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Guide · Reviewed September 29, 2026

Can you get paid to care for an elderly parent in California?

The short answer

In some cases, yes. Through In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), a parent who qualifies can hire a family member as their paid provider. In Los Angeles County the provider wage is $19.64 an hour. The parent must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination, and the county decides how many hours to authorize.123

How it works

  1. Your parent applies for IHSS through Los Angeles County’s Department of Public Social Services, at (888) 944-IHSS (4477).1
  2. A county social worker assesses the care your parent needs and the number of hours the county will authorize.2
  3. Your parent hires the provider, who can be a family member. The person receiving care hires, trains, supervises and can fire the provider.1
  4. The family member enrolls as a provider, including a background check and orientation, and is paid the county wage, $19.64 an hour.3

What to know before you apply

  • Your parent must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination, and the program is for low-income older, blind or disabled people.12
  • The county sets the hours. According to Disability Rights California, the maximum is 283 hours a month.4

If your parent does not qualify

Other help exists for some families, including veterans’ benefits and long-term care insurance. See how to pay for home care. A licensed agency is another option when the family cannot provide all the care. See how to choose a home care agency.

See what licensed agencies near you charge

Every licensed agency in Los Angeles County is listed, A to Z. Rate cards appear as agencies sign them.

Find licensed agencies

Common questions

How much does IHSS pay a family caregiver in Los Angeles County?

The Los Angeles County IHSS provider wage is $19.64 an hour.3

Where do I start?

Call the Los Angeles County IHSS line at (888) 944-IHSS (4477) or (213) 744-IHSS (4477), or use the county page linked in the sources.1

Sources

  1. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, accessed 29 Sep 2026
  2. In-Home Supportive Services California Department of Social Services, accessed 29 Sep 2026
  3. IHSS providers Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, accessed 29 Sep 2026
  4. Understanding the maximum amount of hours available Disability Rights California, accessed 29 Sep 2026