Relatives as IHSS Providers

When raising a child with disabilities or complex medical needs, families often rely on the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program to help them provide care at home. While many parents choose to serve as their child’s IHSS provider, there are times when work, health, or other obligations make that impossible — and trusted relatives may need to step in to provide that care.

This leads to a common question:
Can a grandparent, aunt, uncle, or other relative be paid as an IHSS provider if the parents are unavailable due to work?

The answer is yes — under certain conditions.

IHSS Rules for Minor Children

First, it’s important to understand that IHSS has special rules for minor children. Generally speaking:

“IHSS will not pay a parent or other adult to do things that would normally be expected of a parent unless there is a justified need due to disability, and the caregiver is the only one available to provide care.”

So when it comes to paying someone other than the parent, IHSS will look closely at whether:

• The parent is unable to provide the needed care (due to work, school, or health reasons), and
• The care is necessary due to the child’s disability, not just typical childcare needs.

This is where relatives like grandparents, aunts, uncles, or adult siblings may be considered.

Can a Grandparent or Relative Be Paid?

Yes, if:

• The parent is unavailable during the hours the care is needed (e.g., working full-time or attending school).
• The care tasks qualify as IHSS-approved services (e.g., personal care, protective supervision, paramedical services).
• The relative lives with the child (in most cases — more on this below).
• The relative completes all IHSS provider requirements (orientation, background check, etc.).

Not if:

• The parent is at home but chooses not to provide care.
• The care being provided is just routine childcare (like watching a typically developing toddler).
• The relative is acting as a babysitter while the parent runs errands or is on break.

What Counts as “Parent Unavailable”?

IHSS may approve a relative provider when the parent is unavailable due to:

• Work schedule conflicts
• College or vocational school attendance
• Medical or mental health condition
• Single parent status with no other support available

You may be asked to verify the work or school schedule, and show that the care needs fall during that time.

Example: If your child needs assistance with toileting, feeding, and constant supervision, and you work 8 a.m.–4 p.m., IHSS may approve a grandparent or other relative to be paid during those hours.

How to Get a Relative Approved

If you want a relative to be paid as your child’s IHSS provider, here’s what to do:

1. Inform your IHSS social worker of the situation and request an assessment.
2. Explain why you (the parent) are unavailable and why the child still needs care.
3. Have the relative complete:
   • IHSS provider orientation
   • Live Scan (background check)
   • Enrollment forms (SOC 426, W-4, etc.)
4. Submit any supporting documentation (e.g., work schedule, school enrollment, medical paperwork).

Do They Need to Live in the Same Home?

Yes — in most cases, IHSS requires that the provider live with the child. This is especially true for minors. If the relative doesn’t live in the home, approval is possible but much harder to get, and usually only if:

• The parent can’t provide care, and
• There’s no other qualified person in the home, and
• The relative is the only person available and willing to provide care.

Can Multiple Relatives Be Paid Providers?

IHSS only allows one provider to be paid at a time, but you can alternate between multiple approved relatives as long as:

• They are all enrolled as IHSS providers
• You do not exceed the total monthly authorized hours
• You maintain accurate records and avoid overlapping timesheets

Bottom Line

Yes, grandparents or other relatives can be paid IHSS providers for a child with disabilities — especially if the parents are working and unable to provide care during those times. But you must meet IHSS eligibility criteria, document the need clearly, and go through the proper enrollment steps.

This option can be a lifeline for families juggling employment and intensive caregiving needs — and it ensures that your child is cared for by someone you trust.

Need help? In California, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program provides crucial financial help for families raising children with special needs. American Advocacy Group is on the front lines every day, making positive change happen for people diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome, and a range of diagnoses across the continuum. As a leading advocate for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, and the premier provider of the support and services people want and need, we understand the system and know how to take action regarding your best interests.

CONTACT US FOR HELP. Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected].