Can PCA's be IRWE's if for work?

[Guest guest]

I'm wondering if in Calif, if you use a PCA at work, but it is

provided by IHSS (funding) if it can still be used as an IRWE

(Impairment Related Work Expense) if it is taking away from other

areas not in the workplace where you will need to pay for a PCA?

I'm thinking until I get my commute figured out or can move, my only

option and least expensive (and least wear and tear on my van) is to

keep my PCA with me to assist me to get to/from work, but since its a

40 min commute each way its more cost effective to keep them there and

they can do their own thing if I don't need them, run errands for me

and assist at work as needed - BUT, this will use ALL my PCA hours and

take away from some hours I need on the weekend.

I will have my PCA arrive at 7am to get me ready, drive me to work in

my van, assist me at work if needed with clerical stuff or driving

(minimal), help me use the restroom/get lunch, and drive me home at 6pm

How much of this can be an IRWE? and how do I document the need for

this if it is an IRWE when I send it in each month?

My DOR counselor didnt know how to best answer this nor did the people

at the county -grr

Thanks! Would be so much less headache if I didnt have so many bills

to pay off and could afford to live in the area then and take public

transit - but it looks like unless something big happens that wont be

for a yr or so.

Thanks!