Aging with Dignity · India Currents
Your IHSS Application Roadmap
Six steps from first contact to hiring your caregiver — tap each circle to mark it done. Includes county-specific notes throughout.
Your progress is saved on this device — come back anytime to pick up where you left off.
Step 1
Secure Medi-Cal eligibility
IHSS is a Medi-Cal benefit, so you must be enrolled — or have applied — before proceeding. You can find support at Medi-Cal official website If you’re already covered, skip straight to Step 2.
- Online at BenefitsCal ↗ or Covered California ↗
- In person at your county social services office ↗
Step 2
Submit the IHSS Application (SOC 295)
Complete and submit the SOC 295 – Application for Social Services to your county’s IHSS office by phone, mail, fax, or in person.
County-specific note
Some counties — including San Mateo and Kern — require a referral form first. You submit that online or by phone, then wait for a county intake worker to contact you before filing the formal SOC 295. Check with your county IHSS office ↗ before assuming you can apply directly.
Step 3
Complete Health Care Certification (SOC 873)
Your primary care physician (or another licensed health care professional) must complete the SOC 873 to certify that you need in-home assistance to avoid institutionalization. The county cannot authorize services until they receive this form.
Important: Doctors and clinics are prohibited by law from charging a fee to fill this out. If asked to pay, decline and report it.
Important: Doctors and clinics are prohibited by law from charging a fee to fill this out. If asked to pay, decline and report it.
Step 4
In-home needs assessment
A county social worker visits your home to interview you and evaluate your physical and mental condition, living situation, and ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) — bathing, dressing, meal prep, and so on. The outcome determines your authorized monthly hours.
Step 5
Receive your Notice of Action (NOA)
The county sends a formal Notice of Action letter — approved or denied. If approved, it lists your authorized services and monthly hours. If you want to appeal, instructions are printed on the back.
Step 6
You are approved — now you need a caregiver. Here’s the good news: you don’t have to find one on your own.
Every county has a Public Authority Registry — a ready list of pre-vetted caregivers who have already passed background checks, completed orientation, and are eligible to work. You can request this list from your county and interview candidates yourself. Or, if you already have a family member or friend in mind, they can become your provider too — about 70% of IHSS caregivers are relatives.
You are the legal employer, which means you have the final say on who you hire, when they work, and how your care is delivered. If your caregiver isn’t already enrolled in IHSS, they’ll need to complete a few steps before they can be paid (SOC 426 form, orientation, and a Live Scan background check).
Which hiring mode applies to you depends on your county:
You are the legal employer, which means you have the final say on who you hire, when they work, and how your care is delivered. If your caregiver isn’t already enrolled in IHSS, they’ll need to complete a few steps before they can be paid (SOC 426 form, orientation, and a Live Scan background check).
Which hiring mode applies to you depends on your county:
- Independent Provider (most common): You hire someone you know or choose from the registry
- Contract Mode (e.g. San Francisco): The county contracts with an agency like Homebridge — helpful if directing your own care is difficult
- County Homemaker Mode: The county employs and trains the caregiver directly
Pay rates vary by county (2026)
Wages range from $16.90/hr (Siskiyou County) to $23.00/hr (San Francisco). Confirm your county’s current rate with your local IHSS office.
Key forms at a glance
If IHSS is denied
You still have options
A denial isn’t the end of the road. Here’s where families can turn next.
File a state hearing appeal
You can challenge the decision or your authorized hours. Instructions are on the back of your Notice of Action letter.
CalAIM Community Supports
Some Medi-Cal Managed Care Plans offer Personal Care and Homemaker Services as a bridge — similar help, often started faster through agencies like 24 Hour Home Care.
Advocacy organizations
Disability Rights California and private advocacy groups can guide you through appeals and reassessments at no cost.
Community partners
Organizations like Homebridge (415) 255-2079 and the Public Authority (415) 243-4477 can help with finding care while you wait.
