IHSS California Benefits: What Every Home Care Worker Should Claim

Many IHSS workers qualify for free or low-cost Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) based on income.

• ✓ Single adults earning under ~$20,783/year (2025) generally qualify
• ✓ Covers doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health, dental, and vision
• ✓ Apply online at coveredca.com or call 1-800-300-1506
• ✓ Coverage can start the same month you apply

CalFresh provides monthly benefits to buy groceries. IHSS wages count as earned income, which may increase your benefit amount.

• ✓ Average benefit: $200+ per month for eligible individuals
• ✓ IHSS wages count favorably — earned income deductions apply
• ✓ Apply at getcalfresh.org (takes about 10 minutes)
• ✓ If you receive Medi-Cal, you may qualify automatically

A refundable tax credit that puts money back in your pocket at tax time. You may qualify even with low income.

• ✓ Up to $3,529/year for workers with 3+ children (2025 tax year)
• ✓ Refundable — you get the money even if you owe no tax
• ✓ IHSS wages count as qualifying earned income for CalEITC
• ✓ Also check the federal EITC — can add thousands more
• ✓ Free tax filing help at VITA sites (find one at irs.gov/vita)

If you live in the same home as your IHSS recipient, your wages may be excluded from federal and California state gross income.

• ✓ Under IRS Notice 2014-7, live-in provider wages paid via Medi-Cal may be excluded from federal income
• ✓ California follows the same treatment — no state income tax either for qualifying live-in providers
• ✓ This can mean significant tax savings — thousands of dollars back per year
• ✓ Not automatic — must be claimed correctly on your tax return
• ✓ Consult a free VITA tax preparer for your specific situation

If you cannot work due to injury, illness, or pregnancy, you may receive SDI payments at 60–70% of your wages.

• ✓ Must have paid into SDI through payroll deductions (check your pay stub)
• ✓ Covers non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy
• ✓ Apply through the EDD within 49 days of disability start
• ✓ Benefits can last up to 52 weeks
• ✓ File at edd.ca.gov or call 1-800-480-3287

Get paid while taking time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child.

• ✓ Up to 8 weeks of paid leave per year at 60–70% of wages
• ✓ For bonding with a newborn, adopted child, or foster child
• ✓ Also for caring for a seriously ill parent, child, spouse, sibling, or domestic partner
• ✓ Apply through EDD at edd.ca.gov/family
• ✓ Cannot be denied because you are an IHSS provider

California and SEIU 2015 offer free training to help IHSS caregivers build skills and advance their careers.

• ✓ SEIU 2015 members can access free training through the SEIU 2015 Training & Education Program
• ✓ EDD offers free vocational training at America's Job Centers of California
• ✓ Community colleges offer free or low-cost certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs
• ✓ Contact your local IHSS Public Authority for county-specific training

If you're injured on the job while providing IHSS services, you're entitled to workers' compensation benefits.

• ✓ Covers medical treatment for work-related injuries
• ✓ Provides temporary disability payments if you cannot work
• ✓ Report any injury to your county IHSS office immediately
• ✓ You cannot be fired for filing a workers' comp claim
• ✓ Contact the CA Division of Workers' Compensation at 1-800-736-7401

Reduce your electricity and gas bills by 20–35% if you qualify based on income.

• ✓ CARE program: ~20% discount on PG&E, Edison, SoCal Gas, SDG&E bills
• ✓ FERA program: additional 18% discount for larger households
• ✓ CalFresh or Medi-Cal recipients may qualify automatically
• ✓ Apply through your utility company's website or by phone