Santa Clara County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
IHSS is a California public program administered locally by Santa Clara County for people who meet Medi-Cal requirements and need help to live safely at home. A social-worker home visit determines authorized tasks and hours; recipients may hire a relative, friend, or a caregiver from the public registry.
About Santa Clara County In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
In-Home Supportive Services can fund help at home for people who cannot live safely without assistance. In Santa Clara County, the Social Services Agency administers the program for low-income residents who meet Medi-Cal rules and are older, blind, or have a disability. Age alone does not guarantee approval: the county reviews both eligibility and the person’s specific needs.
The process begins by contacting IHSS and submitting the SOC 295 application along with the SOC 873 health-care certification completed by a medical professional. The county lists (408) 792-1600, IHSSapply@ssa.sccgov.org, and an office at 353 W. Julian Street in San José; applications can also be submitted by mail or fax. A social worker visits the home to consider the person’s medical condition, living arrangement, available resources, and tasks requiring help.
If approved, the Notice of Action lists each authorized service and the monthly hours. The recipient can then hire someone they know or use the Public Authority registry; a relative may serve as a caregiver if program rules are met. IHSS is not a general allotment of hours: the county documents the need and determines which tasks and time are medically necessary.
The county’s general eligibility information includes Medi-Cal, age 65 or older or blindness/disability, inability to live safely without help, and medical certification. Services, hours, and payments depend on state rules and the individual determination. People who do not yet have Medi-Cal can apply through the state; the county document also lists a phone line for assistance with that application.
This program differs from a private home-care agency: the county authorizes the service and the recipient participates in hiring the provider. Keep copies of the application, health certification, assessment, and final letter. If circumstances change or approved help does not cover essential tasks, contact the social worker or Public Authority to ask about review procedures.
County in-home support program