By the Unified Savers Editorial Team · Verified against CDSS sources
Last verified: June 16, 2026. Information is based on California Department of Finance reports, CalMatters coverage, and official CDSS program data.
This information is based on official California CDSS guidelines and is reviewed for accuracy.
California’s proposed budget cuts would reduce IHSS authorized hours for approximately 89,000 recipients by 7–12 hours per month, directly cutting provider income. These cuts are part of a $14 billion effort to close the state budget gap and have not yet become law. Recipients whose hours are reduced have the right to appeal and can keep their current hours during the appeal process by filing before the effective date.
The Governor’s May Revision, released this week, includes a proposal to reduce authorized IHSS hours for certain recipients as part of a broader $14 billion effort to close the state budget gap.
Under the proposal, recipients whose assessed needs fall below a new threshold would see their monthly authorized hours reduced by an average of 7–12 hours. The California Department of Social Services estimates approximately 89,000 recipients could be affected.
What This Means for Providers
If your recipient’s hours are reduced, your billable hours drop — directly reducing your income. Hours reductions take effect 30 days after the recipient receives written notice.
Your Recipient’s Rights
Recipients have the right to:
- Request a fair hearing to appeal the reduction
- Continue receiving current hours while the appeal is pending
- Have a representative (including you, as the provider) assist them in the appeal
To request a fair hearing: Call 1-800-952-5253 or visit cdss.ca.gov/fair-hearing.
What Advocates Are Doing
SEIU 2015 and disability rights organizations have announced they will oppose the cuts in budget negotiations. The Legislature must approve the final budget by June 15.
Providers should understand their rights if hours are cut: recipients can appeal any IHSS hours reduction within 90 days and keep current hours in place by filing before the effective date. For the full picture of California’s 2026-27 budget threats to IHSS, see our updated guide on California’s 2026 budget deficit and IHSS funding. Alongside state cuts, federal Medicaid cuts threaten IHSS funding from a separate direction.
See also: California 2026 Budget Threatens IHSS Hours and Eligibility for complete and updated coverage of IHSS budget threats.
See Also: California 2026 Budget Threatens IHSS Hours and Eligibility — for the current 2026-27 budget fight.