The California Department of Social Services has provided information about completion of the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) SOC 873 form.
Counties can allow a good cause extension for failure to submit the IHSS SOC 873 form within 45 days of application when they were unable to do so because their health care provider was unavailable because of work related to COVID-19. The option for that good cause extension is extended through the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency in California. Counties can determine on a case-by-case basis when good cause exists. This evaluation should consider various factors including the applicant being in the hospital, the health care professional scheduling appointments more than 45 days out, the SOC 873 being lost in the mail, and the applicant’s primary health care provider being unavailable because of the Omicron variant. (ACL 22-11, February 9, 2022.)