What Services Are Not Covered by IHSS?

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides critical support for children and adults with disabilities so they can safely remain in their homes. However, not all types of care or assistance are covered under this program. If you’re a parent or caregiver applying for IHSS for your child, it’s important to understand what services IHSS does not pay for—so you can plan accordingly and avoid confusion during the application process.

IHSS Only Covers Certain Types of Care

IHSS is designed to support daily living needs that help a person remain safely in their home. These are tasks the individual would not be able to perform on their own due to their physical, mental, or developmental condition.

But it does not cover everything a caregiver might do. Below are some of the key services that IHSS does not cover:

1. Medical Services or Skilled Nursing Tasks

IHSS providers are not expected or allowed to perform skilled medical procedures. This includes:

• Administering injections (other than insulin)
• Inserting or caring for feeding tubes
• Wound care requiring medical training
• Catheter insertion or maintenance (unless very basic)
• Adjusting oxygen flow without direction

While IHSS allows certain paramedical services, these must be ordered by a doctor and approved by the program. They still do not include most skilled nursing care.

2. Supervision for Educational or Employment Activities

IHSS does not pay for time when:

• A child is at school (even if they need supervision there)
• A caregiver is helping with homework or tutoring
• A provider is accompanying someone to a job or vocational program

Even if your child needs 1:1 support during those times, IHSS won’t cover it. The program focuses on care needed inside the home, not during public activities.

3. Household Tasks Not Related to the Recipient’s Needs

IHSS providers are allowed to perform some domestic chores (like cooking, cleaning, or laundry), but only if they are specifically for the person receiving IHSS.

It does not cover:

• Cleaning the entire house or spaces unrelated to the IHSS recipient
• Cooking for the whole family
• Doing household laundry not used by the child
• General yard work or home maintenance

If a parent is caring for their child, tasks must be clearly for that child’s benefit.

4. Childcare or Babysitting

Many parents are surprised to learn that IHSS does not pay for typical childcare. The state assumes that all children require a certain level of supervision based on age, so IHSS only pays for care that goes above and beyond what is considered age-appropriate.

You cannot receive IHSS for:

• Watching your child while you work or run errands
• General babysitting services
• Supervision of a child without specific, documented needs

Only Protective Supervision is covered, and even that has strict criteria and must be medically justified.

5. Transportation to Non-Medical Activities

IHSS does not pay for:

• Driving your child to school
• Taking them to social events, therapy groups, or extracurriculars
• Running errands or shopping (unless directly related to their IHSS needs)

Transportation is only covered when it’s essential to medical appointments or to get medical supplies.

Final Thoughts

IHSS is a valuable program, but it has strict limitations. The focus is on help with personal care and safety within the home, not general parenting, household help, or skilled medical care. Knowing what’s not covered can help you prepare better for your assessment and avoid misunderstandings about what services you or your child may be eligible for.

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].