What are the income limits for IHSS in California?

The income limit for IHSS is set at 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which means individuals with incomes up to $1,564 per month (for a single applicant) can qualify.

IHSS is a Medi-Cal program, so individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or meet Medi-Cal's income eligibility requirements are automatically eligible for IHSS services.

Applicants whose income is too high to qualify for IHSS with no share of cost may still be eligible if they are willing to pay a portion of the IHSS service costs.

The IHSS program is funded by a combination of federal, state, and county dollars, making it a unique public-private partnership.

To qualify for IHSS, applicants must be California residents, live in their own homes, and have a disability that requires personal assistance during the day.

The IHSS income limit increased from $1,529 per month (for a single applicant) in 2022 to $1,564 per month in 2024, reflecting annual cost-of-living adjustments.

Individuals who receive IHSS services are not required to pay a monthly premium, but they may be responsible for a share of the cost depending on their income level.

The IHSS program is designed to provide in-home assistance as an alternative to more expensive out-of-home care, such as nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

In addition to the income limit, IHSS applicants must also meet certain functional and medical requirements to demonstrate that they need help with daily living activities.

The IHSS program has an Adult Protective Services hotline (1-833-401-0832) and a Fraud Hotline (1-888-717-8302) to report any suspected abuse or misuse of the program.

IHSS recipients can use their services to help with a wide range of tasks, including bathing, dressing, meal preparation, grocery shopping, and light housework.

The IHSS program has undergone several policy changes in recent years, including the implementation of overtime, travel time, and wait time compensation for IHSS providers.