The CARE Act is a way to allow specific people, called “petitioners,” to request voluntary treatment, services, support, and a housing plan for people, called “respondents,” who have certain untreated severe mental illnesses, specifically schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.
Under the law, you are ineligible to work in the IHSS program ONLY if you have been convicted within the last 10 years of: 1) fraud against a government health care or supportive services program; 2) child abuse; or 3) abuse of an elder or dependent adult.
To get IHSS, you need to: Be blind, disabled, or age 65 or older.
The applicant income limit is equivalent to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). While this figure increases annually in January, for California Medicaid, the income limits increase each April. Effective 4/1/24, the monthly income limit for the IHSS program for a single applicant is $1,732.
How to Become an IHSS Provider Go to an IHSS Provider Orientation given by the county. Complete, sign and return the IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) directly to the County IHSS Office or IHSS Public Authority. Complete and sign the IHSS Provider Enrollment Agreement (SOC 846) .
Call (800) 339-4661 to apply with Call Center staff.
Of those who do get approved, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to finally receive benefits. This is due to the meticulous amount of paperwork involved, as well as the process of the case worker assessment, background check, and other procedures.
To become a caregiver in California, meet state requirements (work authorization, background check, good health), complete a Home Care Aide certification course and provide proof of vaccinations and a negative TB test.
The CARE Act is a way to allow specific people, called “petitioners,” to request voluntary treatment, services, support, and a housing plan for people, called “respondents,” who have certain untreated severe mental illnesses, specifically schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder.