHSS providers or homemaker employees, recipients may choose these options for service delivery.
Understanding IHSS Payments
IHSS payments are managed by the State, with rates varying by county due to union negotiations. To determine the specific hourly rate in their county, individuals can contact their assigned social worker. The State issues checks to individual providers, and if the provider meets the requirements, applicable disability insurance and Social Security taxes are withheld.
Needs Assessment and Service Authorization Details
Needs assessments are integral to the IHSS program, conducted during initial intake and annual reassessments. Recipients can request reassessments if their needs change. Social workers continuously monitor cases to ensure appropriate service delivery, utilizing the Functional Index Rankings, Annotated Assessment Criteria, and Hourly Task Guidelines (HTGs) for assessments. Service authorizations are determined during the needs assessment, encompassing a comprehensive review of medical history, medications, emergency contacts, physician information, household details, functional rankings, mental health assessment, and other relevant factors to tailor services to individual needs.
Applying for IHSS
To apply for IHSS, you need to complete an application and submit it to your local county IHSS office.
SOC 295 – Application For Social Services
Translated Applications:
SOC 295 Armenian (pdf)
SOC 295 Chinese (pdf)
SOC 295 Spanish (pdf)
