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In-Home Supportive Services

Aging & Disability Services

Divisions / Aging & Disability Services / Programs and Services / In-Home Supportive Services

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides homecare services to Medi-Cal eligible aged, blind or individuals with disabilities, including children, to assist them to remain safely in their own homes as an alternative to out-of-home care. These services may be free, or the client may pay part of the cost depending on countable income.

IHSS services may include:

  • Household chores, such as cooking, cleaning and laundry.
  • Personal care services, such as dressing, bathing and feeding.
  • Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments.
  • Protective supervision
  • Paramedical services as ordered by a physician.

IHSS Eligibility Requirements:

  • 65 years of age, blind, or disabled, and must have a disability that will last one year or longer.Note: Disabled children may also be eligible for IHSS.
  • Resident of San Mateo County.
  • Currently living in own home or currently living in a residence of own choosing.(“Own home” does not include acute care hospitals, long-term care facilities, board and care facilities, or licensed community care facilities.)
  • Enrolled in Active Full-Scope Medi-Cal.
  • For more information, please visit their website Medi-Cal.
  • Provide a Health Care Certification Form SOC 873 (see resource library below), completed by a Licensed Health Care Professional
  • Participate in an in-home assessment interview.

Apply for IHSS

IHSS Application Steps

Step 1: Complete the Online Referral Form

  • Fill out our online Referral Form.
  • If you need assistance completing the form, please call 650-573-3900.

Step 2: Complete the IHSS Health Care Certification Form (SOC 873)

  • After submitting your online referral:
    • You will receive a confirmation email with a link to download the SOC 873 form.
    • Applicant to complete Page 1 of the form and Licensed Health Care Professional must complete Page 2 of the form.
    • We will also mail you a paper copy of the SOC 873 form.

Step 3: Submit the Completed SOC 873 Form

  • Submit using one of the following methods:
    • eFax: 833-808-0937
    • email: SMCIHSSInfo@smcgov.org
    • In-Person: 2000 Alameda de las Pulgas Ave., Suite 200, San Mateo, CA 94403
    • US Postal Mail: San Mateo County IHSS PO Box 5892, San Mateo, CA 94402

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: The SOC 873 form must be completed and submitted within 45 days of application.

IHSS FAQs

  • After the online referral form is submitted, an IHSS Commuinty Worker may follow-up with a call if the referral information is incomplete.
  • Once a completed SOC 873 form is recevied and active Medi-Cal is confirmed, you will be assigned an IHSS Social Worker who will contact you to scheduele a home visit.
  • At the home visit, the IHSS Social Worker will conduct an evaluation to determine elgibility and need for IHSS services.
  • You will be mailed a written Notice of Action outlining approval or denial of services:
    • If found eligible, the Notice of Action will list the tasks approved and the monthly authorized hours of service.
    • If denied, the Notice of Action will indicate the reason(s) and provide guidance and resources for you in case you disagree with the decision.

Once approved for IHSS, you can hire a caregiver to provide you with IHSS services.

To enroll a provider, please call (833) 650-2272 and leave a voicemail with the following information:

  • Client name and case number
  • Provider’s full legal name and start date of service

Please allow 5-7 business days for a call back and an enrollment packet will be mailed to the applicant.

Provider Enrollment Requirements

  1. Must have a valid Social Security Card/Work Permit
  2. Must have an original and unexpired Government issued ID with name matching what appears on the Social Security Card
  3. Complete required forms
  4. Attend an orientation meeting
  5. Complete a background check

If assistance is needed locating and hiring a provider, please ask your IHSS Social Worker to submit a referral to the Public Authority Registry, which can either provider you with a referral list or assist you with the hiring process.

Contact Us

San Mateo County IHSS

Main Office

2000 Alameda de las Pulgas Ave., Suite 200, San Mateo, CA 94403

Phone Number

650-573-3900

Fax Number

833-808-0947

Resource Library