If you’ve ever found yourself squinting at IHSS paperwork and thinking, “Is this written in another language?”— you’re not alone. Between the forms, the rules, and all the secondhand advice from “a friend of a friend,” it’s easy to feel lost before you even begin. And let’s not even get started on the common myths we hear all the time, like, “Your child is too young for IHSS” or “Call back when your child is a certain age.”
Here’s the truth: if you’re raising a child with a disability in California, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) can be a total game-changer. It helps cover the kind of specialized care your child needs — and yes, it can even pay you for the care you’re probably already providing every day at home (but only if families know it’s an option and feel empowered to apply). That’s why this week, we’re breaking down some of the most common IHSS myths and giving you the real insights (and members-only IHSS workshops!) so you can make informed choices for your family without all the second-guessing.
What no one tells you about IHSS (but should)
IHSS can be a lifeline for families raising kids with disabilities. But there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there — like the idea that kids under 5 don’t qualify (they can; follow our 5 simple steps!). Or that your case worker will automatically assess your child for protective supervision or paramedical services (false — you need to apply!).
And there’s more that those came from. Check out our article on the top 13 IHSS myths about IHSS and get the real facts every parent needs to know! Or if you’re a busy parent on the go, tune into our bite-sized, AI-powered companion podcast episode instead!
Missed our IHSS workshop series? Don’t worry — it’s not too late!
Join Undivided today and get exclusive access to all the replays of our IHSS training series, including In-Home Supportive Services Basics, IHSS Protective Supervision, IHSS Paramedical and Personal Care Services, and Understanding Your Notice of Action. Plus, members get insider answers to your toughest questions about protective supervision and paramedical and/or personal care services — like how to document your child’s needs and what kinds of behaviors might qualify.
Members also get access to all the digital tools of the Undivided platform to make IHSS easier. Follow our step-by-step goals with templates, expert tips, and digital document storage so that you can keep everything in one place and stay on top of your applications! Click here to get started→
Undivided Updates: IHSS Edition
- Big changes could be coming to disability services like IHSS. There’s a lot happening in Washington, D.C., right now. Congress is working on budgets that could affect programs our families rely on — including Medicaid, which helps fund Medi-Cal and IHSS. If this support is cut, that could mean fewer hours or stricter eligibility for families who rely on IHSS to care for their kids. We’re tracking the updates and breaking it all down in plain language. Read about all the proposed cuts here and check back often for updates.
- Are you your child’s IHSS parent provider? Note that your 40 annual hours of IHSS sick pay will expire on June 30. The sick pay is above and beyond your child’s hours and does not count against your weekly max. If you have not used the sick hours by June 30, they will disappear, so make sure to claim them. The sick pay is claimed in a separate place from your regular timecard. Scroll down to the section on sick pay in this article for instructions!
- Do you need a second IHSS provider? The governor of California is proposing to cap IHSS parent provider hours at 50 per week, so if your child is authorized for more than 50 hours per week, you may no longer be able to provide those if the proposed budget cuts are approved. You may want to start the process of onboarding another provider, such as another family member. Learn more in our Instagram post here and contact your legislators to tell them your story! We’re staying on top of this issue and will keep our community updated.
One of our parent members told us, “I finally qualified for benefits I didn’t know about or was told I’d never qualify. My family is finally getting some financial relief that has overwhelmed us for 15 years! I’m now up and rolling with Medi-Cal, Self-Determination, and IHSS! This is a game-changer for my family!”
RSVP now → Special Education Updates: How Federal Proposals Could Affect Our Kids
With potential changes to federal education departments on the horizon, many parents of students with disabilities are understandably concerned how these changes could affect their children’s access to education. Here to help us understand what’s at stake is Denise Marshall, CEO of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA). Join us for a FREE Zoom webinar on June 12, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. PT where Denise will go over what’s changing, what’s not, and what we need to know to protect our children’s rights. Register for the free event here→
Join us for expert office hours
Whether your child is already in the Self-Determination Program (SDP) or you’re curious about how to transition from traditional Regional Center services to SDP, we’re here to help you get answers to all your questions! Join us on Wednesday, May 28 at 12:00 p.m. PT for expert office hours with Undivided’s Self-Determination Consultant Iris Barker to ask your questions on Zoom. If you’re not an Undivided member yet, get started here to join us for office hours every week.
Check out our these Undivided Conversations happening this week on our Facebook page. Just click into our FB page and tune in!
- IHSS Under Age 18. To get answers to the most common questions about IHSS, catch this conversation with Undivided Public Benefits Specialist Lisa Concoff Kronbeck this Saturday, May 24 at 10:00 a.m. PT.
- IHSS for Ages 0-5. Think kids under 5 can’t get IHSS? That’s a common myth, and it’s not true. Join us Sunday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. PT as Undivided’s Public Benefits Specialist, Lisa Concoff Kronbeck, explains how IHSS really works.
Myth: Eligibility for IHSS is income-based. Fact: Children are assessed individually based on their skills and support needs. Bust more myths in this Instagram post→
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Get expert tips for all things IHSS! Check out the IHSS playlist on our YouTube channel→
Summer is almost here! A member of our Facebook group for parents shared how their community is improving beach accessibility! How does your local beach measure up? Join the conversation→
Help us keep families and providers informed and updated! Connect with Undivided on LinkedIn→
