Lake County IHSS — in-home support
County IHSS programme guides, with recipient assessment separate from provider enrollment and payroll.
Source checked October 15, 2026[35]lakecountyca.gov
Opens this office’s own website. CountyWiki does not process applications, take payments or provide personal records.
Contact details & office locations ↓Online services & information
These links were found on official source pages. Each service is handled by the office.
Use the county’s instructions and the contacts for the stated purpose. Recipient eligibility and authorized care are determined by the county.
Before you start
- Eligibility & access · Shared California IHSS guidance — eligibility
- California residency, a Medi-Cal eligibility determination, living at home and health-care certification are part of the state criteria. Ask the county to assess your case. [1]
- Availability · Shared California IHSS guidance — assessment
- A county social worker assesses care needs at a home interview and determines which services and hours can be authorized. [2]
- Information & documents · Shared California IHSS guidance — certification
- SOC 873 health-care certification is required before services are authorized. Use your county’s submission instructions; acceptable alternatives for children are described in the state child guidance. [3]
- Availability · Shared California IHSS guidance — decision
- The county sends an approval or denial notice. An approval identifies the authorized services and monthly hours; a denial explains the reason. [4]
- Languages · Shared California IHSS guidance — language
- Free interpretation, sign-language services and translated information are available through the programme. Ask for assistance in your language. [5]
- Availability · Shared California IHSS guidance — certification cost
- CDSS states that health-care providers and clinics cannot charge for completing IHSS eligibility forms or responsive public-benefit claim/appeal information. This does not make provider fingerprinting free. [6]
Shared CDSS guidance on services, recipient responsibilities and changed care needs.
Before you start
- Availability · Shared California IHSS guidance — employer
- Recipients hire, train and supervise their individual providers and can end that employment. County-contracted arrangements may differ. [7]
- Availability · Shared California IHSS guidance — reassessment
- IHSS includes annual reassessments. Contact your social worker to request reassessment when needs or circumstances change. [8]
- Payments · Shared California IHSS guidance — county rate
- Ask your social worker about your county’s provider rate. Rates vary by county; no current statewide wage amount is asserted here. [9]
Shared CDSS provider instructions. Arrange enrollment with your county IHSS office or Public Authority as directed.
Before you start
- Information & documents · Shared California IHSS guidance — enrollment
- Contact the county IHSS office or Public Authority for orientation, SOC 426, SOC 846 and fingerprint/background-check steps. Send enrollment forms to the county or Public Authority as directed, rather than CDSS. [10]
- Eligibility & access · Shared California IHSS guidance — enrollment payment
- Complete provider enrollment before you can be enrolled and receive IHSS payment. Recipient approval alone does not enroll a caregiver or guarantee employment. [11]
- Payments · Shared California IHSS guidance — fingerprint cost
- The provider enrollment form assigns fingerprinting and background-check costs to the provider. Confirm current local charges; no fixed fee is listed here. [12]
Shared CDSS payroll guidance for providers and recipients; this is separate from applying for IHSS care.
Before you start
- Availability · Shared California IHSS guidance — esp
- Recipients approve or reject timesheets in ESP. Providers submit timesheets, view payment status and history, manage direct deposit and submit sick-leave claims. ESP is a payroll portal; use county instructions to apply for care. [13]
Shared CDSS guidance on check-in/out methods and live-in provider self-certification.
Before you start
- Availability · Shared California IHSS guidance — evv method
- Non-live-in providers record check-in/out and home/community location using ESP, the recipient’s landline through TTS, or the IHSS EVV app. See the state guidance for live-in self-certification. [14]
- Payments · Shared California IHSS guidance — evv pay
- Provider pay is based on reported hours worked, rather than the elapsed time between EVV check-in and check-out. [15]
Shared CDSS instructions for enrolling or changing provider direct deposit.
Before you start
- Payments · Shared California IHSS guidance — direct deposit
- CDSS requires provider direct deposit to a checking/savings account or a chosen pay card. Providers can enroll through ESP or use the state paper option. [16]
- Processing time · Shared California IHSS guidance — deposit time
- CDSS estimates about 30 days after a successful online direct-deposit request. Continue submitting timesheets while waiting; this is not a guaranteed payment date. [17]
Shared CDSS child guidance, including the PCSP parent-provider restriction and county subprogramme assessment.
