What Is the IHSS Recipient Responsibility to Report Changes?
IHSS recipients have important responsibilities to report changes in their circumstances to the county. Failing to report required changes can result in overpayments that must be repaid, loss of benefits, or even fraud investigations. Understanding what must be reported and when helps recipients maintain their benefits while staying compliant with program requirements.
Changes That Must Be Reported
IHSS recipients must report changes in their living situation including moving to a new address, having someone move in or out of the home, or entering a hospital, nursing facility, or other institution. Living arrangement changes can affect benefit calculations and provider eligibility.
Changes in income must be reported, including starting or stopping employment, changes in Social Security benefits, pension changes, or receiving any new income source. Asset changes such as receiving an inheritance, selling property, or significant changes in bank account balances may also need reporting depending on your Medi-Cal eligibility category.
Health status changes that affect your need for services should be reported. If your condition improves and you need less help, or worsens and you need more assistance, contact your county IHSS office. Similarly, report changes in household members’ ability to help you, as this can affect authorized hours.
Provider-Related Changes
Report changes related to your IHSS provider promptly. If your provider quits, is unable to work, or you need to terminate their services, notify the county so you can arrange for a new provider without gaps in care. If your provider’s circumstances change, such as their address or work authorization status, this should also be reported.
If you want to change providers, you must complete appropriate paperwork to end the current provider relationship and enroll a new provider. Do not simply stop using one provider and start using another without proper notification.
Reporting Timeframes
Most changes should be reported within ten days of when they occur. Hospitalizations and other institutional stays should be reported immediately, as IHSS cannot be provided while you are in a facility. Failing to report an institutional stay can result in overpayments if your provider continues submitting timesheets.
When in doubt about whether something needs to be reported, contact your county IHSS office to ask. It is better to report something unnecessary than to fail to report something required.
How to Report Changes
Contact your county IHSS office to report changes. You can typically report by phone, mail, or in person. Some counties offer online reporting options. When reporting, document the date you reported and who you spoke with, keeping records for your protection.
For complex changes or situations where you are unsure how to proceed, request to speak with your assigned social worker. They can explain how the change affects your benefits and what documentation may be needed.
Consequences of Not Reporting
Failure to report required changes can have serious consequences. If unreported changes result in you receiving benefits you were not entitled to, you will be required to repay the overpayment. Repayment can be collected from future benefits or through other collection methods.
Intentional failure to report changes to receive benefits fraudulently can result in criminal prosecution. Welfare fraud charges can lead to fines, restitution requirements, and even imprisonment in serious cases. Unintentional errors are treated differently but still require repayment.
Getting Help with Reporting
All Seniors Foundation assists IHSS recipients with understanding their reporting responsibilities and navigating changes in circumstances. We can help you determine what needs to be reported, how to report it, and what to expect when your situation changes. Contact us if you have questions about your IHSS obligations or need help communicating with the county office.
