Applications for IHSS are made by telephone.
	If you currently receive SSI/SSP payments from the Social Security Administration, a County Social Worker will interview you at your home to determine your eligibility and need for IHSS. If you do not currently receive SSI/SSP, you must first be determined eligible to Medi-Cal under Medi-Cal rules and regulations. Your application will automatically go to a Medi-Cal Eligibility Worker for this determination. Once you are determined eligible to Medi-Cal, a Social Worker will visit your home to determine your eligibility and need for IHSS.
	Based on your ability to safely perform certain tasks for yourself, the Social Worker will assess the types of IHSS services you need and authorize an amount of time for each one. The assessment of need includes information given by you and, if appropriate, by your family, friends, physician or other health care practitioner.
	You will be notified if IHSS has been approved or denied. If denied, you will be notified of the reason for denial. If approved, you will be notified of the services and how many hours per month have been authorized for you.
	If approved for IHSS, you must hire someone (your IHSS provider) to perform the authorized services. You, the IHSS consumer, are considered your provider's employer. It is your responsibility to hire, train, supervise and, if necessary, fire this individual.