Over 700,000 Californians receive IHSS benefits, making it the largest home care program in the state. But IHSS has significant limitations that many families discover too late.
IHSS vs Private Home Care — Key Differences
| Factor | IHSS | Private Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (Medi-Cal) | $30-45/hr |
| Hours per month | Limited (assessed) | Unlimited |
| Caregiver choice | You find/hire | Agency matches |
| Background checks | Basic | DOJ/FBI + drug test |
| Backup coverage | ❌ None | ✅ Same-day |
| Supervision | ❌ Self-managed | ✅ Care manager |
Many families use IHSS for basic hours and supplement with private agency care for evenings, weekends, or specialized needs. Read our full IHSS guide →
Need Help Navigating Benefits?
We help families combine IHSS with private care for complete coverage.