What Happens to IHSS Hours if We Move to a Different County?

If your family receives IHSS (In-Home Supportive Services) and you’re planning to move to a different county, you may be wondering:

“Will my child keep the same hours? Will I need to reapply? How does the process work?”

Moving can be stressful enough—understanding how IHSS works across counties can help you plan ahead and avoid disruptions in care.

IHSS Hours Are Not Automatically Transferred

IHSS is administered at the county level, meaning each county conducts its own eligibility assessments and manages provider payments.

When you move:

• Your IHSS case does not automatically transfer to the new county.
• The new county must review your child’s needs and approve hours.
• In some cases, hours may stay the same; in others, they may be adjusted based on the new county’s assessment or policies.

Step 1: Notify Your Current County

Before you move:

1. Contact your current IHSS social worker.
2. Inform them of your planned move date and new address.
3. Request your case records and documentation to transfer to the new county.

Your current county will close your case after confirming your move, but proper notice ensures a smoother transition.

Step 2: Apply in the New County

Once you arrive in the new county:

• Contact the new IHSS office as soon as possible.
• Submit a new IHSS application for your child.
• Provide any supporting documentation: medical records, doctor’s notes, protective supervision reports, and prior IHSS assessments.

The new county will assign a social worker to assess your child’s needs, usually through an in-home visit.

Step 3: Hours May Be Reviewed or Adjusted

The new county will consider:

• Your child’s medical needs and functional limitations
• The number of hours previously approved
• County policies and available resources

It’s important to note:

• The new county may approve the same, more, or fewer hours.
• Approval is based on their assessment, not solely on what the previous county approved.
• Protective supervision and specialized care hours are evaluated carefully, especially for children with disabilities.

Step 4: Provider Enrollment May Be Required

If you or another family member were the paid IHSS provider:

• You may need to re-enroll as a provider in the new county.
• This could include completing background checks, fingerprinting, and submitting timesheets in the new county’s system.

Even if you were previously approved, counties handle payroll and compliance independently.

Step 5: Avoid Gaps in Care

To prevent interruption of IHSS services:

• Start the application process in the new county before or immediately after your move.
• Keep documentation ready: doctor’s letters, school or therapy notes, and prior IHSS approval notices.
• Communicate clearly with both counties about your move and timeline.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Plan ahead: Contact both counties early to coordinate the transfer.
• Keep records: Bring copies of all IHSS assessments, timesheets, and approvals.
• Stay proactive: Follow up regularly with the new county’s social worker.
• Ask for temporary measures: Sometimes, the new county can temporarily honor the old hours until their assessment is complete.

Bottom Line

Moving to a different county doesn’t mean you lose IHSS hours automatically, but it does require reapplication, assessment, and possible re-enrollment.

By planning ahead, keeping thorough documentation, and communicating with both counties, you can minimize disruption and ensure your child continues to receive the care they need.

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].