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Free California Program
Your family can get paid help at home
California will pay someone to help care for your loved one at home — and that someone can be you. It's free to apply, and we'll walk you through every step.
600K+
families IHSS has helped in CA
$17–$23/hr
paid to caregivers by county
58
counties covered across CA
Free
no cost to apply
What is IHSS?
California pays for care at home — here's how it works
IHSS stands for In-Home Supportive Services. It's a free California program that hires and pays a caregiver — often a family member — to help someone elderly or disabled with everyday tasks at home, so they don't have to move into a facility.
Who qualifies?
Seniors 65+, or anyone blind or disabled who needs help with daily tasks and has Medi-Cal.
Who gets paid?
A family member, friend, or hired caregiver — paid by the state, not you. You choose who provides the care.
What's covered?
Bathing, dressing, cooking, cleaning, laundry, medication, and rides to medical appointments — and more.
Need 24/7 monitoring?
If your loved one can't be left alone safely due to a mental condition, they may qualify for Protective Supervision.
Coming Soon — A New Path
Raising a child with autism or a disability?
IHSS covers children too — and the path is different. If your child has autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or another developmental disability, they may qualify for their own IHSS hours including Protective Supervision. We're building a dedicated guide for this journey.
Most relevant starting point
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Eligibility Check
Could your loved one get IHSS?
Answer a few quick questions and we'll give you a straight answer — no confusing terms, no guesswork.
A note from our community: This checker is based on California's official IHSS eligibility criteria — but it cannot account for every county variation or individual circumstance. Use this as a starting point, not a final answer. Always verify with your county IHSS office or a qualified advocate.
Does the person live in California?
IHSS is a California state program only.
Question 1 of 6
How old is the person who needs care?
IHSS covers seniors, adults, and children with disabilities.
Question 2 of 6
Do they have Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)?
Medi-Cal is usually required. If unsure, we'll help you check.
Question 3 of 6
Do they need help with daily activities?
Select all that apply, then tap Continue.
Question 4 of 6
Are they currently in a nursing home or hospital?
IHSS is for people living at home, not in a care facility.
Question 5 of 6
What is their approximate monthly income?
Income affects Medi-Cal eligibility. These are approximate 2026 limits.
Question 6 of 6
✅
Good news — it looks like they qualify!
Based on your answers, your loved one likely meets the basic requirements for IHSS. The next step is to call your county office and officially start the application. It's free and there's no obligation.
This result is a guide, not a guarantee — final eligibility is determined by your county social worker during the official assessment.
⚠️
You might still qualify — it's worth a call
A few things weren't clear from your answers, but that doesn't mean no. A lot of people in this situation do qualify. Call your county IHSS office — it's free, and they can tell you for sure.
❌
It may not be the right fit right now
Based on your answers, there may be a reason IHSS isn't available in this situation. But things change — if your circumstances are different in the future, apply again. Your county office can also look at your specific situation.
How to Apply
Getting IHSS — what to expect
The whole process usually takes 4–8 weeks. You don't have to do it all at once — take it one step at a time.
A note from our community: This is our understanding based on available information — IHSS rules vary by county and change over time. Always verify with your county social worker or a qualified advocate for decisions specific to your situation.
1
First, make sure they have Medi-Cal
IHSS only works if your loved one has active Medi-Cal (California's free or low-cost health coverage). If they don't have it yet, apply online — it's free and can be approved retroactively, which means coverage can start from the date you applied.
By California law, your county must accept an application by phone, by mail, or online. Call 1-888-944-4477 or your local county IHSS office to apply by phone — this is the fastest way. You can also download and mail in the SOC 295 application form. Some counties accept it by email or have an online portal — check your county's website or call to confirm. They'll open a case, assign a social worker, and schedule a home visit.
Phone · Mail · Email · Online (varies by county)SOC 295 — IHSS Application Form (download)Find your county IHSS office — search our county directoryAfter you apply, your social worker will send a health form (SOC 873) to your doctor. Your doctor needs to fill it in and send it back before your case can be approved. You can also download SOC 873 yourself and bring it directly to your doctor to save time.
3
Your doctor fills out a health form
Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physical therapist needs to confirm in writing that your loved one needs help with daily tasks. This is required by California law — without it, IHSS can't be approved. You can download the form and bring it to your doctor yourself to speed things up.