Before you start
- Eligibility & access · Shared California IHSS guidance — child parent
- Parents cannot be the minor’s paid provider under PCSP. CFCO, IPO and IHSS-R allow an enrolled provider under the revised rules. Tell the county your provider preference so it can determine the appropriate subprogramme. [18]
- Information & documents · Shared California IHSS guidance — child certification
- For a child, the county must receive SOC 873 or acceptable alternative documentation before authorizing services. [19]
- Payments · Shared California IHSS guidance — child share of cost
- Some children may qualify with a share of cost. The county determines eligibility and any share-of-cost obligation; care is not universally free. [20]
- Eligibility & access · Shared California IHSS guidance — pcsp letter
- ACL 23-106 retains the PCSP parent-provider restriction. The removal of other minor-provider restrictions does not remove provider enrollment requirements. [21]
Shared CDSS hearing information. Read your county notice and the applicable deadlines.
Before you start
- Appeals · Shared California IHSS guidance — hearing
- CDSS generally gives 90 days to request a hearing about a county action, with good-cause consideration for late requests. Review the notice promptly; separate Medi-Cal rules and any request to continue benefits need specific guidance. [22]
Fees
Fees are quoted only when a source document supports the amount and conditions.
Check the official website for its current fee schedule. No fee should be assumed to be free.
Forms & documents
Official forms and document pages for this office’s services.
- SOC 295 — recipient application (shared state form) (opens in a new tab)PDF[30]
- SOC 873 — health-care certification (shared state form) (opens in a new tab)PDF[31]
- SOC 426 — provider enrollment form (shared state form) (opens in a new tab)PDF[32]
- SOC 846 — provider enrollment agreement (shared state form) (opens in a new tab)PDF[33]
- SOC 847 — prospective provider enrollment information (shared state form) (opens in a new tab)PDF[34]
Sources & last checked15 source pages · 40 citations
Sources were checked by an AI-assisted research process. A checked website does not mean every service or fee on it has been reviewed.
- [1] In-Home Supportive Services (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed programme guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
You must be a California resident. You must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination. You must live at home or an abode of your own choosing (acute care hospital, long-term care facilities, and licensed community care facilities are not considered "own home"). You must submit a completed Health Care Certification form.
- [2] In-Home Supportive Services (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed programme guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
A county social worker will interview you at your home to determine your eligibility and need for IHSS. Based on your ability to safely perform certain tasks for yourself, the social worker will assess the types of services you need and the number of hours the county will authorize for each of these services. This assessment will include information given by you and, if appropriate, by your family, friends, physician, or other licensed health care professional.
- [3] In-Home Supportive Services (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed programme guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
A completed Health Care Certification (SOC 873) must be received by the county prior to authorization of services.
- [4] In-Home Supportive Services (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed programme guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
You will be notified if IHSS has been approved or denied. If denied, you will be notified of the reason for the denial. If approved, you will be notified of the services and the number of hours per month which have been authorized for you.
- [5] In-Home Supportive Services (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed programme guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
You have the right to free and timely oral interpretation, sign language services, and written translations of English-language content.
- [6] Electronic Visit Verification for Recipients and Providers (EVV) (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed evv guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Health care providers and clinics shall not charge a fee to a patient for filling out any forms related to an IHSS applicant’s eligibility determination or providing information responsive to forms that support a claim or appeal regarding eligibility for a public benefit program (Health and Safety Code Section 123114).
- [7] In-Home Supportive Services (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed programme guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
If you are approved for IHSS, you must hire someone (your individual provider) to perform the authorized services. You are considered your provider's employer and, therefore, it is your responsibility to hire, train, supervise, and fire this individual.
- [8] In-Home Supportive Services (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed programme guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
IHSS assessments are completed during home visits at the initial intake assessment and annual reassessments. Recipients may request for a reassessment of need at any time if their needs or circumstances change.
