An IHSS Consumer is someone who has applied for and been found eligible for In-Home Supportive Services.

IHSS Consumers are oftentimes referred to the Public Authority by their social worker. The Public Authority provides a variety of services for all IHSS Consumers. The most basic is a provider referral list from the Registry. Usually, this list consists of three names that have been screened by the Public Authority staff for geographical proximity and tasks requested. If the Consumer requests assistance hiring an IHSS provider then the Public Authority will help with interviews. Every Consumer receives an IHSS Consumer Tool Kit which helps orient the Consumer to the IHSS program and provides helpful community information. Finally, the Public Authority has a peer-group for all IHSS Consumers. This is a forum for IHSS Consumers to talk about anything related to IHSS.

Once a referral list is given, IHSS consumers call, interview, and hire the provider of their choice. The Registry does not hire or recommend providers. Rather, it serves as a referral service and aid to hire and manage IHSS providers.