Become an IHSS Recipient
Steps to Apply
-
1
Meet eligibility criteria
- Live at home or in a shelter, but not in a board and care facility, nursing home, or hospital.
- Receive Medi-Cal or qualify for Medi-Cal.
- Provide health care certification Form SOC 873 showing need for services.
-
2
Apply in one of the following ways:
- Call (415) 355-6700.
- Fax or mail the completed IHSS Referral form.
- For community providers or discharge planners, submit referrals online on SFGetCare.org.
-
3
Qualify for Medi-Cal
If you don't already have Medi-Cal or SSI, an IHSS Eligibility Worker will contact you to schedule an interview and review your income information.
-
4
Get assessed by a social worker
Once you get Medi-Cal, you will be assigned an HSS social worker, who will make an appointment for a home visit.
Following the assessment you will receive a notice of action explaining whether you are approved or denied for services.
If you disagree with the assessment, you have the right to appeal the decision at a state hearing.
More resources
- Client Information System allows you to look up your IHSS case status and social worker.
- IHSS Consumer Training Handbook
- IHSS Fact Sheets
Not eligible for IHSS? Find out about other options for in-home services by visiting: