If your child has a disability like autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy, and you live in the state of California, you may be eligible to receive benefits such as In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS). This funding can be used to meet your child’s daily needs and can help pay the expenses associated with his or her disability. But what if you already get financial benefits such as SSI? Will IHSS affect your SSI?
IHSS stands for In-Home Supportive Services. It is a program that provides financial assistance to adults and children with developmental disabilities who reside in California so they can remain at home safely.
For caretakers, including parents of children with autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities, Protective Supervision, part of the IHSS program, can provide payments every month so you can stay home and properly care for your child.
If you are a California resident and receive Medi-Cal benefits, you may be eligible for IHSS. Eligibility is assessed with an evaluation regarding whether your child needs the services it provides to stay safely in your own home as an alternative to out-of-home placement.
Can you keep your SSI and still apply for IHSS? Yes. IHSS payments will not affect a child’s SSI because this is considered exempt income under SSI rules. When IHSS rules changed to allow Medi-Cal funding for parent providers, these payments became income and property exempt under all of the state’s Medi-Cal programs for IHSS provided to children under 21.
Similar to SSI, IHSS offers financial benefits to families with children with special needs. Recent legislation created various options for counties to implement In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provider wage and benefit increases.
On January 1, 2022, the minimum wage increased to $15 per hour.
Currently, as an IHSS Protective Supervision provider, the maximum number of hours you can claim is 283 per month. That equates to a maximum of $4,245 per month today.
Also like SSI, there is an application process for IHSS. This includes eligibility determination, a needs assessment, and a notice of action.
If this process sounds overwhelming and you feel you need help, you can always reach out to us. Our advocates can lead you through everything, as well as attend the hearing with you.
American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive change happen for people diagnosed with Autism, Down syndrome, and a range of diagnoses across the continuum. As a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and the premier provider of the support and services people want and need, we understand the system and know how to take action in regard to your best interests.
CONTACT US FOR HELP.
Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at info@americanadvocacygroup.com.