Doctor fills this outSOC 873 — Download to bring to your doctorThe form must be returned within 45 days. In urgent situations, some services can start before it comes back.
4
A social worker visits your home
A county social worker comes to your home for about 1–2 hours to understand what kind of help is needed. Be specific and describe your loved one's hardest days — not just the good ones. The more clearly you explain the needs, the more hours are likely to be approved.
Home visitThe social worker will complete a scoring form (SOC 618) during the visit. You don't fill this out — they do. Bring any doctor's notes or records that show the level of need.
5
You get a letter with the decision
After the visit, the county mails you a letter called a Notice of Action. It tells you how many hours were approved and what services are covered. Read it carefully. If you think the hours are too low or something was missed, you have 90 days to appeal — don't let that window pass.
You get to choose who takes care of your loved one. It can be a family member, a friend, or a professional caregiver. You're the employer — you're in charge. Once you've chosen someone, you officially hire them by completing a short form or doing it online.
Your choiceHire your caregiver online (fastest way)SOC 426A is the paper form to officially hire your caregiver. Pick it up at your county office or ask your social worker. Important: your caregiver's pay starts from the date on this form.
7
Your caregiver registers with the county
Before your caregiver can be paid, they have to complete a one-time registration at your county IHSS office. They'll fill out paperwork, get their fingerprints taken, and attend a short orientation. This usually takes 1–3 weeks.
Caregiver does thisSOC 426 — enrollment form filled out at the county office in person. Not available to download.SOC 846 — a short agreement signed at the end of orientation confirming they understand the program rules.Fingerprinting (Live Scan) is required and costs $12–$30. Your county office will schedule it.
8
Care starts — and your caregiver gets paid
Once registered, your caregiver can start working and getting paid. They submit a timesheet twice a month — you approve it — and the state pays them directly. Set up direct deposit so they get paid faster.
OngoingSubmit timesheets and set up direct deposit onlineSOC 829 — paper form for setting up direct deposit if not doing it online.SOC 2256 — both you and your caregiver sign this to agree on the weekly schedule of hours.
9
Stay active — renew every year
Your IHSS case gets reviewed once a year to make sure the hours still match what's needed. If your loved one's needs change before then, call your social worker right away and ask for a reassessment. Also make sure Medi-Cal stays active — if it lapses, IHSS stops too.
You just walked through the whole process. Tell us where you got stuck — or where someone else might. Two minutes shapes what we explain better next.
Library & Resources
Forms, contacts & helpful links
Everything you need in one place — official state forms, county office contacts, and key websites.
All downloadable forms link directly to official CDSS PDFs. Forms marked "in person only" are not available for public download — pick them up at your county office. Source: cdss.ca.gov. If a link doesn't open, visit CDSS Forms Library directly.
About SOC forms:SOC 426 and SOC 846 must be picked up and submitted in person at your county IHSS office — they are not available for public download. All other forms above link directly to official CDSS PDFs. When in doubt, call your county office or visitcdss.ca.gov Forms Library.
County links sourced from CDSS official directory. Phone numbers verified via CANHR. Wages as of March 2026. If a link doesn't work, call the number directly or visit cdss.ca.gov for the latest.
If you can't leave them alone — California may pay someone to stay.
Protective Supervision is a special IHSS service for people who can't be left alone safely because of a mental condition — not physical limitations. If that's your situation, you may not have to figure this out alone.
A note from our community: This is our understanding based on available information — IHSS rules vary by county and change over time. Always verify with your county social worker or a qualified advocate for decisions specific to your situation.
What is Protective Supervision?
Paying someone to be there — even when nothing is happening
Protective Supervision is a special type of IHSS care. It doesn't cover bathing or cooking — it pays a caregiver to simply be present and watch so that a person with a mental condition doesn't hurt themselves. Because the danger is unpredictable, someone needs to be there all the time. It can cover up to 283 hours a month, or more for those with more severe needs.
Requirement 1 of 4
A diagnosed mental condition
It has to be a mental or cognitive diagnosis — not just a physical one. Things like autism, dementia, intellectual disability, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, TBI, or Down syndrome all count.
Requirement 2 of 4
They don't realize they're in danger
Because of their condition, they do unsafe things without understanding the risk. This is different from someone who knows the danger but ignores it — their brain genuinely doesn't register that harm could happen.
