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Careers With CDSS
The California Department of Social Services has more than 5,000+ employees and offers many career choices in locations throughout California.
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IHSS News
Policy updates, wage changes, and accountability reporting for California's 1.5 million homecare workers. 41 articles.
Top Stories
Jun 3, 2026 · CDSS IHSS News
Careers With CDSS
The California Department of Social Services has more than 5,000+ employees and offers many career choices in locations throughout California.
Read story →Jun 2, 2026 · California CDSS / IHSS
How to Get More IHSS Hours: The Reassessment and Increase Request Process
To get more IHSS hours, request a formal reassessment from your county social worker by calling the county IHSS office. A successful increase typically requires documenting a new diagnosis, worsening condition, or new ADL limitations — supported by a physician's note. The social worker uses the IHSS Assessment Tool to score each task on a 1–5 functional index scale, which determines authorized hours.
Read story →Jun 2, 2026 · California CDSS / IHSS
IHSS Live Scan Background Check: What It Covers and What Disqualifies You
All new IHSS providers in California must complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check before being authorized to work. The check runs through the California DOJ and FBI databases and typically takes 2–3 weeks. Serious felonies (murder, rape, robbery, elder abuse) and registered sex offenses are automatic disqualifiers. Arrests without conviction, minor misdemeanors, and marijuana offenses after Prop 64 are generally not disqualifying.
Read story →Jun 2, 2026 · California CDSS / IHSS
IHSS Provider Taxes California: What You Owe and the IRS Exclusion Explained
Under IRS Notice 2014-7, IHSS wages earned by a provider who lives with the recipient are excluded from federal and California state gross income — meaning no income tax owed on those wages. Non-live-in providers receive a W-2 from Public Partnerships LLC and must report wages as taxable income. IHSS workers are employees, not contractors, so self-employment tax does not apply to anyone.
Read story →Jun 1, 2026 · California CDSS
How to Become an IHSS Provider for a Family Member in California
Family members — including spouses, adult children, and siblings — can be paid IHSS providers in California as long as the recipient qualifies for IHSS and both parties complete the standard enrollment process. A parent cannot be paid to care for their minor child under most circumstances, but nearly all other family relationships are permitted. Enrollment takes 2–4 weeks from start to first paycheck.
Read story →Jun 1, 2026 · California DHCS
IHSS Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for California's In-Home Supportive Services
To qualify for California IHSS, a person must be a Medi-Cal recipient aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled; be a California resident; and need assistance with daily living activities to safely remain at home. Meeting all three criteria triggers an in-home social worker assessment that determines how many monthly hours are authorized.
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How to Get More IHSS Hours: The Reassessment and Increase Request Process
To get more IHSS hours, request a formal reassessment from your county social worker by calling the county IHSS office. A successful increase typically requires documenting a new diagnosis, worsening condition, or new ADL limitations — supported by a physician's note. The social worker uses the IHSS Assessment Tool to score each task on a 1–5 functional index scale, which determines authorized hours.
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IHSS Live Scan Background Check: What It Covers and What Disqualifies You
All new IHSS providers in California must complete a Live Scan fingerprint background check before being authorized to work. The check runs through the California DOJ and FBI databases and typically takes 2–3 weeks. Serious felonies (murder, rape, robbery, elder abuse) and registered sex offenses are automatic disqualifiers. Arrests without conviction, minor misdemeanors, and marijuana offenses after Prop 64 are generally not disqualifying.
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IHSS Provider Taxes California: What You Owe and the IRS Exclusion Explained
Under IRS Notice 2014-7, IHSS wages earned by a provider who lives with the recipient are excluded from federal and California state gross income — meaning no income tax owed on those wages. Non-live-in providers receive a W-2 from Public Partnerships LLC and must report wages as taxable income. IHSS workers are employees, not contractors, so self-employment tax does not apply to anyone.
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How to Become an IHSS Provider for a Family Member in California
Family members — including spouses, adult children, and siblings — can be paid IHSS providers in California as long as the recipient qualifies for IHSS and both parties complete the standard enrollment process. A parent cannot be paid to care for their minor child under most circumstances, but nearly all other family relationships are permitted. Enrollment takes 2–4 weeks from start to first paycheck.
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IHSS Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for California's In-Home Supportive Services
To qualify for California IHSS, a person must be a Medi-Cal recipient aged 65 or older, blind, or disabled; be a California resident; and need assistance with daily living activities to safely remain at home. Meeting all three criteria triggers an in-home social worker assessment that determines how many monthly hours are authorized.
