Turning 18 and Losing IHSS Hours—Is That Correct?

Many parents are shocked when their child turns 18 and IHSS hours are cut instead of increased. There’s a common belief that adult assessments automatically lead to more hours because adult standards recognize independence and safety differently. While adult assessments can increase hours, a reduction is not automatic or always correct.

What matters is how the county conducts the adult reassessment—and whether it follows the law.

What Changes When a Child Turns 18

At age 18, IHSS shifts from a minor assessment to an adult assessment. This means:

• The “normal parental care” standard no longer applies
• The adult recipient is assessed as an individual
• Hours should be based on the adult’s functional limitations

In theory, this often supports more IHSS hours, not fewer.

Why Counties Sometimes Cut Hours Anyway

Counties may reduce hours after age 18 by:

• Treating the adult as more independent without evidence
• Ignoring ongoing safety risks or cognitive impairments
• Failing to reassess protective supervision correctly
• Relying on outdated or incomplete information

A cut is only lawful if the county can show a real change in need, not just a change in age.

Adult Assessments Do Not Assume Independence

Becoming a legal adult does not mean a person suddenly:

• Becomes self-directing
• Loses dangerous behaviors
• Needs less supervision
• Can safely manage daily activities

If your child’s needs stayed the same—or increased—the assessment should reflect that.

Protective Supervision After Age 18

Protective supervision does not end at 18.

Adults may still qualify if they:

• Have cognitive impairments
• Are non-self-directing
• Require constant supervision to prevent injury

If protective supervision was reduced or removed without proper analysis, the county may have made an error.

What to Do If Hours Were Cut

If hours were reduced immediately after your child turned 18:

1. Review the Notice of Action carefully
2. File an appeal if the reduction lacks evidence
3. Gather updated medical, behavioral, and functional documentation
4. Emphasize that needs did not decrease

Adult reassessments should be individualized—not automatic.

Why These Cuts Are Often Appealable

Reductions tied solely to turning 18 are frequently overturned because:

• Age alone is not a valid reason to reduce hours
• Counties must justify changes with evidence
• Adult standards often support equal or greater assistance

Appeals succeed when families show that the county relied on assumptions instead of facts.

The Bottom Line

Adult IHSS assessments are not supposed to automatically reduce hours. If anything, turning 18 often removes parental-care limitations that previously capped services.

If your child’s hours were cut simply because they became an adult, it may be worth challenging. In IHSS, age alone does not reduce need—and the county must prove otherwise.

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].