Before you start
Is the person receiving IHSS under 18 years old?
One question only applies to minor recipients. This tells us whether to include it.
Core Factors (Q1–Q5)
These five questions map to the criteria in CDSS MPP 30-757.171 and WIC 12301.21. Answer based on the person's typical day — not their best day.
Q1
Does the person have a diagnosed mental impairment or mental illness?
Examples: dementia, autism, intellectual disability, traumatic brain injury. A physical-only condition (like a mobility impairment) does not qualify.
Q2
Because of that condition, do they have trouble with memory, knowing where they are, or judgment — enough that they can't reliably recognize danger or keep themselves safe?
This is about whether the mental impairment affects their safety awareness — not just their ability to do daily tasks.
Q3
Is the person physically able to move into dangerous situations — like walking somewhere unsafe, wandering outside, or reaching hazardous items?
The county weighs whether the person can physically access danger. This makes active supervision necessary.
Q4
Do they do things that could cause injury — like leaving home unsafely, using the stove or water unsupervised, handling sharp objects, or touching electrical hazards?
Specific, documented examples of dangerous behaviors are the most important evidence in a PS assessment.
Q5
Do they need someone watching over them or available to step in essentially around the clock to stay safe at home?
This includes nighttime hours for live-in providers. 283-hour authorizations typically reflect around-the-clock need.
Two things to check
CDSS rules specifically exclude two supervision situations from Protective Supervision (MPP 30-757.172). Answer honestly — these help explain what PS is and isn't authorized for.
Q7
Is the main reason for supervision to watch for a medical emergency — like a seizure, breathing problem, or other health crisis — and little else?
Medical monitoring (watching for a health event) is a different IHSS service category. PS covers supervision to prevent injury from unsafe behaviors, not to detect a medical episode.
Q8
Is the main reason for supervision to control aggressive or antisocial behavior toward other people, or to prevent intentional self-harm?
CDSS rules do not authorize PS for behavior control or intentional self-harm. If this applies, your county social worker can explain which other services may be available.
Answer all questions above to see your estimate.
About this estimator
The questions and criteria in this tool are based on CDSS Regulations — specifically MPP 30-757.171 and 30-757.172 (Protective Supervision criteria), WIC 12301.21 (authorization), and the SOC 821 assessment form. This tool does not store, transmit, or share any information you enter.
Only your county IHSS office — through a home assessment — can authorize Protective Supervision. Requesting an assessment is always free and always your right. If your request is denied, you have 90 days to appeal.