In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) helps eligible Marin County residents who are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled remain safely in their own homes by providing assistance with domestic and personal care tasks. The program is administered locally by Marin County Health and Human Services in coordination with the IHSS Public Authority (PA Marin), which can help with finding care providers.

• You must be eligible for full scope Medi-Cal.
• You must have a Social Security number or a Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• You must be a resident of Marin County.
• You must reside in the community, not in a hospital or institution setting.
• You must be aged 65, blind, or disabled.
• Disabled children are also eligible.
• You must have a disability that will last more than one year.
• You must be able to pay Medi-Cal share of cost if applicable.
• IHSS does not provide 24-hour care.

What IHSS provides

IHSS authorizes and pays for in-home services that help eligible individuals with daily tasks so they can remain safely in their homes. Services are based on assessed need and may include personal care, domestic services, protective supervision, and related supports authorized by the county IHSS office.

Eligibility and documentation

Key eligibility and documentation requirements include:

• Full-scope Medi-Cal eligibility.
• A Social Security number or a Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you do not have an SSN, you must apply for an ITIN as soon as you submit your IHSS application.
• Marin County residency and living in the community (not an institutional setting).
• Age 65 or older, or legal determination of blindness or disability. Disabled children may qualify.
• A disability expected to last more than one year.
• Ability to pay Medi-Cal share of cost if it applies to you.

Application-related information

When applying, you will need to provide basic personal information such as address, phone number, birthdate, and email address. If you are applying for someone else, get their consent before submitting an application. If you do not have Medi-Cal, call 877-410-8817 or apply online at BenefitsCal. If you are unsure whether you have a Medi-Cal share of cost, contact your Medi-Cal worker.

A licensed health care provider must complete the IHSS Health Care Certification form (SOC 873). The SOC 873 form is available in English and Spanish:

• SOC 873 (English)
• SOC 873 (Spanish)

The completed SOC 873 should be returned to the Marin County IHSS office by mail or fax. The IHSS office address and fax are:

• Mail: 10 N. San Pedro Rd., San Rafael, CA 94903
• Fax: 415-473-3960

Note: The SOC 873 should be submitted as soon as possible and no later than 45 days from the date of application.

Finding and hiring a care provider

If you need help finding an IHSS care provider, contact the IHSS Public Authority (PA Marin). The Public Authority can help identify available providers and explain employer responsibilities if you hire your own provider.

Contact and help

• Apply for IHSS or get general IHSS information: 415-473-INFO (4636)
• IHSS Public Authority (PA Marin): 415-499-1024 or PAMarin.gov

Before you start

• If you do not have Medi-Cal, call 877-410-8817 or apply online at BenefitsCal.
• If you are unsure if you have share of cost, contact your Medi-Cal worker.
• Be prepared to provide your information, including address, phone number, birthdate, and email address.
• If you do not have a Social Security number or a Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you must apply for an ITIN number as soon as you submit your IHSS application.
• If you are applying for someone else, get their consent before submitting an application.