Requirement 3 of 4
They can physically act on those risks
They have to be physically able to do something dangerous — even a little movement counts, like reaching a knob or opening a door. Only someone completely bedridden who truly cannot move would not meet this.
Requirement 4 of 4
You can never safely leave them alone
The danger can strike at any moment — there's no way to predict it, so they truly cannot be left alone, even briefly. If the risky behavior only happens in specific, predictable situations you can avoid, this requirement may not be met.
If applying for a child: There is a 5th requirement — the child must need significantly more supervision than a typical child of the same age without a disability.
Shape what we build
Where did Protective Supervision get confusing for you?
Your answers go directly into what we build next. Not a survey — a conversation about what needs to exist.
Protective Supervision — How to Apply
4 things to do right now
Applying for Protective Supervision takes preparation, but you can start today. The most important thing is your behavior log — start it now, even before you call.
1
Start writing down what happens
Keep a written log of every unsafe incident — the date, time, what happened, and why it was dangerous. This is the single most important thing you can do. The more specific and detailed your log, the stronger your case. Try to build up 3–6 months of entries before your home assessment.
A notebook or notes app on your phone works perfectly
2
Ask your doctor to fill out a form
Your doctor needs to confirm the mental condition in writing and describe how it affects the person's judgment and safety awareness. Choose a doctor or specialist who knows them well — a vague or generic response from the doctor is the most common reason Protective Supervision gets denied. Share your behavior log with them first.
Call your county and ask for Protective Supervision specifically
When you call or visit your county IHSS office, be clear — say "I am applying for IHSS and I am requesting Protective Supervision." They'll open a case and schedule a home visit. Bring your behavior log and any doctor's notes to the visit and walk them through it in detail.
Most first-time Protective Supervision applications get denied. That's not the end. You have 90 days to appeal and request a State Fair Hearing. Many families win on appeal with stronger documentation or with help from a free advocate. Don't give up after a denial — it's often just the beginning.
You don't have to figure this out alone. Call 1-888-944-4477 to reach your county IHSS office, or reach out to Disability Rights California — they provide free legal advocacy and can help if you've been denied.
What part of applying was hardest?
You just navigated one of the most confusing parts of IHSS. Two minutes of your honest feedback shapes what we explain better for the next family.
Takes less than 2 minutes · No account needed
PS Eligibility Check
Could they get Protective Supervision?
Answer 8 honest questions. We'll tell you whether the requirements are met and how strong your case looks — based on California's official criteria.
About You
Is this person an adult or a child?
Children under 18 have one extra requirement — we'll ask about it if needed.
1 of 8
Requirement 1 of 4 — Mental Impairment
Does the person have a diagnosed mental or cognitive condition?
California law requires a mental impairment — not a physical one — as the basis for PS. This means a diagnosed condition that affects memory, judgment, or awareness. Examples: autism, dementia, intellectual disability, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or Down syndrome.
2 of 8
Requirement 2 of 4 — Non-Self-Directing
Because of their condition, do they put themselves in danger without realizing it?
This is called being "non-self-directing." It means their mental condition prevents them from recognizing danger or understanding the consequences of their actions — not just that they make poor choices. A person who understands the danger but ignores it does not meet this requirement.
3 of 8
Requirement 2 of 4 — Dangerous Behaviors
Which of these unsafe behaviors do they do? Select all that apply.
To qualify, there must be documented evidence of specific dangerous behaviors caused by their mental condition. These are the types of behaviors county social workers and judges look for. You will need to log each incident with a date, time, and description.
4 of 8
Requirement 3 of 4 — Physically Capable of Self-Harm
Are they physically able to carry out those dangerous behaviors?
The person must be physically capable of acting on the dangerous behaviors — even limited mobility counts. For example, being able to reach a knob, open a door, or get out of bed. A person who is completely and permanently bedridden with zero ability to move does not meet this requirement because they cannot physically act on the danger.
5 of 8
Requirement 4 of 4 — 24-Hour Supervision Needed
Can they ever be safely left alone — even for a short time?
This is the "24-hour supervision" requirement. The dangerous behaviors must be unpredictable — meaning you cannot know in advance when they will happen, so you can never leave the person safely alone. If the danger only happens in specific, predictable situations you can control or avoid, this requirement may not be met.
6 of 8
Additional Requirement for Children — Exceeds Age-Typical Supervision
Does this child need significantly more supervision than other children their age?
