In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is available to persons who cannot remain in their own home without services. Persons who receive SSI can get an additional payment if they are in a non-medical out-of-home living arrangement.
Individuals who receive the SSI non-medical out-of-home care rate are considered not to be living in their own home and are not eligible for IHSS.
IHSS applicants who are eligible for both IHSS and the SSI non-medical out-of-home care rate can choose whether they want IHSS or the SSI non-medical out-of-home care rate. Counties must inform people of this choice.
If an IHSS applicant states that they are not receiving the SSI non-medical out-of-home care rate, but the MEDS system says they are, the applicant must get a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that they do not get the SSI non-medical out-of-home care rate. The applicant must also complete the SOC 810 form stating that they told the Social Security Administration that they have been discharged from a facility.
When evaluating for IHSS, county social workers must assess for all IHSS services, and must document any unmet need in the case file, identify other resources to meet the unmet need, and refer applicants to those programs at no cost. (ACL 23-108, December 27, 2023.)