When is the home left out of the asset test?
DHCS lists the home a person lives in as an asset it generally does not count. For a nursing-home resident, DHCS says the home is excluded if the person plans to return to it. It also says the home is excluded when a spouse or partner, or a dependent relative, lives there.
What if there is another property?
DHCS lists a second home as property that may count. Owning a home in one of the excluded situations does not automatically exclude another property. The county should review the actual ownership and living arrangements.
Is the home safe from estate recovery?
An asset being excluded during eligibility does not by itself answer what happens after death. California's estate-recovery rules depend on the date of death, the benefits paid, and what property remains in the estate. DHCS says that for deaths on or after January 1, 2017, recovery is limited to certain probate assets and covered services.
What should your family check?
Ask the county whether the home is excluded for the current eligibility decision. If the concern is what could happen after death, read the separate estate-recovery guidance and contact DHCS for that question.
Sources checked
These agency pages were checked on September 19, 2026. Reopen them before making a time-sensitive decision.
Check the official guidance for your case
A state guide can explain the rule. The issuing agency can answer questions about the actual application, notice, or service.
Check DHCS's home examples ↗This page is general educational information. It cannot decide whether a person qualifies or replace advice about individual facts. Read the full notice.