How Do I Max Out My IHSS Hours?

IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) is a program that provides assistance to elderly or disabled individuals who require help with daily activities, including children with special needs such as autism. This program is designed to help people stay in their homes and avoid institutionalization. However, many recipients find that they don't receive enough hours of assistance to meet their needs. In this blog, we'll discuss how you can increase your IHSS hours and get the help you need.

Assess your need for more IHSS hours

The first step to increasing your IHSS hours is to assess your needs. Take the time to make a list of all the tasks you need assistance with, and estimate how much time each task takes. This will help you to determine how many hours of assistance you need per week.

Contact your social worker

Once you have assessed your needs, contact your IHSS social worker. Let them know that you need additional assistance, and provide them with a copy of your needs assessment. Your social worker will review your case and determine if you are eligible for additional hours.

Provide documentation

In order to increase your IHSS hours, you may need to provide documentation of your condition and the level of assistance you require. This may include medical records, doctor's notes, or a letter from your healthcare provider. Make sure you provide all the necessary documentation to support your request for additional hours.

Consider a reassessment

If you have already been assessed for IHSS and are not receiving enough hours, you may want to request a reassessment. This will involve a new evaluation of your needs and may result in an increase in your IHSS hours.

Appeal the decision

If your request for additional hours is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can request a hearing and present your case to an administrative law judge. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation to support your case, and consider seeking legal advice if necessary.

Utilize other resources While you are waiting for an increase in your IHSS hours, consider utilizing other resources to help meet your needs. This may include community services, volunteer programs, or family and friends. Make sure you explore all the options available to you.

In conclusion, increasing your IHSS hours can be a challenging process, but it is possible with the right approach. By assessing your needs, contacting your social worker, providing documentation, considering a reassessment, appealing the decision, and utilizing other resources, you can get the help you need to stay in your home and maintain your independence. Remember to be persistent, and don't give up until you get the assistance you need.

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 Disability Association is dedicated to the wellbeing and protection of children with disabilities and actively provides support to enhance their quality of life. Whether you are dealing with federal or state benefits or struggling with a school district to get proper education for your child, we have the resources to help you. Many individuals and families managing a disability are not aware of the wide array of services available to them, or they do not know how to apply for these benefits in a way that is likely to succeed.

Can I Be an IHSS Provider?

If you live in California, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a government-funded program that provides financial assistance to families caring for children with special needs. The program allows parents or guardians to become IHSS providers, receiving payment for providing essential services such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and other necessary activities of daily living for their children. However, not all parents or guardians are eligible to become IHSS providers for their children with special needs. There are specific disqualifying factors that can prevent a parent or guardian from participating in the program.

Criminal Records

The first factor that can disqualify a parent or guardian from becoming an IHSS provider for their child is a criminal record. Any felony conviction or misdemeanor conviction for a crime that involves abuse or neglect of a child, elderly, or disabled person automatically disqualifies a person from becoming an IHSS provider. The conviction can be for either a crime committed against the recipient of the IHSS services or any other person, including a child. Additionally, a history of violent behavior, even if there is no criminal record, may prevent a parent or guardian from becoming an IHSS provider.

Drug Abuse

Another factor that can disqualify a parent or guardian from becoming an IHSS provider is a history of drug or alcohol abuse. Any evidence of substance abuse, such as a positive drug test, can disqualify a person from being an IHSS provider. Even if the person has completed drug or alcohol rehabilitation programs, they may not be eligible to participate in the IHSS program.

Ability to Perform Services

The third factor that can disqualify a parent or guardian from becoming an IHSS provider is a lack of ability or willingness to perform the necessary services. IHSS providers must be able to perform the essential activities of daily living for the recipient of the services. If a parent or guardian is not physically or mentally capable of providing these services, they may not be eligible to become an IHSS provider. Additionally, if the parent or guardian is not willing to provide the necessary services, they may also be disqualified from participating in the program.

A parent or guardian who has been previously disqualified from the IHSS program for any of the reasons listed above may not be eligible to participate in the future. If a parent or guardian has been disqualified, they will be notified in writing of the reasons for the disqualification and given the opportunity to appeal the decision. The appeals process allows the parent or guardian to present evidence and arguments as to why they should be allowed to participate in the program.

Becoming an IHSS provider for a child with special needs is a significant responsibility. It requires a commitment to providing essential services, often on a full-time basis, and a willingness to put the needs of the child first. However, there are specific disqualifying factors that can prevent a parent or guardian from participating in the program, including criminal records, substance abuse, and a lack of ability or willingness to provide the necessary services. If a parent or guardian is disqualified from the program, they should take advantage of the appeals process to present their case and demonstrate why they should be allowed to participate in the IHSS program.

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.