ATTENTION IHSS RECIPIENTS

In Home Supportive Services
The California Budget signed in July 2011 has some provisions called Triggers that will determine if more cuts to IHSS hours will be needed.
 
Trigger Cut #1 – State Finances
The Budget assumes that there will be a $4 Billion increase in state money throughout the year; it directs the Dept. of Finance to analyze the monies received by the middle of December. If it is determined that the receipt of monies will be less than $3 billion;

* All IHSS Consumers will have their hours reduced by 20%, the beginning of 2012. 
 What You Can Do
* Consumers will be able to decide the manner in which the cuts are applied to their services. For example, if you have 90 hours per month, a reduction of 20% will mean you will lose 18 hours of service. You will be the one to decide if those hours come from time allotted for cooking, shopping, meal prep, etc.   

* Consumers will have the option of applying for IHSS Supplemental Care Hours. Apply for these hours, if you believe that losing 20% of your hours, will cause you to lose your ability to remain in your home. Contact your IHSS Social Worker for information on how to apply to this program.

* Unmet Needs: Any consumer who has a documented Unmet Need in the program, will have the 20% cut in hours, taken from those first. If you are unsure if you have an Unmet Need, call your Social Worker. These hours must be recorded; do not let them tell you that your county does not keep track of them.
Trigger Cut #2 – Medication Dispensing Pilot Program
Governor Brown originally proposed, last spring, to reduce hours for IHSS consumers by 8.4%, beginning July 1, 2011. The Legislators voted to approve this cut in hours ONLY if a new program, related to Medication Dispensing Machines, does not result in a savings of $140 Million. What this means is; 
* In April 2012, if it is determined that this program will not save the $140 Million for the state, then the 8.4% cut in hours would go into effect, in October, 2012. 

(Note: the 8.4% cut in hours, would be in addition to the 20% cut in hours, noted in #1)

For more information or questions about these cuts, call 408-894-9041.
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
A disability justice organization that creates fully inclusive communities
	                                                                                                                            Photos by Tom Olin

Main Office: 2202 N. First Street ? San Jose, CA 95131 ? Ph: 408.894.9041 ? TTY: 866.945.2205 ? Fax: 408.894.9050
Branch Office: 7800 Arroyo Circle, Suite A ? Gilroy, CA 95020 ? Ph: 408.846.1480 ? TTY: 866.945.2205 ? Fax: 408.842.2321

www.svilc.org