All children need supervision — that alone doesn't qualify. For a minor to receive PS, their supervision needs must clearly exceed what is normal for a child of the same age without a disability. For example: a 10-year-old who cannot be left alone for even a few minutes, when a typical 10-year-old safely can be.
7 of 8
Documentation Assessment
Which of these documents or supports do you currently have? Select all that apply.
Meeting the 4 requirements is only half the battle — documentation is what proves your case to the county social worker and, if needed, a judge. Select everything you have or can get. This helps us tell you how strong your application is right now.
8 of 8
✅
Your loved one likely qualifies
They appear to meet all the requirements for Protective Supervision. Your documentation looks solid. The next step is contacting your county IHSS office.
Application Strength
⚠️
You may qualify — strengthen your file first
The requirements are met, but documentation gaps could lead to a denial. Build up your evidence before applying — especially a behavior log and SOC 821 from your doctor.
Application Strength
❌
There may be a barrier right now
Based on your answers, Protective Supervision may not apply in this situation. This doesn't mean your loved one can't get regular IHSS services.
Our Story
We built this because we needed it
IHSS Navigator started as a passion project — born from the confusion, the late-night searches, and the feeling of navigating something really important completely on your own.
"Caregiving is one of the most selfless things a person can do. You deserve support too."
— The IHSS Navigator Community
When our family first went through the IHSS process, we didn't know where to start. We didn't know what forms to look for, what words to use when we called the county, or what rights we had. We found pieces of information scattered across different websites — none of it written for regular people. We made mistakes. We missed windows. We felt lost.
We kept thinking: I wish something like this existed when we started.
So we built it.
IHSS Navigator is a free, community resource. No government funding. No advertising. Just a family that went through the process, then started quietly helping other families — over the phone, in person, over coffee — completely unpaid — because no one should have to figure this out alone. We put everything we learned — the steps, the forms, the things nobody tells you — into one place, written in plain language that anyone can understand.
Built by a caregiver. For caregivers and families. No agency. No attorney. No agenda. Just someone who's been through it — and decided no one else should have to figure it out alone.
What drives us
Caregiving is already the hardest job there is
No one should have to do this blindly
The IHSS program exists. The money is there. The hours are available. But too many families don't know — or give up trying to figure it out. That's not okay.
Caregivers often do this unpaid
Many family caregivers pause careers, cut hours, and sacrifice income to take care of someone they love. IHSS can change that — and families deserve to know it exists.
This is for everyone, not just us
We didn't build this just for our family. We built it for every family in California who is caring for someone and feeling overwhelmed. The information belongs to everyone.
One family at a time
Our first goal: help 100 families find, understand, and access IHSS in our first year. Then the next hundred. We're tracking progress and staying motivated by the people this reaches.
Our Goal
100 families
in Year 1 — then onward
8–11
families helped before this site even launched
"We'd been quietly helping families one by one — over the phone, in person, over coffee — unpaid, no website, just what we'd learned the hard way. This site is what happens when you decide to do that at scale."
We're still learning — and that's the point.
IHSS is a complex program — and we're committed to getting it right
We don't claim to have all the answers. What we do have is a genuine commitment to keep learning, keep updating, and keep making this better. If something on this site is wrong, outdated, or confusing — tell us. If you've been through the process and wish something had been explained differently — we want to hear that too. The more families share what they've experienced, the better this resource becomes for everyone who comes after them.
For the next family
Someone out there is where you were.
You figured something out the hard way. Share it — anonymously if you want — so the next family doesn't have to start from zero.
Tools & Guides
Practical tools to help you every step
Free guides to get you started. Deeper tools for when you need more. All built from real experience navigating IHSS — so you don't have to figure it out alone.
Free Guides
In-depth guides — written for families
Step-by-step information to help you understand and navigate IHSS at your own pace.
Free Guide
Step-by-Step Application Guide
9 clear steps from Medi-Cal to your first paycheck — written for families, not bureaucrats.
Free Guide
Protective Supervision Guide
Everything you need to know about PS — requirements, eligibility checker, and how to apply.
Free Tools
Interactive tools — answer questions, get answers
Quick, personalized results on your phone — in minutes, not hours.
Free Tool
IHSS Eligibility Checker
Answer 6 quick questions. Find out if your loved one likely qualifies — in plain language, no jargon.