- [9] In-Home Supportive Services (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed programme guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
You may contact the social worker assigned to your case to determine the IHSS hourly rate in your county. Because unions negotiate with the employer of record in each county, the wage rates may vary from county to county.
- [10] IHSS provider orientation (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed orientation guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Go to an IHSS Provider Orientation given by the county. Here you will learn important information about the program and the requirements for you to follow as a provider. Complete, sign and return the IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) directly to the County IHSS Office or IHSS Public Authority. For additional guidance, contact your County IHSS Office or IHSS Public Authority. Do not send the form to CDSS. Translations: Armenian | Chinese | Spanish Complete and sign the IHSS Provider Enrollment Agreement (SOC 846) . This is the agreement that ALL IHSS providers are required to sign. Translations: Armenian | Chinese | Spanish Get fingerprinted and go through a criminal background check by the California Department of Justice.
- [11] How to Become an IHSS Provider (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed enrollment guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
If you want to become an IHSS provider, you must complete all the steps outlined in the document linked below before you can be enrolled as a provider and receive payment from the IHSS program for providing services.
- [12] IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed soc426 guidance · PDF page 4
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
I am responsible for paying the costs of fingerprinting and the background check.
- [13] Electronic Services Portal Information (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed esp guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Recipients have the ability to approve/reject timesheets online and providers have the ability to complete and submit their electronic timesheets, view their payment status and history, sign-up for and make changes to Direct Deposit and submit Sick Leave Claims.
- [14] Electronic Visit Verification for Recipients and Providers (EVV) (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed evv guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Non-Live-In Providers are required to check-in and out and select if services are provided in the recipient’s “home” or in the “community.” This must be completed using either the Electronic Services Portal (ESP), Telephone Timesheet System (TTS) using the recipient’s landline telephone, or IHSS EVV Mobile Application (App).
- [15] Electronic Visit Verification for Recipients and Providers (EVV) (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed evv guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Providers will be paid based on their reported “hours worked” and not the time between check-in/check-out.
- [16] Online Direct Deposit Enrollment Service (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed direct-deposit guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Effective July 1, 2022, all IHSS and WPCS providers are required to use Direct Deposit to have their paychecks automatically deposited into a checking or saving account or loaded onto a pay card of their choice.
- [17] Online Direct Deposit Enrollment Service (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed direct-deposit guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
It takes approximately 30 days for provider(s) to start receiving Direct Deposit after they successfully submit their Online Direct Deposit enrollment request. The provider should continue to submit their timesheets as they wait for their Direct Deposit to begin.
- [18] IHSS for Children (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed children guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
When a minor is enrolled in the IHSS sub program, PCSP, a parent is not permitted to be their minor child’s provider as this is restricted by federal program rules. However, effective 60 days after the publication of ACL 23-106, minor recipients, who are in CFCO, IPO, or IHSS-R, may hire any provider that successfully completes provider enrollment. Parents who wish to provide IHSS to their minor child should inform the county of their provider preference so this information may be taken into account when determining IHSS Program eligibility. Choosing to have a parent as a provider will not impact IHSS eligibility; however, it will determine which IHSS program the minor is placed.
- [19] IHSS for Children (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed children guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
A completed Health Care Certification (SOC 873) or acceptable alternative documentation must be received by the county prior to authorization of services.
- [20] IHSS for Children (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed children guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
If their income is too high for SSI, they may qualify with a share of cost.
- [21] ACL 23-106 — minor recipient provider requirements (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed acl23-106 guidance · PDF page 5
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
However, parents with minor recipients in the Personal Care Services Program (PCSP) continue to be ineligible to be paid parent providers pursuant to WIC section 14132.95(f) and MPP section 30-763.457.
- [22] State hearing requests (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · Reviewed hearings guidance
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
If you disagree with an action taken by the County or the Department of Health Care Services, or you disagree with an eligibility determination made by Covered California, you have 90 days to request a state hearing. After 90 days, you must prove you had a good reason for asking late.
