IHSS and Medi-Cal

Published by IHSSHours.com · September 14, 2026 · Updated October 11, 2026

IHSS is a Medi-Cal benefit — meaning that active Medi-Cal coverage is a required condition for IHSS eligibility. Understanding this connection is important because changes to your Medi-Cal status can directly affect your IHSS services.

Medi-Cal Is Required

To receive IHSS, you must be enrolled in and receiving Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program). If your Medi-Cal coverage lapses or is terminated — due to a change in income, a missed renewal, or an administrative error — your IHSS services will also be affected.

How to Apply for Medi-Cal

You can apply for Medi-Cal through BenefitsCal.com, at your county social services office, or by calling 1-800-541-5555. Many IHSS applicants apply for Medi-Cal and IHSS simultaneously through the same county office. If you already have Medi-Cal, you can apply for IHSS directly.

Income and Asset Limits

Medi-Cal eligibility is based primarily on income. For most adults under 65, the income limit is 138% of the Federal Poverty Level. For the Medi-Cal programs most older adults and people with disabilities are on, California reinstated an asset limit on January 1, 2026: $130,000 for one person, plus $65,000 for each additional household member. Your home, one vehicle and household goods don't count toward it. People already enrolled report assets at their first 2026 renewal. Recipients of SSI/SSP are automatically eligible for Medi-Cal and therefore eligible to apply for IHSS.

Annual Renewals

Both Medi-Cal and IHSS require annual renewals. Missing a Medi-Cal renewal can cause your coverage to lapse, which immediately affects your IHSS eligibility. Make sure your county has your current mailing address and respond promptly to any renewal notices.

If Your Medi-Cal Is Terminated in Error

Administrative errors in Medi-Cal terminations are common. If you receive a notice that your Medi-Cal is being terminated and you believe it is in error, you have the right to appeal that decision. The same 90-day State Hearing process that applies to IHSS also applies to Medi-Cal determinations.

Sources

MPP 30-752.1 — a Medi-Cal eligibility determination is one of the five requirements for every IHSS applicant
ACWDL 04-27 (August 30, 2004) — Medi-Cal eligibility determinations for IHSS follow Medi-Cal rules
DHCS ACWDL 25-14; AB 116 (2025) — the non-MAGI asset limit reinstated from January 1, 2026: $130,000 for one person plus $65,000 for each additional household member
WIC 10951 — 90 days to request a State Hearing
WIC 12301.1 — IHSS reassessment at least every 12 months

Verified against DHCS All County Welfare Directors Letters and the CDSS Manual of Policies and Procedures. Medi-Cal limits change; confirm current figures with your county. Educational information, not legal advice. More on our sources and method: How we calculate estimates.

Educational information, not legal advice. Only your county can authorize IHSS services, and only after an assessment. IHSSHours.com is an independent resource and is not affiliated with CDSS or any county IHSS office. · More IHSS guides