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How to Submit Your IHSS Timesheet on ESP: Step-by-Step Guide

2026-05-22

Policy Context

IHSS requires electronic timesheet submission through ESP for most providers; errors or late submissions can delay your paycheck by a full pay period.

How to Submit Your IHSS Timesheet on ESP: Complete Guide

The Electronic Services Portal (ESP) is the online system where IHSS providers submit their timesheets. Getting it right means getting paid on time. Getting it wrong can delay your paycheck for weeks.

This guide walks through the process step by step.

Step 1: Log In to ESP

Visit etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov and log in with your username and password. If you have not set up your account yet, click "Register" and follow the prompts. You will need your IHSS provider number (on your enrollment confirmation letter) and the recipient's case number.

Step 2: Select Your Timesheet Period

IHSS timesheets cover two pay periods per month:

  • Period 1: 1st through the 15th (due by the 19th)
  • Period 2: 16th through the end of the month (due by the 3rd of the following month)
Select the current pay period for the correct recipient.

Step 3: Enter Your Hours

For each day you provided care, enter:

  • The date
  • Start time and end time for each work segment
  • Any breaks (if applicable)
IHSS timesheets must match the services authorized in the recipient's care plan. You cannot claim hours for services that are not in the plan.

Step 4: Enter Travel Time (If Applicable)

If you work for more than one recipient and traveled between them on the same day, enter your travel time separately in the designated travel time field.

Step 5: Review and Submit

Before submitting, review every day's entries carefully:

  • Verify totals match your written records
  • Check that you have not exceeded authorized hours
  • Confirm you are submitting for the correct pay period
Click Submit. You will receive a confirmation number.

Step 6: The Recipient Must Approve

After you submit, the recipient (or their authorized representative) must log in to their own ESP account and approve your timesheet. Payment is not processed until both provider and recipient approve.

If the recipient has difficulty approving online, they can call the IHSS Telephone Timesheet System (TTS) at 1-833-DIAL-EVV (1-833-342-5388).

Submission Deadlines

Missing the deadline results in delayed payment — usually by one full pay period. Set a phone reminder for timesheet submission dates.

Need Help?

Call the IHSS ESP Help Desk at 1-866-376-7066, available 8am–5pm Monday–Friday.

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