- [23] In-Home Supportive Services (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · State State IHSS care, assessment and reassessment guide
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program
- [24] IHSS provider orientation (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · State State guide to becoming an IHSS provider
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
IHSS Provider Orientation
- [25] Electronic Services Portal Information (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · State State ESP timesheet and payment help
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Electronic Services Portal
- [26] Electronic Visit Verification for Recipients and Providers (EVV) (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · State State electronic visit verification guide
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) for Recipients and Providers
- [27] Online Direct Deposit Enrollment Service (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · State State provider direct-deposit instructions
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
ONLINE DIRECT DEPOSIT SERVICE
- [28] IHSS for Children (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · State State IHSS guidance for children and family caregivers
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
IHSS for Children
- [29] State hearing requests (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · State State hearing request instructions
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
State Hearing Requests
- [30] SOC 295 - Application for In-Home Supportive Services (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · PDF page 1 · document identity and purpose
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
California Health and Human Services Agency California Department of Social Services APPLICATION FOR IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES To the Applicant: All sections of this form must be completed. Information provided is subject to verification. NOTE: Retain your copy of your completed application. Regarding your Social Security Number, it is
- [31] SOC 873 — IHSS health care certification (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · PDF page 1 · document identity and purpose
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS) PROGRAM HEALTH CARE CERTIFICATION FORM A. APPLICANT/RECIPIENT INFORMATION (To be completed by the county) Applicant/Recipient Name: Date of Birth: Address: County of Residence: IHSS Case #: IHSS Worker Name: I
- [32] IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · PDF page 3 · document identity and purpose
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
STATE OF CALIFORNIA - HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS) PROGRAM PROVIDER ENROLLMENT FORM INSTRUCTIONS: • Use black or blue ink to fill out. Print information clearly. • Fill out, sign and return this form in person to the office or location designated by the county
- [33] IHSS Provider Enrollment Agreement (SOC 846) (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · PDF page 1 · document identity and purpose
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
State of California – Health and Human Services Agency California Department of Social Services IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS) PROVIDER NUMBER PROGRAM PROVIDER ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT PROVIDER NAME (FIRST, MIDDLE, LAST) 1. I attended the required provider enrollment orientation for IHSS providers and I understand and agree to the follow
- [34] SOC 847 — prospective provider enrollment information (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · PDF page 1 · document identity and purpose
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
STATE OF CALIFORNIA HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES AGENCY CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PROSPECTIVE PROVIDERS ABOUT THE INHOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES (IHSS) PROGRAM PROVIDER ENROLLMENT PROCESS An IHSS provider is someone who gets paid to provide services to a person who receives inhome supportive services
- [35] Lake — IHSS programme information (opens in a new tab)
Lake County · County programme heading / identity on dedicated official page
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
- [36] Lake — IHSS programme information (opens in a new tab)
Lake County · Local programme / application page identity
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
- [37] Lake — IHSS programme information (opens in a new tab)
Lake County · Adult Services — IHSS application drop-off · phone
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
CA 95457 or mail to PO Box 9000 Lower Lake, CA 95457 or call the Adult Services office at 707-995-4680 to have an application sent to you. You will also need to provide information about the disability and obtain a health care certification f
- [38] Lake — IHSS programme information (opens in a new tab)
Lake County · Adult Services — IHSS application drop-off · address
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
) - Application for In-Home Supportive Services and drop off at the Adult Services office 16170 F Main Street Lower Lake, CA 95457 or mail to PO Box 9000 Lower Lake, CA 95457 or call the Adult Services office at 707-995-4680 to have an application sent to you. You will
- [39] Lake — IHSS programme information (opens in a new tab)
Lake County · IHSS applications — mailing address · address
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
drop off at the Adult Services office 16170 F Main Street Lower Lake, CA 95457 or mail to PO Box 9000 Lower Lake, CA 95457 or call the Adult Services office at 707-995-4680 to have an application sent to you. You will also need to provide information about the d
- [40] Electronic Services Portal Information (opens in a new tab)
California Department of Social Services · State ESP Service Desk phone hours
Source reviewed October 15, 2026View supporting excerpt
Please contact the IHSS Service Desk at (866) 376-7066 during normal business hours of 8am- 5pm Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays.