If you are a parent of a child with autism in California, you may be eligible to receive money through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. The IHSS program is a state-funded program that provides financial assistance to eligible individuals with disabilities or medical conditions who require support in their home.
The amount of money that parents of a child with autism can get from IHSS in California varies depending on a number of factors, including the level of care required by the child and the income level of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). In general, the IHSS program in California provides payment for two types of services: personal care services and domestic services.
Personal care services refer to activities that support the child's physical and mental health, such as bathing, grooming, and administering medication. Domestic services refer to tasks that help maintain the home environment, such as cleaning and meal preparation.
The amount of payment for personal care and domestic services is calculated based on the number of hours of care needed and the hourly wage rate established by the state. As of 2021, the hourly wage rate for IHSS providers in California is $15.00 per hour. However, it is important to note that the actual payment amount may vary based on the county in which the child and family reside.
To be eligible for IHSS services, a child must have a qualifying disability or medical condition that requires in-home support. In the case of autism, a child must have a diagnosis of autism or a related disorder and meet certain functional criteria, such as requiring assistance with activities of daily living or having behavioral issues that require support.
Once a child is determined to be eligible for IHSS services, a needs assessment will be conducted to determine the level of care required. Based on the assessment, the child and family will be assigned a certain number of hours of care per week. The number of hours can range from a few hours per week to up to 283 hours per month, depending on the level of need.
The payment amount for IHSS services is also affected by the income level of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of the child. If the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) have a low income, they may be eligible for a higher payment rate. However, if their income is too high, they may not be eligible for any payment at all.
In addition to financial support, the IHSS program in California also provides other benefits to families of children with autism. For example, IHSS providers are required to complete training on working with individuals with developmental disabilities, which can help ensure that the child receives high-quality care. The program also allows parents and legal guardians to hire their own providers, which can give them more control over the care their child receives.
Overall, the amount of money that parents of a child with autism can get from IHSS in California varies based on a number of factors, including the level of care required and the income level of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s). However, the IHSS program can provide important financial and other forms of support to families who are caring for a child with autism at home. If you are a parent of a child with autism in California, you may want to consider exploring the eligibility requirements and benefits of the IHSS program to see if it is a good fit for your family's needs.
If you feel overwhelmed and you need help, please contact us.
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 in regard to your best interests.
CONTACT US FOR HELP.
Dial (877) 762-0702 or email us at [email protected].