In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) – Housing & Financial Considerations
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) (chatgpt://generic-entity?number=0)
IHSS is a California state program that provides monthly financial assistance to eligible individuals who require in-home care, allowing them to remain safely in their home. Care is often provided by a family member or trusted caregiver, who is compensated for those services.
Why IHSS Can Be Helpful in a Real Estate Context
For buyers or sellers who are caregivers, IHSS may offer meaningful financial support that can help with monthly housing expenses and overall affordability.
Potential benefits include:
- Monthly income for qualifying caregivers
- Help offset mortgage payments, utilities, or household expenses
- Increased financial stability for households providing daily care
- Ability to keep care within the home rather than relocating
IHSS & Mortgage Qualification (Important Context)
While IHSS income can be helpful, how it is treated during mortgage qualification depends on the lender and the buyer’s overall financial profile.
In many cases:
- IHSS income may be considered if it is documented, consistent, and expected to continue
- Some lenders require a history of receipt (often 12–24 months)
- Verification from the county and tax documentation may be needed
- Each lender evaluates IHSS income differently
We are not lenders or financial advisors, but we are happy to coordinate with your lender to help determine how IHSS income may factor into your overall purchasing power.
Who May Benefit from Exploring IHSS
- Parents or caregivers of individuals on the autism spectrum
- Adults caring for a disabled family member in the household
- Multigenerational households providing daily support
- Buyers looking to ease monthly financial pressure
How We Support Clients Using IHSS
- Introduce the topic early in the planning process
- Help coordinate conversations with lenders and loan officers
- Build realistic monthly payment scenarios
- Factor caregiving responsibilities into home selection and scheduling
Getting Started with IHSS
Eligibility and benefits are determined through county social services and vary by individual need. We encourage clients to explore IHSS early if caregiving is part of their household structure.