If you are currently receiving In-Home Support Services (IHSS) in California and believe that you need more hours of service, you can request a reassessment of your needs. IHSS is crucial for families raising a child with a developmental disability, such as autism, Down syndrome or cerebral palsy. But are you getting as much money as you can from the program, the maximum financial support of up to around $4,000 per month? If not, you can appeal and get paid for more IHSS hours.

To request a reassessment, you will need to provide information about your current situation and any changes in your needs or circumstances that have occurred since your last assessment. You may also need to provide documentation from a medical professional or other relevant individuals who can provide information about your needs and the assistance you require.

Here are the steps you can take to appeal for more IHSS hours:

• Contact your IHSS social worker: Your social worker is the person who can help you understand your current IHSS authorization and explain the process for requesting more hours. You can also ask your social worker to help you gather the necessary documentation to support your request.

• Gather documentation: In order to request more IHSS hours, you will need to provide documentation that supports your need for additional assistance. This may include medical documentation, such as a doctor's note or a functional assessment, as well as documentation of any other support services you are receiving.

• Submit a request for reconsideration: To request more IHSS hours, you will need to submit a request for reconsideration to your county's IHSS office. This request should include the documentation you have gathered and a written explanation of why you believe you need more IHSS hours.

• Attend a hearing: If your request for reconsideration is denied, you have the right to request a hearing to appeal the decision. At the hearing, you can present your case and provide additional evidence to support your need for more IHSS hours.

It is important to note that the availability of IHSS hours may be limited due to budget constraints, and the decision to grant additional hours is based on the individual's need for care and the availability of funds. However, by following the steps outlined above, you can make a strong case for why you need more IHSS hours and potentially have your request for additional hours approved.

If you feel overwhelmed and you need financial help, please contact us.

American Disability Association is dedicated to the wellbeing and protection of children
with disabilities and actively provides support to enhance their quality of life. Whether
you are dealing with federal or state benefits or struggling with a school district to get
proper education for your child, we have the resources to help you. Many individuals and
families managing a disability are not aware of the wide array of services available to
them, or they do not know how to apply for these benefits in a way that is likely to
succeed.

Contact us for help. Dial (877) 283-4807 or email us at
[email protected]