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Are There Any Income Limits to Qualify for IHSS?

Are There Any Income Limits to Qualify for IHSS?

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a vital program in California that helps eligible individuals with disabilities, elderly people, and those with chronic health conditions live safely and independently in their homes. IHSS provides a variety of services, including assistance with daily activities like bathing, cooking, cleaning, and personal care. A common question many people have when applying for IHSS is whether there are income limits to qualify for the program. While IHSS is primarily based on an individual’s need for care, there are income and resource limits that can affect eligibility. In this blog post, we’ll break down how these limits work and what factors are involved in determining eligibility for IHSS.

How Is IHSS Eligibility Determined?

The eligibility for IHSS is based on two main factors:

  1. Functional Need: The first step in determining eligibility is assessing the individual’s functional need for assistance. This involves evaluating the person’s ability to perform basic activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and other personal care tasks. If the person is unable to perform these activities without help, they may qualify for IHSS.
  2. Income and Resources: While IHSS is primarily a needs-based program, income and resources can still play a role in determining eligibility, especially for adult applicants (18 years and older). Your income and resources will be assessed during the application process to ensure you meet the financial requirements.

Are There Income Limits for IHSS?

Yes, there are income limits to qualify for IHSS, but these limits may vary depending on who is applying and what type of assistance they need. Below are the key aspects of the income and resource limits for IHSS:

1. Income Limits for Applicants

  • For the IHSS Recipient: The income limits for the person applying for IHSS depend on the level of care they need. If the person requires IHSS services, their income will be considered during the application process to determine whether they are eligible for services. However, in general, there are no strict income limits for the IHSS recipient, because the program is primarily needs-based based on the applicant’s ability to perform daily living activities rather than a specific income cap.
    • Income Considered: Income that may be considered includes wages, Social Security benefits, retirement benefits, disability benefits, and other sources of income. However, certain income, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or state-only cash assistance, is often excluded from the income calculations.
    • Income Not Considered: Some income, such as SSICalWORKs, or certain state-only cash assistance programs, is not counted when determining eligibility. This can help those with limited income qualify for services.
  • For the IHSS Caregiver (Provider): If you are hiring a caregiver, they do not need to meet any income requirements to be eligible to provide care under IHSS. However, the caregiver's income is not considered when determining the eligibility of the person receiving care. The focus is on the recipient's need for care, not the caregiver’s financial status.

2. Resource Limits

In addition to income limits, there are also resource limits for individuals applying for IHSS. Resources include savings, investments, property, and other assets. The resource limits are designed to ensure that people who need assistance, but have significant financial means, are not using public funds for services they could afford to pay for themselves.

  • For individuals receiving SSI, there are often no asset limits for IHSS eligibility, meaning SSI recipients are automatically eligible for IHSS services as long as they meet the functional need requirement.
  • For non-SSI applicants, the individual’s resources (such as savings accounts, real estate, or other assets) will be considered. Typically, the resource limit is set at around $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples.
    • Exempt Resources: Certain assets, such as your primary home and personal belongings, are excluded from the resource calculation. For example, if you own your home and it’s your primary residence, its value won’t be counted toward the resource limit.

3. Medi-Cal’s Role in IHSS Eligibility

IHSS is part of California’s Medi-Cal program, which is California’s Medicaid program. Therefore, eligibility for IHSS is often determined alongside eligibility for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal has its own income and resource limits that must be met for eligibility, and these limits can affect your ability to qualify for IHSS.

  • For Medi-Cal eligibility, the income limits are based on the Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), which is a measure of your gross income after certain adjustments. If you are eligible for Medi-Cal, you are generally also eligible for IHSS.
  • If you exceed the income limits for Medi-Cal but still need in-home supportive services, you may still be able to qualify for IHSS by spending down your income to meet the Medi-Cal limits.

4. The IHSS Need Assessment

One of the most important factors in IHSS eligibility is your need for care. If you do not meet the income limits but have a significant need for assistance with activities of daily living, you may still qualify for IHSS.

The IHSS need assessment is conducted by a social worker who evaluates your ability to perform certain daily activities (such as bathing, dressing, and preparing meals). If the social worker determines that you need assistance with a certain number of hours per week, they will recommend the appropriate services, regardless of your income.

5. Income Disregards and Special Circumstances

For some individuals, there may be special disregards or allowances for income. For example, earned income disregards allow individuals who work to exclude some of their income when determining eligibility for IHSS. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who may have part-time work or other income sources but still need assistance.

In certain cases, an individual may be able to appeal an eligibility decision if they feel their income or resources have been incorrectly calculated, or if they believe special circumstances should apply to their case.

Final Thoughts

While there are some income and resource limits to qualify for IHSS, the program is primarily based on your need for care, not your financial status. The most important factors are your ability to perform daily living tasks and your overall health or disability status. If you meet the functional eligibility requirements, you may be able to qualify for IHSS assistance, even if your income exceeds the standard limits.

It’s also important to remember that income from certain programs (like SSI) may be excluded from the eligibility determination, and the resource limits are often set higher for individuals receiving SSI. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the best step is to apply for IHSS and undergo the assessment process to determine your eligibility.

If you need help with the application process, it’s a good idea to reach out to your local IHSS office or Medi-Cal representative to get more personalized assistance based on your situation.

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].

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