If you are a home health care worker in the State of California through In-Home Supportive Services, known as IHSS, you probably already know of the temporary reduction that will take place on February 1, 2011 and commence June 2012, when the Governor and Legislators will re-examine the reductions and decide whether to roll them back, extend them or even increase them. The only good news I see here is that Jerry Brown will be Governor of the State of California as of January 2011.

When Governor Schwarzenegger signed the State Budget in October 2010 for the year 2011-2012 IHSS took a hit that will be felt by all consumers and their workers.

"Consumers will receive a notice of action informing them of the reduction at least 30 days before the reduction goes into effect. The 3.6% reduction in service hours cannot be appealed. However, consumers maintain the right to request a reassessment of hours any time that their needs change, or if they feel that they are not receiving the hours of care that they need."

This last week of December we should be receiving our Notice of Action letters. One week before Christmas I received an automated telephone call from SEIU ULTCW informing me of the reduction, which I had already known from media reports.

I highly recommend signing up for Advocacy without Borders newsletter by Marty Omoto to get free California Disability Community Action Network reports and alerts.

This is also the second year that recipients of Social Security will not see an increase as it has been determined there was no cost of living increase.


Provider Background Checks have been expanded and take effect January 2011.

SEIU ULTCW Budget FAQ

SEIU ULTCW = Service Employees International Union - United Long Term Care Workers

COLA = Cost of Living Adjustment

2010 IHSS changes for providers