IHSS Travel Time Between Clients: Who Gets Paid and How Much
If you are an IHSS provider who works for more than one recipient, you may be entitled to paid travel time for the time you spend traveling between them on the same workday. Many providers do not know about this — and do not claim it — losing real money every month.
Who Is Eligible for Travel Time Pay?
You are eligible for paid travel time if:
- You provide IHSS services to two or more different recipients
- You travel from one recipient's home to another recipient's home on the same calendar day
- The travel is directly between IHSS worksites (not going home first, then to the next client)
How Much Is Travel Time Paid?
Travel time is paid at your regular IHSS hourly rate. It is not paid at a premium — but it is still fully compensated. For example, if you earn $18.65/hour and your travel between clients takes 45 minutes, you are owed $13.99 for that trip.
How Do You Claim Travel Time?
You record travel time on your IHSS timesheet in the ESP portal. There should be a separate section or time code for inter-client travel. The time starts when you leave one recipient's home and ends when you arrive at the next one.
Documents to keep:- Your travel log (dates, departure time, arrival time, miles)
- Google Maps or navigation app records showing typical travel time
- Both recipients' addresses for verification
Is There a Limit on Travel Time Hours?
Yes — the travel time you claim must be reasonable for the actual distance. If your county questions your travel time, they may ask for documentation. Keep a simple log in your phone's notes app after each trip.
What If Your County Refuses to Pay Travel Time?
You have a legal right to be paid for all time you spend working — including travel between worksites. Do not let it go unclaimed.