Does IHSS Income Affect My Other Public Benefits?

If you’re receiving income through California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program—whether as a provider or a recipient—it’s important to understand how that income may impact your eligibility for other public benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medi-Cal, CalFresh (food stamps), or Section 8 housing. The answer is not always straightforward, but we’ll break it down for you here.

What Is IHSS Income?

IHSS pays individuals to care for elderly or disabled people (including family members) in their own homes. The goal is to allow people to remain safely in their communities rather than being institutionalized. IHSS payments are considered income to the provider, but how they’re treated by other benefit programs depends on your role and your relationship to the recipient.

1. Does IHSS Income Affect SSI?

It depends on who you're caring for.

• Parent caring for a minor child OR spouse caring for a spouse: If you’re living in the same home and caring for your own child or spouse through IHSS, that income is excluded from your countable income for SSI purposes. This means it will not reduce your SSI benefits.
• Caring for someone else (not your child or spouse): If you’re an IHSS provider for someone other than your own minor child or spouse, then the IHSS income is counted and can reduce your SSI benefit.

Why? This special rule comes from a Social Security policy exception (often referred to as the “In-Home Parent/Spouse Provider Exclusion”).

2. Does IHSS Income Affect Medi-Cal?

Again, it depends on the situation:

• If your only income is IHSS payments for caring for your child or spouse, and you live together, then that income is not counted for Medi-Cal eligibility in most cases.
• However, if you have other income or are paid to care for someone else, that income may count and could affect Medi-Cal eligibility depending on your income limits.

Good news: Medi-Cal offers several programs with different income limits, so even if some income is counted, you may still qualify.

3. Does IHSS Income Affect CalFresh (Food Stamps)?

CalFresh usually does count IHSS income, unless it qualifies for the spouse/parent provider exclusion.

• If you're caring for your own child or spouse and live with them, your IHSS income may be excluded and won’t impact your CalFresh benefits.
• If you're caring for someone else, that income is counted and could reduce your food stamp amount.

4. Does IHSS Income Affect Housing Benefits (like Section 8)?

Section 8 housing authorities typically count IHSS income when calculating rent and eligibility, even if other programs exclude it. However, you should report all income and let your local housing authority determine how they treat IHSS pay, as policies can vary slightly.

Key Takeaways:

• IHSS income is sometimes excluded, sometimes counted—it depends on your relationship to the person you care for and the benefit program.
• For SSI and Medi-Cal, if you’re caring for your own child or spouse and live with them, IHSS income is generally not counted.
• For CalFresh and Section 8, IHSS income is usually counted, but there are exceptions.
• Always report all income, and ask about special exclusions based on your caregiving relationship.

Need help? In California, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides crucial financial help for families raising children with special needs. 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 regarding your best interests.

CONTACT US FOR HELP. Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected].