California In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Eligibility and Benefits

California In-Home Supportive Services Program (IHSS) will help pay for some personal services so that a senior can remain living in his or her own home. The types of services provided in the IHSS program are housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care services, accompaniment to medical appointments, and protective supervision for the mentally impaired.

Individuals enrolled in this program can choose to have the state select their care service providers or they can self-direct their care, meaning they can choose their own service providers.  This is based on the Medicaid concept of Cash and Counseling and may also be referred to as Consumer Direction.

Persons must be over 65; and the value of their financial assets cannot exceed $2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple. The home and vehicle are exempt. The income limit is approximately $850 for an individual and $1,400 for a couple. There are exceptions to the income limit.

Check with your local county California In-Home Supportive Services office to see if you are eligible and apply.