The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) released
guidance this week on several issues related to the In-Home
Supportive Services Program and COVID-19. There will be state and
federal funding provided for the new requirements on counties and
public authorities that are outlined in these documents. CSAC has
collaborated with the County Welfare Directors Association, the
California Association of Public Authorities, and other
stakeholder organizations on raising and working in partnership
with CDSS on these and other IHSS/COVID-19 issues. Below is a
brief summary of the key details from this guidance.
Back-Up Providers
CDSS issued an
All County Letter that addresses the need for an emergency
back-up system of IHSS providers to ensure recipients are able to
continue to receive their needed services during the COVID-19
pandemic. Each county will be required to work with the public
authority to implement a system to have back-up providers
available if a provider is unable to work due to COVID-19
impacts. Any IHSS providers that conduct emergency back-up
services related to COVID-19 impacts will be paid a wage
differential of $2 per hour on top of the county provider wage.
The Administration will provide $7.6 million ($3.8 million
General Fund) for counties to establish these systems and $20
million ($9.2 million GF) to fund the $2 wage differential.
Social Worker Outreach and Overtime
CDSS issued an
All County Letter that addresses the increased demands that
IHSS and Adult Protective Services (APS) social workers are
experiencing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. For IHSS, the
Administration will provide $10 million ($5 million General Fund)
in county IHSS administration funding for social worker overtime
for activities in response to COVID-19 related impacts. These
include face-to-face assessments, responding to increased phone
calls, assessments due a change in circumstances from COVID-19
resulting in increased hours, and assistance with provider
enrollment. For both IHSS and APS, the state is indicating that
social workers should identify and conduct outreach to program
recipients who may need additional support during this time.
Counties should prioritize the individuals who at most in need of
this outreach and provide information and resources to further
support these program recipients. The Administration will provide
$10 million ($5 million GF) to support these activities.
