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Disability Benefits101: Working with a disability in California
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Frequent Pitfalls

Basing Decisions on Misinformation
Most of us usually rely on the experience of others to understand how to deal with similar situations. The real problem with this is that benefits are person-centered. Benefit programs fit each individual differently, based on a variety of facts and conditions, such as:
  • your work history;
  • how much you earn;
  • what you own;
  • how disabling your condition is;
  • how clearly you report the details of your condition to your medical provider;
  • how well your medical provider understands or documents these details;
  • what benefits an employer provides; and
  • what benefits you have purchased individually.

Failing to Share Information With Your Medical Provider
Many people do not clearly discuss their plans to apply for benefits with their medical provider(s). Ideally, you and your medical provider should share complete information to assess the duration of your disabling condition(s). If this step is not included, you may end up with a Medi-Cal (or other benefit program) application that does not support your claim. This could be because the information you provided does not clearly reflect how long the disabling condition may last or how it affects your day to day activities.

Confusion About Wages and Countable Income Rules
Be sure to read the IHSS Details section to understand how income is counted. If you underreport earnings, you may lose eligibility for benefits programs.

Working More Because You've Transferred IHSS Hours to the Workplace

Assembly Bill 925 (AB 925), also known as the Workforce Inclusion Act, authorized the use of In Home Supportive Services in the workplace. California Department of Social Services All-County Letter Number 04-43Offsite Link describes how IHSS can be used in the workplace. If you are enrolled in Medi-Cal's IHSS program, you need to continue to meet income and asset requirements. Working additional hours, because you are able to transfer IHSS hours to the workplace, may put you above income and/or asset requirements. If this occurs, you may want to consider enrollment in the 250% California Working Disabled Program that allows you to earn up to $52,092 annually.
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http://www.disabilitybenefits101.org/ca/programs/health_coverage/medi_cal/ihss/pitfalls.htm