Become an IHSS Recipient

Steps to Apply

1
Meet eligibility criteria
- Live at home or in a shelter, but not in a board and care facility, nursing home, or hospital.
- Receive Medi-Cal or qualify for Medi-Cal.
- Provide health care certification Form SOC 873 showing your need for services.
2
Apply in one of the following ways:
- Call (415) 355-6700.
- Fax or mail the completed IHSS Referral form.
Community providers or discharge planners should submit referrals online at SFGetCare.org.
3

Qualify for Medi-Cal

If you don't already have Medi-Cal or SSI, an IHSS Eligibility Worker will contact you to schedule an interview and review your income information.
4
Get assessed by a Social Worker
- Once you get Medi-Cal, you will be assigned an IHSS Social Worker who will make an appointment for a home visit.
- Following the assessment you will receive a notice of action explaining whether you are approved or denied for services.
- If you disagree with the assessment, you have the right to appeal the decision at a state hearing.

View the state's IHSS Fact Sheets.

Not eligible for IHSS?
Learn about other options for in-home services from Support at Home and Self-Help for the Elderly.