.Purpose

Policy

Background

Release Date:

July 16, 2020

Definitions

Requirements

Verification Docs

CALFRESH

Treatment of In-Home Supportive Services Income

Purpose

(     ) To release a new policy

(  ) To release a new form

(X) To convert existing policy to new writing style only – No concept changes

(  ) Revision of existing policy and/or form(s).

 

The purpose of this document is to provide policy and procedures for the treatment of In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Income for CalFresh eligibility determination. 

Policy

IHSS income is counted as earned income for the purpose of determining CalFresh eligibility.  An IHSS income is paid to an enrolled provider, who is considered an employee of the IHSS recipient and; therefore, is paid a wage for the provision of authorized services. 

Background

On May 26, 2017, the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) provided counties with policy clarification for the treatment of IHSS income for the CalFresh Program. 

Definitions

Term

Description

IHSS Recipient

An individual who is blind, disabled (including children) or 65 years or older with low income receiving IHSS.  The IHSS recipient is considered the IHSS provider’s employer.

IHSS Provider (Caregiver)

An individual, who is hired by and considered an employee of the IHSS recipient and; therefore, paid a wage for the provision of authorized services.

Requirements 

CalFresh households (HHs) must meet income limits set by the United States Department of Agriculture-Food and Nutrition Service for their HH size and other policy requirements to receive benefits.  IHSS income is counted as earned income for CalFresh benefits determination.

Verification Documents

Documentary evidence is used as the primary source of verification.  Documentary evidence consists of a written confirmation of the HH’s IHSS income.  Acceptable verification is not limited to any single type of document and may be obtained through the HH or other sources, such as a collateral contact.  The HH has the primary responsibility for providing verification to support statements on the application and to resolve any questionable information.