How does it work?

The IHSS Program pays the wages of a caregiver (called an IHSS provider) to work in the client's home. The provider may be a relative or friend if desired. The provider's wages are paid twice per month after the work has been performed. The pay rate varies among California counties; in Contra Costa it is $10.75 per hour starting March 1, 2008. Providers are covered by government-paid Workers' Compensation insurance, by FICA and SDI.

If a person is not on SSI/SSP an eligibility determination is made by an eligibility worker. Once eligibility is determined a social worker visits the client's home to make an assessement of the client's needs. Each case is reviewed annually and includes a yearly visit by a social worker to the client's home.

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