Why Does the County Reassess IHSS Every Year?

If your child’s needs haven’t changed, an annual IHSS reassessment can feel unnecessary, stressful, or even threatening. Many parents ask why the county reassesses every year—and whether that means benefits are at risk. The short answer is that annual reassessments are required by law, but they are not supposed to be used to automatically reduce hours or deny services.

Here’s what parents should know.

Annual Reassessments Are a Legal Requirement

Counties are required to review IHSS cases at least once every 12 months. The purpose of a reassessment is to confirm continued eligibility and ensure that services still reflect the recipient’s needs.

This requirement exists for all IHSS recipients, not just children or parent providers.

What the County Is Supposed to Review

During a reassessment, the county should evaluate:

• Whether the child still has a qualifying disability
• Whether care needs have changed, increased, or decreased
• Whether authorized services are still appropriate

The reassessment is not meant to re-litigate eligibility from scratch or assume improvement without evidence.

Reassessment Does Not Mean Reduction

A common fear is that reassessment automatically leads to fewer hours. That is not how the program is intended to work.

Hours should only be reduced if there is clear evidence that:

• The child’s functional needs have decreased, or
• Certain services are no longer required

If nothing has changed—or if needs have increased—hours should remain the same or increase.

Why Reassessments Feel Adversarial

Many parents experience reassessments as more stressful than initial assessments because:

• They worry about losing existing support
• Social workers may rely heavily on brief observations
• The burden often shifts to parents to “prove” ongoing need

This can be especially difficult for families whose children have invisible disabilities or fluctuating conditions.

What Parents Can Do to Prepare

To protect services during a reassessment, parents may want to:

• Review the current Notice of Action and authorized hours
• Document daily care and supervision needs
• Note any changes, regressions, or new diagnoses
• Be clear and specific about safety risks and support required

Preparation helps ensure the reassessment reflects reality, not assumptions.

What If Hours Are Reduced After Reassessment?

If the county reduces hours following a reassessment, parents have the right to:

• Receive a written Notice of Action
• Appeal the decision within the stated deadline
• Request aid paid pending in most cases

A reduction does not mean the decision is correct—it means it can be challenged.

The Bottom Line

Annual IHSS reassessments are required, but they are not meant to automatically cut services. The goal is to confirm continued eligibility, not to punish families or assume improvement. Knowing what reassessments are—and what they are not—can help parents approach them with more clarity and confidence.

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].