Can I use IHSS hours as respite?

IHSS pays authorized tasks for the recipient. A family member who is the provider is working those hours, not taking a break. Ask CRC, MSSP, or a private agency about a true break.

Is adult day health the same thing?

CBAS can create daytime structure. It still has its own eligibility. Ask the Medi-Cal plan.

It depends on the program. See [who pays](/pay) and the respite page. Do not invent a statewide respite wage.

GlossaryCaregiving

Caregiving

What is respite for family caregivers?

Updated September 16, 2026. Reviewed September 16, 2026 against public CDSS, DHCS, Medicare.gov, VA, and CareScout 2025 California tables. County wages, hours, and wait times still change. Official .gov pages decide.

Respite is a planned break for family caregivers. IHSS is not a respite program. Caregiver Resource Centers, MSSP, CBAS, and private coverage are different desks.

Based on public CDSS, DHCS, Medicare.gov, VA, and California Department of Insurance pages retrieved 2026-09-16. County, Medi-Cal, Medicare, VA, and insurer staff decide what actually pays. Hourly rates, hour totals, waiver slots, and wait times are local and change.

Short answer

Respite is a break so a family caregiver can rest, work, or handle other life, while someone else stays with the person who needs help. IHSS authorizes listed tasks for the recipient. It is not labeled as respite. Caregiver Resource Centers, MSSP, CBAS, private home care, and some insurance or VA programs may offer respite under their own rules.

Who decides

Each respite desk decides its own eligibility. County IHSS staff authorize IHSS tasks. California Home Help does not award respite hours.

What to do next

Read the respite condition page and CDA Caregiver Resource Centers. If IHSS is the path, keep that file moving on its own track.

Name the desk

CRC, MSSP, CBAS, VA, private pay, and IHSS are different phones. Care by condition and care-path help you pick a setting before you mix the paperwork.

Questions people ask

Can I use IHSS hours as respite?: IHSS pays authorized tasks for the recipient. A family member who is the provider is working those hours, not taking a break. Ask CRC, MSSP, or a private agency about a true break.
Is adult day health the same thing?: CBAS can create daytime structure. It still has its own eligibility. Ask the Medi-Cal plan.
Who pays?: It depends on the program. See [who pays](/pay) and the respite page. Do not invent a statewide respite wage.

Official sources for this page

Official program pages: CDSS: In-Home Supportive Services, CDSS: IHSS for children, County IHSS offices, CDSS: IHSS providers, CDSS: county IHSS wage rates, CDSS: provider orientation, CDSS: Electronic Visit Verification, CDSS: Electronic Services Portal, DHCS: Medi-Cal, Apply for Medi-Cal, BenefitsCal, CDSS: hearing requests, CDSS: forms catalog, CDSS: IHSS overtime and workweek, DDS: regional centers.