Do IHSS Hours Stop if My Child Goes to School Part-Time?

If your child receives IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) and attends school part-time, you may be wondering:

“Will my IHSS hours be reduced? Do I still get paid for providing care during school hours?”

Understanding how IHSS interacts with school attendance is crucial to making sure your child continues to receive the care they need—and that you get properly compensated as a parent provider.

IHSS Hours Are Based on Care Needs, Not School Hours

IHSS hours are approved based on your child’s functional needs and medical requirements, not strictly the hours they spend at home.

This means:

• If your child still needs care before school, after school, or during breaks, IHSS hours are still valid.
• School attendance may affect the hours only for the times your child is at school and fully supervised there.

In other words, attending school part-time does not automatically eliminate your IHSS hours.

What Care Is Covered During School Hours?

Even if your child is in school part-time, IHSS may still cover:

• Transportation to and from school
• Supervision and care before or after school
• Special needs support during school breaks or holidays
• Medical care or therapy needs that occur outside school hours
• Protective supervision if your child has behaviors or medical conditions requiring monitoring at home

The key question is whether your child needs your care during the times they are not in school.

What to Do When School Hours Change

If your child’s school schedule changes (e.g., part-time attendance, hybrid learning, or summer programs):

1. Notify your IHSS social worker.
2. Provide updated documentation about school hours and any care needs outside of school.
3. Request a reassessment if needed, especially if you believe the changes affect the number of hours you require.

IHSS wants to ensure that hours match your child’s actual care needs—no more, no less.

Can Parents Still Be Paid During School Hours?

Parents are generally not paid for IHSS hours during times their child is fully supervised at school.

However, you can still be approved for hours that cover:

• Time spent transporting your child
• Supervision before or after school
• Care during sick days, early dismissals, or school holidays

Always track your child’s schedule carefully to ensure timesheets reflect the hours you are actually providing IHSS care.

Tips to Protect Your Hours

• Keep a daily care log showing when your child is home and needs supervision.
• Save school schedules and holiday calendars.
• Maintain medical and therapy documentation showing ongoing care needs.
• Communicate promptly with your IHSS social worker about any schedule changes.

Proactive documentation helps avoid unnecessary reductions in your IHSS hours.

Bottom Line

Attending school part-time does not automatically reduce IHSS hours. Hours are based on your child’s care needs outside of school, including supervision, transportation, and medical or behavioral support.

By staying organized, keeping documentation, and communicating with your social worker, you can ensure your child continues to receive the support they need—and that you are properly compensated as a parent provider.

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].