Disability public benefits are government-funded programs that provide financial assistance, medical, and other support for qualified individuals. Discover if disability public benefits are available for your loved one, when and how to apply for them, and important application criteria.
How We Help
PHP has free webinars and videos on how to access disability public benefits, including:
- In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) – a California-only benefit
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) – a federal benefit
- Navigating Adult Entitlements – SSI, MediCal/Medicare & Disabled Adult Child Benefits
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to adults and children with a disability or blindness who have income and resources below specific financial limits. SSI payments are also made to people 65 and older without disabilities who meet the financial qualifications.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a California-only program that provides in-home financial and respite care assistance to eligible aged, blind, and disabled individuals as an alternative to out-of-home care. IHSS enables recipients to remain safely in their own homes. Eligibility for IHSS is only available to those with Medi-Cal, including through institutional deeming available from Regional Centers. Your child may be living at home with you or in their own home to be eligible for this service. You might even be paid as the provider of their services. They may not be living in a group home. If you are considering Supported Living, this service must be tapped, if eligible, before hours are awarded for supported living.
If your child already receives IHSS—is she/he receiving all the hours to which she/he is entitled and necessary? Services provided are based on needs and may include:
- Domestic services (vacuuming, dusting, etc.)
- Related services (meal preparation, shopping, running errands, etc.)
- Non-medical personal care services (bowel and bladder care, grooming, bathing, etc.)
- Transportation
- Yard hazard abatement
- Protective supervision
For more information about disability public benefits, visit Connections California: Transition to Adulthood.