Free Tool
PS Eligibility Checker
Can't leave your loved one alone safely? Answer 8 questions to find out if they qualify for Protective Supervision.
Free Calculator
IHSS Hours & Timesheet Calculator
Figure out your weekly limits, overtime thresholds, and how to split hours between caregivers — without risking a violation.
Shape what we build
Which tool did your family actually need?
Tell us what was missing, what was confusing, or what you wish existed. Two minutes. Your answers build the next tool.
Free Calculator
IHSS Hours & Timesheet Calculator
Figure out your weekly limits, understand overtime, and split hours between caregivers — the right way. No violations.
How to use:Enter your monthly authorized hours, select your county, choose number of caregivers, and whether the caregiver lives in the home. All fields are required.
Find this number on your Notice of Action letter from the county.
Type 1–2 letters to find your county.
Live-in family members may qualify for higher hour limits.
Non-live-in:Standard IHSS overtime rules apply. W-4 and DE 4 tax forms required.
Live-in caregiver:Complete SOC 2298 and SOC 2299. Live-in caregivers are exempt from IHSS overtime rules and federal income tax on IHSS wages.
* Required fields
Your Results
Rules based on California IHSS overtime regulations.
Shape what we build
Were your hours right? Did something not add up?
Your experience with timesheets and hours shapes how we make this clearer. Two minutes. No right or wrong answers.
Shape what we build
Where did IHSS get confusing for you?
Your answers go directly into what we build next. Not a survey — a real conversation about what needs to exist for families like yours.
🙏
Thank you.
Every response helps the next family find their way.
For the next family
Someone out there is where you were.
You figured something out the hard way. Share it — anonymously if you want — so they don't have to.
Your story is safe here. We never share personal information. You choose how much to share. Stories may be used (anonymously) to help other families — only with your permission.
🧭
You just helped someone you'll never meet.
Your story is now part of something bigger than this site. The next family who lands here — the one searching at 11pm — they'll find it. That matters more than you know.
Help us build what's missing
What does IHSS Navigator not explain yet?
If you're stuck on something, other families are too. Your question shapes what we write next.
Honest about how this works: We read every question — but we can't answer them individually, and we can't guarantee county-specific answers. What we can do: when the same question comes up enough times, we build a guide. That's how this site grows. If you need help right now, please contact your county IHSS office directly or reach out to Disability Rights California — they provide free advocacy.
🧭
Got it. Thank you.
We won't reply directly — but when enough families ask the same thing, it becomes the next guide we build. Your question is now part of that.
Please read this before using IHSS Navigator. Your use of this site means you understand and agree to these terms.
Summary: IHSS Navigator provides free general information about California's IHSS program. We are not a government agency, law firm, or advocacy service. Nothing on this site is legal advice. Always verify information with your county IHSS office or a qualified professional.
1. Informational Purposes Only
All content is provided for general informational purposes only. Results from our eligibility checkers and calculator are estimates. Actual eligibility and authorized hours are determined solely by your county IHSS office.
2. Not a Government Website
IHSS Navigator is an independent, community-built resource with no affiliation with CDSS or any government entity. For official information, visit cdss.ca.gov.
3. Not a Law Firm or Advocacy Agency
We do not provide legal representation or advocacy. If you need legal help, contact Disability Rights California (free).
4. Calculator Results
Do not submit timesheets based solely on this calculator without verifying with your county. Tax estimates are approximate.
5. Privacy Policy
Effective date: March 2026
What we collect: When you submit a feedback form, story, or question — we collect the information you provide voluntarily (name, email, county, message). We also collect basic analytics data (page views, device type) through Google Analytics to understand how people use the site.
How we use it: Feedback and stories are used solely to improve IHSS Navigator content and understand community needs. Email addresses are used only to send IHSS Navigator updates — never sold, never shared with third parties.
Your rights (California residents — CCPA): You have the right to know what personal information we collect, request deletion of your information, and opt out of any data sharing. To exercise these rights, use the feedback form and include your request.
Cookies: We use Google Analytics which sets cookies to distinguish unique visitors. You can disable cookies in your browser settings at any time.
Data security: Form submissions are stored in Google Sheets, accessible only to the IHSS Navigator team. We do not store payment information — all transactions are handled by Stan Store.
Questions about this policy? Use the feedback form and we will respond.
6. Translation Notice
The English version is the reference version. Translation accuracy is not guaranteed.