IHSS and Working Parents: What to Know

Many parents caring for children with disabilities wonder whether they must leave their jobs to qualify as a paid provider through California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. It’s a valid concern, especially for families balancing employment with intensive caregiving responsibilities.

The short answer is: in some cases, yes—but it depends on your family’s circumstances, your child’s level of need, and how the IHSS program evaluates your availability as a caregiver.

IHSS and the “Parent Provider” Rule

When a minor child (under 18) qualifies for IHSS, the program considers whether a parent is “legally responsible” for providing care. Legally responsible individuals (usually parents) are typically not paid for performing routine parenting tasks. However, IHSS does make exceptions when:

• The child has disabilities that require care beyond what a typical child would need, and
• There is no other suitable provider available to provide care.

This is where your employment status becomes relevant.

When Parents May Need to Leave a Job

IHSS may authorize a parent to be a paid caregiver if:

1. No other caregiver is available, such as a nurse, aide, or family member who is not legally responsible.
2. The parent cannot retain employment due to the child’s extraordinary care needs, such as full-time supervision, frequent medical interventions, or behavioral safety concerns.
3. The parent has already left their job to provide full-time care, and that decision can be supported with documentation.

In other words, IHSS does not pay a parent caregiver simply because they want to be the provider—it must be out of necessity. Quitting a job may be required to meet that standard, but it should only be done after carefully considering the consequences and consulting with your IHSS social worker.

What Documentation Is Required?

To support your case, you may need to provide:

• A letter from your employer explaining why your work schedule is incompatible with your child’s care needs.
• A doctor’s statement outlining the intensity and frequency of care your child requires.
• Evidence that alternative care options are unavailable or inappropriate.

The more documentation you can provide, the stronger your case for being an eligible paid parent provider.

Are There Exceptions?

If your child is 18 or older, the “legally responsible relative” rule no longer applies. In this case, parents can generally be paid caregivers without needing to quit their jobs, as long as they are approved by IHSS and available to provide care during the authorized hours.

Additionally, IHSS may still approve you as a provider if you work part-time and are only providing care during your non-working hours, but this varies by case and must be approved by your county’s IHSS office.

What to Do Before Leaving a Job

Before making the decision to quit your job to become your child’s IHSS caregiver:

1. Speak with your IHSS social worker to understand how your employment affects your eligibility.
2. Consult with your employer to see if flexible arrangements or part-time options are possible.
3. Review your household financial situation, since IHSS payments may not fully replace your current income.
4. Get your child’s medical and behavioral records in order to support the need for a parent provider.

Final Thoughts

Being paid as your child’s IHSS caregiver is possible under certain conditions, but it's not guaranteed. In many cases, yes—you may have to leave your job to qualify. That’s because IHSS typically pays a parent caregiver only when there is no other viable care option and the child’s needs require full-time support.

Every case is unique, so be sure to communicate closely with your IHSS social worker and gather the necessary documentation to support your eligibility. With the right preparation, many parents are able to receive compensation for the care they’re already providing.

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].