Why this is important:
If the consumer has documented unmet need, across the board cuts to IHSS (like the recent 3.6 percent cut) will be applied first to this unmet need.  Therefore, the actual reduction in IHSS hours may be significantly less.

Note that for almost 2,000 consumers with documented unmet need, the notices sent in late December about the 3.6% cut contained an inaccurate calculation of total authorized need.  DSS says that this was caused by a “programming error” and that corrected Notices of Action were sent to affected consumers on January 7, 2011.

Know Your Rights

“Unmet need” refers to a situation where the consumer already gets the maximum hours allowed by IHSS but needs additional care not provided by IHSS or another program like Regional Centers.   The additional hours of unmet need must be for services normally authorized by IHSS, but not covered because the consumer already has maximum hours.  Example: A consumer is already authorized for 283 hours from IHSS and they don’t qualify for Regional Center or other services.  But they actually require more time for bathing and ambulation (services that IHSS authorizes).  The unmet need is being provided by a relative that volunteers the service (is not paid for it).  This unmet need should be documented by the case worker.  Read the rest of this entry »