How to Qualify for In-Home Supportive Services in San Francisco

For many San Franciscans, the choice to age at home—or help a loved one do so—is about more than comfort. It’s a question of dignity, culture, community ties, and access. But staying at home with the right support can feel like a maze of red tape. If you’ve searched “in home care near me” hoping for answers, the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Let’s break down how it works—and what you’ll need to qualify in San Francisco.

What Is IHSS?

IHSS is a California state program that provides paid caregivers to help eligible low-income seniors and people with disabilities live safely at home. These services might include meal prep, medication reminders, bathing, mobility support, and accompaniment to doctor’s appointments. In San Francisco, the program is administered through the county’s Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS).

Here’s the big picture for in home care near me: IHSS doesn’t send random strangers into your home. Recipients can choose their own caregiver—often a family member or friend—and that person is paid by the state for their time. It’s an alternative to institutional care that supports independence.

Step 1: Check the Eligibility Basics

Before diving into paperwork, check if you or your loved one meet the three baseline requirements:

Residency: You must live in California.
Medical Need: You must require assistance with daily activities due to age, disability, or chronic illness.
Financial Need: You must qualify for Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program.

If you’re not already on Medi-Cal, that’s your first stop. Applications can be submitted online through Covered California or in person at your local county office. For most adults over 65, income and asset thresholds apply, but these are adjusted annually and may have exceptions for homeownership or specific needs.

Step 2: Start the IHSS Application Process

Once you’re on Medi-Cal, you—or your advocate—can apply for IHSS by calling the San Francisco IHSS intake line at (415) 355-6700. There’s also a printable application (SOC 295) available on the California Department of Social Services website.

Expect to provide:

Personal and medical information
Doctor’s verification of your need for supportive services
Consent forms and optional caregiver preferences

It’s also helpful to gather documentation like Social Security numbers, rent or mortgage statements, and a list of medications or recent hospital visits.

Step 3: The Home Visit (Don’t Panic)

Within a few weeks of applying, a county social worker will schedule a home visit. This isn’t a white-glove inspection. It’s an assessment to determine what kinds of services you need and how many hours per month will be authorized.

Be honest. If you struggle with bathing, say so. If memory issues make meal prep dangerous, don’t minimize it. The visit determines eligibility, so downplaying challenges to appear self-sufficient can reduce the support you receive.

Step 4: Get Approved and Choose a Caregiver

If approved, you’ll receive a Notice of Action explaining your service hours and types. You can then hire a caregiver of your choice—pending state approval and fingerprinting requirements. Caregivers are paid hourly by the state and have access to resources like training and union support.

If you don’t have someone in mind, the Public Authority of San Francisco maintains a registry of screened caregivers.

What If You’re Not Approved?

You can appeal. Instructions will be included in your denial letter, and you have 90 days to request a hearing. It’s wise to gather medical documentation or statements from care providers in support of your appeal.

Beyond IHSS: Integrated Care in San Francisco

IHSS is just one part of a growing network of home-based care options in the Bay Area. For those seeking holistic, tech-integrated support, platforms like One Medical Seniors in San Francisco are redefining what “aging in place” looks like. These programs blend virtual health visits, care coordination, and wellness services—especially helpful for those juggling chronic conditions or navigating fragmented systems.

Final Thoughts

Qualifying for IHSS in San Francisco isn’t always fast, but it’s worth the effort. With the right paperwork, a little advocacy, and some patience, thousands of Bay Area residents are receiving life-changing care in the comfort of their homes—often from people they already know and trust.

And if you’re still searching “in home care near me,” now you know—your best option might be available just down the block, fully covered, and with far more flexibility than you think.