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IHSS Timesheet, Pay Schedule and Payment Guide for California Providers
California IHSS providers submit timesheets twice per month through the Electronic Services Portal (ESP) at esp.dss.ca.gov or by phone via the IHSS Telephone Timesheet System. Timesheets must be signed by both the provider and recipient before payment is processed. Payments are issued on a biweekly schedule and deposited directly or mailed by Public Partnerships LLC (PPL), typically arriving 5–7 business days after timesheet approval.
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Update
California's 2026-27 Budget Deficit Puts IHSS Hours and Eligibility at Risk
California's budget deficit is putting IHSS hours and eligibility under new scrutiny as the state negotiates its 2026-27 spending plan.
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Careers With CDSS
The California Department of Social Services has more than 5,000+ employees and offers many career choices in locations throughout California.
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Important
Federal Medicaid Cuts Could Strip Billions From California IHSS — What Caregivers and Recipients Need to Know
Federal budget reconciliation proposals to cap Medicaid spending could cut billions in IHSS funding for California's 700,000+ care recipients.
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IHSS Live-In Provider Rules: Pay, Hours, and Overtime in California
IHSS providers who live with their care recipient are subject to different overtime rules under IWC Wage Order 15. Learn the live-in exemption, weekly overtime threshold, and sleep time rules that directly affect your paycheck.
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IHSS Maximum Hours Per Month: How California's 283-Hour Cap Works
The maximum IHSS hours a recipient can receive in California is 283 per month — but most recipients receive far fewer. Learn how authorized hours are calculated, what affects your total, and how to request more hours when needed.
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IHSS Provider Sick Leave in California: Your Rights and How to Use Them
California IHSS providers are entitled to paid sick leave under AB 1522, expanded by SB 616 in 2024 to 5 days per year. Learn how to earn, accrue, and use your sick leave without jeopardizing your provider status.
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Update
IHSS Access for Undocumented Californians Faces Pressure From Budget Cuts and Federal Enforcement
Undocumented Californians who receive IHSS through expanded Medi-Cal face growing uncertainty as state budget pressure and federal enforcement mount.
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SEIU 2015 Pushing for $21-Plus Wages in Key California Counties Ahead of 2026 Contract Renewals
SEIU 2015 is negotiating higher IHSS wages in Sacramento, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties as multiple county MOUs expire in mid-2026.
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How to Request an IHSS Reassessment for More Authorized Hours
If your care needs have changed, you can request an IHSS reassessment to get more authorized hours. Learn how to prepare, what to expect from the social worker visit, and how to appeal if you are denied.
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Update
IHSS Overtime Pay Rules in California: What Every Caregiver Must Know
California labor law guarantees overtime pay for most IHSS providers — but the rules for daily, weekly, and live-in caregivers are different. Here's what you need to know to get paid correctly.
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How to Enroll as an IHSS Provider in California: Step-by-Step Guide
Learn exactly how to enroll as an IHSS provider in California — from getting hired by a recipient to receiving your first paycheck in as little as 2–4 weeks.
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How Long Does the IHSS Process Take? A Step-by-Step Timeline
From submitting your IHSS application to receiving your first paycheck, the full process typically takes 60–90 days. Here is a detailed breakdown of every stage and what you can do to avoid delays.
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Update
How to Appeal an IHSS Hours Reduction: Your Step-by-Step Guide
If your IHSS hours have been reduced, you have the right to appeal — and you can keep receiving your current hours while the appeal is pending. Act within 10 days of your Notice of Action to protect your benefits.
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How to Win an IHSS Fair Hearing: Strategy, Evidence, and What to Expect
Winning an IHSS fair hearing comes down to preparation, the right evidence, and understanding how Administrative Law Judges evaluate cases. This guide covers every step from filing to the final decision.
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CDSS Administrative and Program Staff: Who Oversees IHSS Statewide
Beyond frontline social workers, CDSS employs program analysts, budget specialists, and IT professionals who shape IHSS policy at the state level — affecting wages, hours, and eligibility for California's 1.5 million homecare workers.
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CDSS Social Worker Careers: Working Alongside IHSS Providers
California's Department of Social Services employs county social workers who conduct IHSS assessments, set authorized care hours, and coordinate services for recipients. Here is what to know about these roles.
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Update
SEIU 2015 Sacramento Day of Action
On May 20th, members of SEIU 2015 gathered alongside state legislators to push back on proposed state budget cuts that could devastate the long-term care industry. The post SEIU 2015 Sacramento Day of Action appeared first on SEIU2015 .
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May 20: Information & Registration
Welcome to the SEIU 2015 Care Worker Day of Action! Agenda: The post May 20: Information & Registration appeared first on SEIU2015 .
