California's WPCS Program: In-Home Care and Eligibility Guide - IHSS Connect (2024)

The Waiver Personal Care Services (WPCS) program in California is designed to provide support for individuals with disabilities or who require medical care, preventing them from needing institutional or nursing home care.

Here’s an in-depth look at the program:

Purpose: WPCS aims to assist those at risk of institutionalization by providing in-home personal care services. It’s part of the broader Medi-Cal Home and Community Based Alternative (HCBA) Waiver program.

Services Included: The program covers various services such as private home health/nursing, case management, habilitation, respite care, community transition services, environmental accessibility adaptations, and personal care services.

Administration: The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) administers WPCS by coordinating with HCBA Waiver agencies​​.

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for WPCS, individuals must already be receiving In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and have a maximum of 283 IHSS hours. The program is specifically for tasks not covered by IHSS hours.

Application Process: Candidates apply for enrollment in the HCBA waiver.

To be considered for the Waiver Personal Care Services Program candidates apply for enrollment in the HCBA waiver. A receipt will be sent for the candidate’s application. Then a representative from DHCS or relevant HCBA waiver agency will schedule a first in-home assessment to see if the candidate qualifies. Individuals must be currently receiving IHSS and have a maximum of 283 IHSS hours to be eligible for WPCS for specific tasks not covered by IHSS hours.

County IHSS staff will assess the recipient annually to determine IHSS service needs. This reassessment must include updating DHCS/Waiver Agency staff regarding any changes in services to the recipient. (ACL 21-154, December 30, 2021.)

County Responsibilities: County IHSS staff play a crucial role in notifying DHCS/Waiver Agency staff of approved service hours, determining eligibility for IHSS hours, and sharing case file information to assist in determining WPCS hours.

Annual Reassessment: County staff must reassess the recipient annually to determine their service needs and update DHCS/Waiver Agency staff about any service changes​​.

Purpose: The BUPS program provides temporary IHSS or WPCS from backup providers when regular providers are unavailable.

Eligibility for BUPS: Recipients with an urgent need for backup supportive services or those transitioning from an institution to community living may be eligible.

Hours Allocation: Non-severely impaired recipients are limited to 80 BUPS hours annually, while severely impaired recipients may receive up to 160 hours if funding is available.

County Management: The program is managed by the County or Public Authority, which recruits, enrolls, and lists eligible BUPS providers​​.

Joining IHSS Connect can be highly beneficial for caregivers looking to find clients. Here are a few important reasons why caregivers should consider joining this platform for free:

Access to a Large Client Base: IHSS Connect provides caregivers with access to a broader range of clients who are looking for in-home support services. This increased visibility can lead to more job opportunities and allows caregivers to choose clients that best match their skills and preferences.

Streamlined Process: The platform simplifies the process of finding and connecting with clients. Caregivers can easily browse through potential client profiles, understand their specific needs, and apply for positions that align with their expertise and schedule.

Increased Credibility and Trust: Being a part of a recognized platform like IHSS Connect adds credibility to a caregiver’s profile. Clients are more likely to trust and choose caregivers who are registered on a reputable platform, which adheres to certain standards and guidelines.

Flexibility in Job Selection: Caregivers have the flexibility to choose clients based on various factors such as location, hours, and type of care required. This flexibility allows caregivers to manage their schedules more effectively and take on work that is most suitable for them.

Ease of Communication: IHSS Connect offers tools for easy communication between caregivers and clients. This can facilitate better understanding of client needs and expectations before starting the job.

Cost-Effective: As a free platform to caregivers, joining IHSS Connect is a cost-effective way for caregivers to market their services and find job opportunities without incurring additional expenses.

Overall, joining IHSS Connect can be a strategic move for caregivers seeking to expand their reach, enhance their professional development, and find rewarding caregiving opportunities.

Work Limits: Providers cannot work more than 360 hours per month. Special exemptions exist for providers living with and related to their recipients or in cases of extraordinary circ*mstances like complex medical needs or lack of available providers in rural areas​​.

Provider Eligibility: Providers must not have serious criminal convictions, must be legally allowed to work in the U.S., and must be enrolled within the IHSS program in the recipient’s county​​.

Contacting Public Authorities or Counties: Individuals interested in WPCS or BUPS should contact their local Public Authority or County IHSS Offices.

Addressing Problems and Denials: For issues accessing BUPS or denials, recipients can contact their local County Board of Supervisor’s Office, file a grievance with the Public Authority, or seek assistance from the Disability Rights California’s intake line​​.