Questions and Answers

Regarding IHSS 3.6% Reductions to Recipients

1. Why are my hours being reduced? A new State law requires a reduction in hours by 3.6%
2. When will the reduction go into effect?  February 1st is the date when the change will take place.
3. Is this a permanent reduction?  This reduction is scheduled to end on June 30, 2012.
4. What if my hours are reduced but my provider works the full number of hours that I had before?  IHSS will only pay for the lower number of hours. If your provider works more hours than IHSS allows, you will be responsible to pay the extra amount.
5. What services will be reduced?  Recipients may determine which areas of service to reduce and do not need to report this to social workers.
6. Will everyone who uses IHSS be affected?  Yes, the change affects everyone on IHSS. If your hours are being reduced, you will receive a notice telling you about the change and how many hours you will have beginning on February 1st. Recipients with protective supervision are also subject to the reduction.
7. Will my caregiver receive a notice too? No, the State is only sending letters to IHSS recipients or a person who is appointed to act on behalf of a recipient. It is your responsibility to tell your caregiver or caregivers about the change. If you have only one IHSS provider the new hours will be printed on the February time cards. 
8. Q. What if I have more than one provider? If you have more than one provider you can either reduce hours of one provider, some of them, or all of them. It is important to inform all providers of the change so that everyone receives the correct amount of pay for the hours they work. If there will be a major change in how you assign hours, please contact your IHSS social worker so that time cards can be adjusted.
9. Can I appeal this reduction of hours?  If you are specifically appealing the 3.6% reduction it will be dismissed by the State because the reduction is authorized by law.