Apply for In-Home Supportive Services

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In-Home Supportive Services allows you to stay safe while you live in your home.

If you would like to learn how the In-Home Supportive Services program works, view the options below.

If you meet the IHSS program's eligibility requirements, follow these steps to apply for services.

Gather important information.
You will need your contact information, date of birth, social security number, and Medi-Cal number. You may also need this information for your spouse, guardian, or contact.

Apply for IHSS.
Turn in a completed IHSS application by email, fax, mail, or in-person. Have your doctor fill out a Health Care Certification Form. This form must be filled out and signed before you can get IHSS.

Home visit.
A social worker will come to your home to determine what types and how many hours of services you need. They will consider your medical condition, living arrangement, and any resources that may already be available.

Service approval.
If eligible, we will send you a letter called a "Notice of Action" (NOA) that tells you if you have been approved for IHSS. It will tell you what services have been authorized, how much time is allowed for each service, and total approved monthly hours.

Hire provider(s).
When IHSS services have been approved, you can hire one or more people to provide your care. A friend or relative may be your provider or you may hire from the Public Authority Registry (PAR). Call PAR at (408) 350-3206 or email [email protected].

Sign-up for electronic access

Follow these steps:

Create an account in the Electronic Services Portal (ESP). This will enable you to hire your provider and link them to your case.

As a recipient of IHSS you are the employer of record for the provider, ensure that the provider is performing the authorized tasks.

You are responsible to hire, train and if needed, fire them.

Review timesheets submitted by your provider twice a month and approve or deny them.

Ensure that your personal information is up to date in your case. If there is a change in contact information or your level of need, inform your social worker.