How to appeal an IHSS Provider Denial

IHSS provides financial assistance to certain low-income adults and children so they can remain at home safely. IHSS providers help with care for IHSS recipients. If you have applied to become an IHSS provider and your application was denied, you can appeal the decision. In this post, we are going to walk you through the step-by-step process on how to appeal an IHSS Provider Denial.

Additionally, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about the IHSS provider appeal process.

If your application to become an IHSS Provider has been denied by the county IHSS Office or IHSS Public Authority Office, you can appeal the decision.

The most common reason for denial is a conviction for an exclusionary crime.

However, regardless of the reason for denial, you have the option to ask for an appeal of the denial with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

To ask for an appeal, you must complete the following within 60 days of the day the county tells you that you are not eligible to be an IHSS provider:

Here’s the process to appeal your denial.

Step 1 – Fill out and sign the “Ask for an Appeal Form (SOC 856)” form

Click here to download the form.

The form is two pages. Here’s how to complete the appeal form:

Part 1

The first part of the form is where you provide your reasons why you think your application was wrongly denied. See below:

"Appeal IHSS Provider Application Denial"

Part 2

In part two, you will be required to provide your personal information so that the CDSS can identify you and also reach you once a decision is made.

See below:

"Appeal IHSS Provider Application Denial 2"

Step 2 – Make a copy of the completed appeal form for your records

After you have completed the appeal form, make a copy of the form for your personal records.

This is important in case your appeal form gets lost in the mail or you need to reference the information you provided in your appeal.

Step 3 – Mail the Completed Form

Next, mail the completed appeal form to:

California Department of Social Services
Fiscal, Appeals, and Benefit Programs Branch
Appeals, Administrative Review & Reimbursement Bureau
Attn: AARU, MS 9-11-04
P.O. Box 944243
Sacramento, CA 94244-2430

The IHSS Appeal Process

Once an appeal is received by CDSS, here’s what you can expect.

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS), Appeals and Administrative Review Unit (AARU) will review the information contained in the appeal to make the decision
regarding your eligibility.

The AARU will make its decision within 180 days.

After the decision is made regarding your appeal, the CDSS will notify in writing the county IHSS office or IHSS Public Authority Office and provider of the findings of the appeal review.

If you have any questions, call the CDSS AARU at (916) 651-3488.

FAQs regarding IHSS Provider Application Denial

Here are the most frequently asked questions about IHSS Provider application denial.

What disqualifies someone from becoming an IHSS Provider?

If an individual has a Tier 1 conviction in the last 10 years, they are barred from being an IHSS provider.

Tier 1 offenses are:

Specified abuse of a child
Abuse of an elder or dependent adult, and
Fraud against a government health care program or supportive services program.

Additionally, Tier 2 crimes also bar an individual from being an IHSS provider for 10 years, but the prospective provider can apply for a waiver.

Tier 2 crimes are:

A violent or serious felony
A felony for which a person is required to register as a sex offender
Felony fraud against a public social services program.

How long is the IHSS appeal?

Once an appeal is received by CDSS, the CDSS’ AARU division has 180 days to make a decision regarding your appeal.

After the decision is made regarding your appeal, the CDSS will notify you in writing.

Additionally, a copy of the appeal decision will be sent to the county IHSS office or IHSS Public Authority Office.