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Care is a California Value: Join the Caregiver Day of Action on May 20
On May 20, 2026, care workers from across California are coming together in Sacramento for a massive rally and march, and we want you there! This Care Worker Day of Action is our moment to stand together and fight for the future of long-term care. It’s our biggest union event of the year, and you [&
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California Raises IHSS Minimum Wage to $18.65 — What Caregivers Need to Know
California's new $18.65 minimum wage affects all IHSS providers. Counties may pay higher. Here's what changed and how to verify your rate.
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Update
Yes on Prop D: Protecting Care in San Francisco
San Francisco union homecare providers are proud to stand with nurses, firefighters, teachers and other union workers in support of Proposition D, the Overpaid CEO Act. The Trump Medicaid Cuts are Coming to San Francisco In July 2025, President Trump and the Republican-led Congress approved over $1
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Update
Protect Care, Demand Corporate Fair Share
Summary of the Governor’s Proposed 2026-27 State Budget SEIU 2015 members reject proposed cuts to care and demand California corporations pay the taxes they owe. Corporate tax loopholes have allowed wealthy corporations to pay less state taxes than working families for far too long. Now, the Governo
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Caregivers say low wages, rising costs are driving worker shortage.
Kings County home care providers of SEIU Local 2015 voiced their struggles at a Board of Supervisors meeting and to a reporter at The Hanford Sentinel. The providers in question are calling for livable wages and adequate healthcare to be featured in the new contract they’re bargaining for. The post
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Santa Clara County IHSS Campaign Updates
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a social service that allows people who need long-term care to receive it in the comfort and safety of their own homes. In Santa Clara County, over 36,000 IHSS workers provide long-term care services (including household work, personal care services, and paramed
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Kings County IHSS Campaign Update
Latest update 4/7/2026 Kings IHSS care providers rally at Board of Supervisors to demand a strong contract! On April 7, 2026 – Kings County IHSS care providers finally kicked off their contract campaign gathering at the County’s Board of Supervisors to emphasize: an investment in quality care that f
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Inyo County home care providers rally at Board of Supervisors demanding livable wages and healthcare benefits.
Latest update 03/31/2026  Inyo County home care providers rally at Board of Supervisors demanding livable wages. On March 31, 2026 – Inyo County care providers gathered at the county’s Board of Supervisors to send a clear message: a new contract that guarantees a pathway to livable wages
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Update
Governor's May Revision Proposes Cuts to IHSS Authorized Hours
The Governor's May budget revision includes a proposal to reduce authorized IHSS hours for some recipients as part of broader Medi-Cal cost reductions. Advocates warn the cuts could affect tens of thousands of workers and recipients.
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State Memo Confirms: Travel Time Between IHSS Clients Must Be Paid
A CDSS guidance memo clarified that IHSS providers who travel between two or more clients in the same day must be paid for all travel time at their regular hourly rate. County offices denying this are in violation of state law.
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New SEIU 2015 Contract Adds Paid Training Time for IHSS Providers
A newly ratified SEIU 2015 contract includes paid training time for IHSS providers, improved access to union legal services, and a pathway for providers to earn continuing education credits.
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Los Angeles County IHSS Wages Rise to $19.35/hr — Highest in Southern California
Los Angeles County IHSS providers received a wage increase to $19.35 per hour effective April 1, 2025, following SEIU 2015 contract negotiations. The increase applies to all non-live-in IHSS providers in LA County.
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CDSS Issues Final Rules on Electronic Visit Verification — What IHSS Providers Must Know
The California Department of Social Services finalized EVV rules requiring all IHSS providers to clock in and out electronically using the CDSS mobile app or telephone system. Providers who miss the deadline risk delayed payments.
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Medi-Cal Income Limits Raised — More IHSS Workers Now Qualify
California raised the Medi-Cal income eligibility threshold for adults with no dependents from 138% to 160% of the federal poverty level, effective January 2025. The change means thousands of IHSS workers earning up to $2,268/month now qualify.
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CDSS Launches Free Online Training Portal for IHSS Providers
The California Department of Social Services launched a free online training portal for IHSS providers. Providers can now complete required training modules remotely and earn a Professional Caregiver Certificate after finishing the full curriculum.
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AB 1228 Wage Theft Protection Law Now in Effect — File Claims Faster
California's AB 1228 wage theft law, which took effect January 1, 2025, creates a faster claims process for unpaid wages and increases penalties for employers who steal wages. IHSS providers can now file claims with the Labor Commissioner in as little as 30 days.
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