IHSS Worker FAQ

You can submit timesheets electronically through the IHSS Electronic Services Portal (ESP) at etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov, or by using the IHSS EVV mobile app. If you have trouble with the electronic system, paper timesheets (SOC 841) are accepted as a backup. Timesheets must be submitted and approved by your recipient each pay period — typically semi-monthly.

Contact your county IHSS office immediately. Common reasons for rejection include: signature issues, hours exceeding authorized amount, or EVV discrepancies. You have the right to appeal a rejection. Document everything in writing and request a supervisor review if needed. Do not miss deadlines — late submissions can delay your paycheck.

IHSS payroll is typically processed semi-monthly (twice a month). Your county IHSS office can give you the exact pay schedule. Direct deposit is the fastest option — set it up through your ESP account or by submitting a direct deposit form (SOC 829) to your county.

First contact your county IHSS payroll office. If the issue isn't resolved promptly, file a wage claim with the CA Labor Commissioner (DLSE) at 1-844-522-6734. Late payment of final wages can entitle you to waiting time penalties of up to 30 days of your regular wages.

Your authorized hours are set by your recipient's IHSS needs assessment. The county determines the total hours the recipient is authorized for. You can work up to that number of authorized hours. There is also a state limit — providers cannot exceed 66 hours per pay period per recipient (this is a general guideline; your county may have specific rules). If your recipient needs more hours, they can request a reassessment.

Yes, if you are a non-live-in provider. You earn 1.5× your regular rate for hours over 8 per day or 40 per week, and 2× for over 12 hours per day. You must request overtime authorization in advance using form SOC 2255. Live-in providers are exempt from daily overtime but still earn weekly overtime for hours over 40.

Yes. Many IHSS providers care for multiple recipients. Each recipient has their own authorized hours, and your total hours across all recipients count toward your overtime calculation for the week. Travel time between recipients in the same workday should be paid.

There is no hard state cap on total IHSS hours across multiple recipients, but individual recipient authorizations limit how many hours you can bill per recipient. Your overtime entitlements still apply across all your IHSS work for the week.

Many IHSS workers qualify for Medi-Cal (free health insurance) based on their income. SEIU 2015 members may also access the SEIU 2015 member benefits program. Check your eligibility at coveredca.com or call 1-800-300-1506. You can also apply at your county social services office.

Yes. Under California's Healthy Workplaces Healthy Families Act (AB 1522), IHSS workers earn 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 40 hours per year. You must have worked for the same employer (recipient) for 90 days to start using it. You cannot be retaliated against for using sick leave.

You should be paid for all hours worked up to the date of the recipient's death. Notify your county IHSS office immediately. Your final payment should be processed in the normal payroll cycle. If you have difficulty collecting, contact the county payroll department or the Labor Commissioner.

The employment relationship in IHSS is unique — the recipient is legally your employer for most purposes. However, the county also oversees the program. If a recipient terminates your services, you have the right to a notice period in most cases. If you believe you were wrongfully terminated, contact SEIU 2015 (if a member) or a legal aid organization. The county cannot terminate your enrollment as a provider without due process.

IHSS fraud includes: submitting time for hours not worked, falsifying EVV records, working for a recipient who is deceased or not in the state, billing for unauthorized services, or collusion between a provider and recipient to submit false hours. Fraud can result in termination from the IHSS program, repayment demands, and criminal charges.

Report suspected fraud to the CA Department of Social Services (CDSS) Fraud Hotline at 1-800-344-8477 (toll-free). You can also report to your county IHSS office or the CA Medi-Cal Fraud Control Unit at 1-800-722-0432. Anonymous tips are accepted.

Do not submit false timesheets under any circumstances. If you feel pressured, report it to your county IHSS program manager immediately. You are protected from retaliation for refusing to commit fraud. Contact SEIU 2015 or a legal aid attorney if you need help.

IHSS providers are mandated reporters in California. If you suspect abuse, neglect, or exploitation of your recipient, you must report it to Adult Protective Services (APS) by calling 1-833-401-0832. You can also call 911 in an emergency. You are protected from liability when making a good-faith report.

To become an IHSS provider: (1) Be identified by an IHSS recipient who wants to hire you; (2) Complete a provider enrollment package through your county IHSS office; (3) Pass a background check (criminal history review); (4) Complete required provider orientation. Once enrolled, you can begin working as soon as the county approves your enrollment.

IHSS wages are set through collective bargaining between SEIU 2015 and county/state government. Wage increases happen through contract negotiations. To advocate for higher wages, get involved with SEIU 2015 (1-855-810-1699). You can also contact your county supervisor's office to express support for higher IHSS wages.

You would need to re-enroll as a provider in the new county. Each county manages its own IHSS enrollment. Your recipient should notify their new county IHSS office as soon as possible to ensure continued services. Contact both the old and new county offices to manage the transition.

Yes. IHSS work does not prohibit you from other employment. However, keep in mind that all your earned wages from all jobs count for tax purposes, overtime calculations if working multiple IHSS recipients, and eligibility for benefits like CalFresh or Medi-Cal (which are based on total household income).