IHSS Domestic Services in California: What Tasks Are Covered
Domestic services are the most commonly authorized IHSS service category. They cover the household tasks that an elderly, blind, or disabled person cannot perform safely or independently. Here is a complete breakdown.
What Domestic Services Are Covered?
Housecleaning
- Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming floors
- Cleaning bathrooms, kitchen counters, sinks, and toilets
- Dusting surfaces
- Taking out trash and recyclables
Laundry
- Washing, drying, folding, and putting away clothing and bedding
- May include taking laundry to a laundromat if no in-home washer/dryer
Meal Preparation and Clean Up
- Preparing breakfast, lunch, and dinner based on the recipient's dietary needs
- Cutting and preparing food
- Washing dishes and cleaning the cooking area after meals
Grocery Shopping and Errands
- Going to the grocery store and purchasing food and household essentials
- Picking up prescriptions (as part of essential errands)
- Transportation to purchase food if no delivery is available
What Domestic Services Are NOT Covered?
IHSS does not authorize:
- Home maintenance, repairs, or yard work
- Cleaning areas of the home not used by the recipient
- Care for pets
- Cooking for non-recipient family members
- General errands beyond basic necessities
How Many Hours Are Authorized?
Domestic service hours are determined by the social worker's assessment using CDSS time standards. Factors include:
- Home size (only recipient's living space)
- Whether the recipient has no one else to help (living alone typically results in more hours)
- Physical limitations that increase the time needed
Tips for Your Assessment
Tell the social worker specifically which tasks you cannot do and why. Be concrete:
- "I cannot hold a mop because of grip weakness in both hands"
- "I cannot stand at the stove for more than 5 minutes due to chronic pain"