Los Angeles County IHSS phone guide
Quick answer: For IHSS in Encino or Los Angeles County, the official LA County IHSS Helpline is 1-888-822-9622. LA County DPSS also lists apply-by-phone numbers at 1-888-944-IHSS (4477) and 213-744-IHSS (4477). Hours for the helpline are listed by LA County as Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
All Seniors Foundation is not the county IHSS office. We help older adults and families in Los Angeles County understand what to ask, what documents to gather, and how IHSS may connect with in-home care, Medi-Cal, caregiver support, and senior services.
IHSS Helpline
Use this number for IHSS questions, form help, provider enrollment questions, recipient follow-up, and Los Angeles County IHSS support. LA County also notes that interpreter services are available at no cost for people who need help completing forms.
Official IHSS Phone Numbers for Encino and Los Angeles County
Encino is served through Los Angeles County IHSS. There is not a separate Encino-only IHSS phone line for most application and case questions. The safest starting point is the countywide IHSS contact information published by LA County Department of Public Social Services.
Start a new IHSS application
- Toll-free: 1-888-944-IHSS (4477)
- Local: 213-744-IHSS (4477)
- IHSS Helpline: 1-888-822-9622, option 4 from the main menu when applying by phone
Mail, fax, and form help
- Secure application fax: 562-684-4264
- Mailing address listed by LA County: DPSS In-Home Supportive Services, PO Box 769, Rosemead, CA 91770
- Forms: SOC 295 is the IHSS application. SOC 873 is the health care certification that must be completed by a physician or other licensed health care professional before services can be authorized.
Caregiver and provider enrollment
People who want to become an IHSS provider can begin with the IHSS Helpline at 1-888-822-9622. LA County provider information explains that providers must complete orientation, required enrollment forms, and the background-check process.
Who Should Call IHSS?
Call IHSS if you are trying to apply, follow up on an application, ask about required forms, report changes, ask provider questions, or understand the next step after a county assessment. Family members, caregivers, case managers, and advocates can also help a senior prepare for the call.
- Older adults and adults with disabilities who need help staying safely at home.
- Families in Encino, Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Reseda, and the San Fernando Valley who are trying to understand county IHSS steps.
- Existing IHSS recipients who need to update information, ask about documents, or follow up with their county worker.
- Caregivers and family providers who need provider enrollment, orientation, or timesheet direction.
What to Have Ready Before You Call
A clear call is usually more productive than a rushed one. Before calling the IHSS number, gather the information that the county may ask for.
- Full legal name, date of birth, address, and best callback number.
- Medi-Cal information if available, because IHSS eligibility is connected to Medi-Cal.
- A short list of daily activities where help is needed, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, meal preparation, laundry, shopping, transfers, or medical appointment support.
- Doctor or clinic contact information for the health care certification form.
- Any notices, case numbers, provider numbers, or prior IHSS paperwork if this is a follow-up call.
IHSS Eligibility Basics in California
California describes IHSS as a program that can help eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals remain safely in their own homes as an alternative to out-of-home care. Eligibility is not decided by All Seniors Foundation. The county reviews the application, Medi-Cal status, medical certification, and in-home needs.
Common eligibility points include California residency, living at home or in a home-like setting of the person's choosing, having a Medi-Cal eligibility determination, and submitting the required health care certification. A county social worker may interview the applicant at home and evaluate what help is needed.
How to Apply for IHSS in Los Angeles County
Call or submit the application
Call the official IHSS apply-by-phone line or use the SOC 295 application. LA County also lists mail and secure fax options for submitting the application.
Complete the medical certification
The SOC 873 health care certification must be completed by a physician or other licensed health care professional before IHSS services can be authorized.
Prepare for the county assessment
A county social worker reviews the person's needs and living situation. Be ready to explain what tasks are unsafe, difficult, or not possible without help.
Review the notice and follow up
If approved, the county notice should explain authorized services and monthly hours. If denied, the notice should explain the reason and appeal information.
How All Seniors Foundation Can Help
All Seniors Foundation provides free support services for qualifying older adults in Los Angeles County. We may help seniors and families understand IHSS questions, prepare for an application call, organize forms, think through in-home support needs, and connect related services.
Related support pages:
- In-Home Supportive Services help
- Personal care services
- Free in-home care support in Los Angeles
- Free senior help in Los Angeles
- Contact All Seniors Foundation
Contact us or call (818) 581-4101 for help understanding senior support options. For official IHSS decisions, applications, and case actions, contact LA County IHSS directly.
IHSS Phone Number FAQs
What is the IHSS phone number for Encino?
Encino residents generally use the Los Angeles County IHSS contact lines. The official IHSS Helpline is 1-888-822-9622. LA County also lists apply-by-phone numbers at 1-888-944-IHSS (4477) and 213-744-IHSS (4477).
What number do I call to apply for IHSS in Los Angeles County?
LA County DPSS lists apply-by-phone numbers as 1-888-944-IHSS (4477) and 213-744-IHSS (4477). The IHSS Helpline at 1-888-822-9622 can also direct callers to application support.
What forms are needed for IHSS?
The main application is SOC 295. The health care certification is SOC 873 and must be completed by a physician or other licensed health care professional before services can be authorized.
Can a family member be paid as an IHSS caregiver?
Many family members can become IHSS providers if the recipient is approved and the provider completes the required enrollment, orientation, and background-check process. Provider eligibility is handled by the county and state IHSS rules.
Does IHSS require Medi-Cal?
IHSS eligibility is connected to Medi-Cal. California states that applicants must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination and must meet other program requirements.
Can All Seniors Foundation submit my IHSS application?
All Seniors Foundation can help qualifying seniors and families understand the process, organize questions, and prepare documents, but official applications, approvals, denials, appeals, and authorized hours are handled by LA County IHSS.
Official Sources
- LA County DPSS In-Home Supportive Services
- LA County DPSS IHSS Recipient Forms
- LA County DPSS IHSS Provider Information
- California Department of Social Services IHSS Program
Important: This page is informational and was refreshed on June 4, 2026. Phone numbers, forms, hours, and county procedures can change. Always confirm important instructions with LA County DPSS or the official IHSS office before mailing, faxing, or submitting documents.
