Financial Support Available for CA Parents Raising Children with Autism

Are you, or do you know someone caring for a child with with autism who requires or constant supervision and support? If so, you need to know about IHSS. In Home Supportive Services is a CA service providing funds to hire a caregiver - or pay yourself is  you're the caregiver and it is separate from your regional center services :). 

This wonderful CA program can help parents caring for a child with autism - who needs support and/or constant supervision - at home. I have met so many families where mom or dad have needed to stay home to care for their child, to go to doctors and therapies, to supervise services, which resulted in some degree of financial hardship. How many mom's have had to cut their hours, quit their outside of the home jobs?  Well if you're one of us, you should check out his program. It should not change any of your regional center supports, it's not respite and you have flexibility around how you spend it. Ask your Regional Center caseworker about the program and if he/she can make a referral. 

IHSS is a program in CA. Here's a little more information. Good Luck! And please share this will families, you never know who might be in need. 

IHSS – In Home Support Services

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What is IHSS?

The IHSS program is a statewide mandated program administered by each county under the direction of the California Department of Social Services. It provides those with limited income who are disabled, blind or over the age of 65 with in–home care services to help them remain safely in their own homes.

The three different IHSS programs explained…

There are three different IHSS programs: The Medi–Cal Personal Care Services Program (PCSP), The IHSS Independence Plus Waiver Program (IPWP) and The Original or Residual IHSS Program (IHSS–R). The PCSP and IPWP programs are funded with Federal, State and County dollars, while the IHSS–R program is funded with State and County dollars only. Each of these programs provides the same services, but have different eligibility criteria.

• PCSP – Recipients are eligible because they have qualified for Medi–Cal on basis of age, blindness or disability. Most IHSS recipients are part of the PCSP program.
• IPWP – Recipients are eligible because they have qualified for Medi–Cal and are also part of one of the following groups: parent provider for a minor child, spouse providers, advance pay cases and meal allowance cases.
• IHSS–R – Recipients do not meet PCSP or IPWP requirements and usually have Satisfactory Immigration Status, which denies them federal reimbursement.

What services does IHSS provide?

Services include, but are not limited to:

• Domestic Services: meal preparation, cleaning, laundry and taking out the garbage.
• Personal Care Services/Non–Medical Care: bathing, feeding and toileting.
• Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments.
• Protective Supervision: safeguard from injury for persons with mental impairments.
• Paramedical Tasks: assistance with medications, bowel and bladder care or catheter insertion.

Who is eligible for IHSS?

Any California resident is eligible for IHSS if they:

1. Are SSI/SSP or Medi–Cal eligible.
2. Are living in their own homes.
3. Are blind, disabled or 65 years of age or older.
4. Are unable to live safely at home without care.
5. Meet certain financial requirements.

Note: Residents of long term facilities may not receive IHSS in the facility, but may apply if they are expected to be discharged so that IHSS is in place when they return to their homes.

What are the resource limits for IHSS?

• Recipients of SSI/SSP automatically meet financial requirements.
• Recipients who meet SSI/SSP eligibility criteria except for income are eligible, but might have to pay a share of cost.
• Applicants who have more than $2,000 in nonexempt assets ($3,000 for a couple) are not eligible. Applicants can spend down assets in order to qualify; however, they should be aware of penalties/periods of ineligibility.

Note: Although resource requirements for IHSS Personal Care and Waiver programs are the same as Medi–Cal, many IHSS recipients are also on SSI/SSP. Transfers that are permissible under the Medi–Cal and IHSS programs could impact SSI/SSP eligibility.

Who provides IHSS services?

Each county can choose different modes of services delivery: Contract, County Homemaker,or Independent Provider (IP). However, it is up to the individual to decide what mode of service delivery they wish to receive. In the Contract mode, an outside agency dispatches a caregiver to your home. In the County Homemaker mode, the County trains and employs caregivers. Most IHSS clients use the IP mode of service, where the client hires, fires and supervises workers.

In most counties, Public Authorities have been established to improve IP service delivery. IHSS pays IP’s who are hired and supervised by the recipient or the recipient’s guardian/authorized representative. Many IP’s are relatives of the client. Payments are issued by the State Controller’s Office, directly to the IP. The current IP wage throughout most of California is $8.00 (CA minimum wage). In the Bay Area Counties, Public Authorities have been able to negotiate higher wages and comprehensive health and dental benefits.

How does IHSS calculate how many hours I get?

The State has limited monthly services hours to 195 hours per month for non–severely impaired applicants and 283 hours per month for the severely impaired. The County Social Services Agency is responsible for doing a needs assessment for each client at the time of application and yearly thereafter to determine how many hours an applicant will receive monthly. The process of the needs assessment will be repeated yearly, and the number of hours authorized may change with each evaluation.

The assessment evaluates:

1. The client’s physical/mental condition, living/social situation and ability to perform various functions of daily life.
2. The client’s statement of need.
3. Medical records/physicians’ statement of need.
4. Other information the case manger may consider necessary and appropriate to assess the need.

How do I apply for IHSS?

Call or visit your local Department of Social Services to complete an IHSS application (see link below). Once IHSS receives your application, a caseworker will be assigned to conduct a needs assessment. During the needs assessment, the caseworker will come into your home and ask you questions about your physical and mental capacity in order to determine what you can and cannot do. As part of the application process, you will need to have your health care provider fill out a medical certification form (SOC 873) stating that you are not able to do some activities of daily living (ADLs) on your own and without IHSS you would be at risk for out of home placement. Your living situation will also be evaluated. After the needs assessment, the IHSS caseworker will contact you and let you know if you have been approved or denied the service. If approved, the caseworker will tell you how many hours were authorized.

Appeals

If you are denied Medi-Cal or IHSS or if you do not agree with the number of hours authorized, you may appeal the decision by filing for a fair hearing. You should contact your local legal services office to assist you in the appeal.

Click here for a listing of California In–Home Supportive Services Programs and telephone numbers.