By the Unified Savers Editorial Team
IHSS policies are set by CDSS and county offices. This article provides general guidance. Contact your new county IHSS office before or immediately after moving for instructions specific to your situation.
IHSS benefits do not transfer automatically when a recipient moves from one California county to another. Moving requires a new IHSS application in the destination county, a new assessment by a county social worker, and a new authorization of hours — even if the recipient has been receiving IHSS in their previous county for years. The new county conducts its own assessment independently; it is not legally bound by the previous county’s authorized hours. In practice, recipients with stable, well-documented functional limitations typically receive comparable hours in the new county, but the process takes time and gaps in services can occur.
Why IHSS Doesn’t Transfer Automatically
IHSS is a county-administered program funded jointly by the state and federal government. Each of California’s 58 counties operates its own IHSS program under the oversight of the California Department of Social Services (CDSS). While state law and CDSS guidelines create a uniform program framework, the actual administration — enrollment, assessment, authorization, and payment — happens at the county level.
When you move, your case file belongs to your old county. Your new county has no automatic access to your records, your authorized hours, or your recipient history. You are effectively a new applicant from the perspective of the destination county’s IHSS office, though documentation from your prior case can be submitted to speed the process.
This county-specific administration also means that:
- Wage rates differ by county: Your provider’s pay rate will change to reflect the new county’s IHSS wage. Some counties pay significantly more than others due to local negotiations.
- County programs differ: Some counties offer supplemental IHSS-related programs (like IHSS Plus or specific care coordination services) that are not available statewide.
- Wait times vary: Some counties have longer backlogs for assessments than others.
Step-by-Step: How to Move Your IHSS Services to a New County
Step 1: Contact your new county IHSS office before you move, if possible. The earlier you initiate contact with the new county, the less likely you are to experience a gap in services. Most county IHSS offices can begin the application process before you physically arrive, though the assessment visit typically happens after you establish residency.
Find your new county’s IHSS contact information through the California Department of Social Services county office directory or by calling CDSS at 1-916-654-3454.
Step 2: Notify your current county of the move. Contact your current county IHSS social worker to inform them that you are moving. This helps your current county properly close your case and may assist in providing transfer documentation to the new county if requested. Request a copy of your current authorization letter and any relevant assessment documents — these can support your new county application.
Step 3: Apply for IHSS in the new county. Submit a new IHSS application in your destination county as soon as you establish residency. Applications can often be submitted online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Application forms are SOC 295 (IHSS Application for In-Home Supportive Services).
Required documentation typically includes:
- Proof of identity (government-issued ID, passport)
- Proof of California residency in the new county (utility bill, lease agreement)
- Proof of Medi-Cal eligibility (Medi-Cal must be active in the new county)
- Medical documentation of your disability or functional limitations (letters from physicians, specialist reports, diagnoses)
Step 4: Update your Medi-Cal to the new county. IHSS eligibility requires active Medi-Cal enrollment in the county where you reside. When you move, you must also update your Medi-Cal address and county of enrollment. Contact your county’s Medi-Cal office or update online through Covered California or BenefitsCal. Medi-Cal must transfer to your new county for IHSS eligibility to be established there.
Step 5: Complete the social worker assessment visit. After your application is received and processed, a county social worker will contact you to schedule an in-home assessment visit. This visit evaluates your functional limitations, the tasks you need assistance with, and the number of hours required. Bring documentation of your condition and any prior IHSS authorization letters to this visit.
Step 6: Receive authorization and enroll your provider. After the assessment, the county issues an authorization letter specifying your approved number of monthly IHSS hours. Your provider must also be enrolled with the new county. If your existing provider is moving with you, they may need to re-enroll in the new county — provider enrollment is county-specific.
How Long Does the Process Take?
County timelines vary significantly. Factors affecting processing time:
- How quickly you submit your application after establishing residency
- The new county’s current caseload and staffing
- How quickly your provider re-enrolls (if applicable)
- Whether additional medical documentation is requested
Typical range: 4–8 weeks from application to first authorized service hours. Some counties with significant backlogs may take longer. Contact the new county IHSS office to ask about current processing times.
What Happens to Your Current Provider When You Move?
If your provider is moving with you to the same county, they will need to re-enroll as a provider in the new county. This process is similar to initial provider enrollment and includes a new background check (Live Scan) if significant time has passed since their last enrollment.
If your provider is not moving with you, you will need to identify a new provider in your destination area. Your new county’s IHSS Public Authority or Referral Registry can help connect you with available, enrolled providers.
Maintaining Continuity of Care During the Transition
The most vulnerable period for an IHSS recipient moving counties is the gap between when the old county case closes and when the new county authorizes services. To minimize this gap:
- Start the new county application process before your move date, not after
- Ask your new county whether emergency or expedited processing is available for individuals with urgent care needs
- Contact SEIU 2015 (if your provider is a member) for guidance on provider re-enrollment support
- Keep your current provider informed of the timeline — they may be willing to continue providing care during the transition even if IHSS payment timing is uncertain, with the understanding that retroactive payment is possible once the new case is authorized
What If the New County Authorizes Fewer Hours?
The new county’s assessment is independent, and the number of hours authorized may be higher, lower, or the same as your previous county’s authorization. If you believe the new county authorized fewer hours than your functional needs require, you have the right to appeal through the IHSS fair hearing process.
Steps to appeal a low authorization:
- Request a state fair hearing within 90 days of receiving the Notice of Action
- Gather medical documentation, physician letters, and records from your prior IHSS case supporting the hours you need
- Contact a disability rights organization or legal aid for representation if needed
Your prior county’s authorization letters do not bind the new county, but they can be submitted as evidence of your historic care needs during an appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I keep receiving IHSS from my old county while I wait for my new county case to be approved? A: Generally no. IHSS services follow your county of residence, and the old county case closes when you establish residency elsewhere. In some limited circumstances (for example, if you temporarily maintain a residence in both counties), contact both county offices immediately to understand your specific situation.
Q: Do I have to reapply for IHSS every time I move within the same county? A: No. Moving within the same county does not require a new IHSS application. Notify your county social worker of your new address so they can update your case records and schedule any needed home visits at the new address.
Q: Will moving to a different county change how much my IHSS provider gets paid? A: Yes. IHSS wages are set at the county level through collective bargaining between SEIU 2015 and county governments. Your provider’s hourly wage will change to reflect the new county’s IHSS wage rate, which may be higher or lower than your previous county. This change takes effect from the date of enrollment in the new county.
Related Resources on Unified Savers:
- IHSS Eligibility Requirements California — Who qualifies for IHSS services
- How to Become an IHSS Provider — Provider enrollment process start to finish
- IHSS Recipient Rights California — Your rights as an IHSS recipient
- How to Appeal IHSS Hours Reduction — Appealing an insufficient authorization
- IHSS Direct Deposit Setup — Setting up payment in a new county