Sacramento County IHSS Public Authority

IHSS is a public benefit administered by Sacramento County to help eligible people remain safely in their own homes. It may cover domestic tasks, personal care, and certain paramedical services identified through the process; it is not a general cleaning service purchased directly, and age alone does not establish eligibility. Applications can begin by phone, form, email, or fax, so do not assume an unannounced office visit is required.

Applicants must live in Sacramento County, be age 65 or older, blind, or disabled, have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination, live in their own home, and be unable to remain there safely without assistance. The county also requires a Health Care Certification Form, SOC 873. Call 916-874-9471 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the SOC 295 application can be mailed to P.O. Box 269131, Sacramento, CA 95826, or submitted by fax or email as directed on the county website.

A social worker assesses functional needs before deciding whether to authorize services, which tasks are covered, and how many hours are allowed. If approved, a recipient may choose a relative or seek a provider through the county registry; the recipient acts as the employer and supervises the work. Have the address, date of birth, Medi-Cal information, preferred language, and specific daily needs ready for the first call. The Tech Center address is the Public Authority office, which supports recipients and providers; start a benefits application with IHSS at 916-874-9471 or use the county mail, fax, or email options.