In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

If you live in California and in Fresno County and would like to apply for IHSS (or apply on the behalf of someone else), there are several ways to complete an application.   (Note: If you live in California but not in Fresno County, please click hear to find your local office.)

• Complete the online IHSS application. 

• Call (559) 600-6666 and chose Option 1 to apply over the phone.

• Complete an Application for Social Services (SOC 295) English | Spanish and return it to IHSS by one of the following ways:

1. Online: Secure Document Submission (fast, easy and secure document upload emailed directly to IHSS)
2. Mail:  DSS-IHSS | PO Box 1912 | Fresno, CA | 93718-1912 
3. Fax: (559) 600-5400
4. Drop Off: Put in a drop box at one of the DSS offices.  Check our Locations & Services webpage for office locations with a drop box.  

Interested in being an IHSS Provider? 

Go to the Provider Enrollment and Orientation webpage.

Interested in applying to be a Registry Provider?

Go to the Public Authority Registry Provider webpage.

Applying for the IHSS program and the determination of eligibility is completely free. IHSS is an income-based and needs-based program.  Eligibility requirements are determined by Federal and State regulations.  Be cautious of any websites or contacts by phone call or text offering assistance with getting approved for IHSS for a fee.

You must be:  Aged (65 or older), Blind or Disabled (must have a disability that will last for more then one year or end in death).

You must physically live in the US, California and Fresno County:   If you are a California resident, but do not live in Fresno County:  Find your County IHSS Office.

You must live at home or in an abode of your own choosing.  Hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities and residential care homes do not meet the IHSS "own home" requirements.  If you are going to be discharged from a medical facility and would like IHSS, let us know when you call to apply.

You must meet low-income financial requirements by either qualifying for Medi-Cal (income based) or receive Supplemental Security Income/State Supplementary Payment (SSI/SSP).

You must have functional limitations that prevent you from caring for yourself.

You must be able to remain safely at home with IHSS provided.

You must provide IHSS with a Health Care Certification form filled out by your physician.

You can submit forms to IHSS in the following ways:

Mail: 

• DSS-IHSS | PO Box 1912 | Fresno CA | 93718-1912

Fax: 

• (559) 600-5400  (applications, health care certifications, paramedical and protective supervision forms)
• (559) 600-7762  (change of address/phone, provider terminations)

Upload Documents Online:  (sends an email directly to the IHSS office)

Secure Document Submission

Drop Off:

Check our Locations & Services page for a DSS office with a drop box near you.

Contacting Your Social Worker

Many of the IHSS Social Workers are now working from home one or more days per week.  When you call your Social Worker, please leave a message and they will call you back within one business day.  If you need to speak with someone sooner, please call (559) 600-6666, and, after making a language selection, press "1" to speak with an IHSS representative.

Let IHSS Know When You...

• Move to a new residence or others move into or out of your home
• Change your phone number
• Become hospitalized or are staying in a medical in facility (skilled nursing, rehabilitation, or board and care)
• Start attending an Adult Day Program, Adult Day Healthcare Program or enroll in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
• Temporarily or permanently leave Fresno County, California or the United States
• Are hiring or firing providers 
• Have a change in condition and require additional hours