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California IHSS Minimum Wage $18.65: 2025 State Floor Explained

California's IHSS state minimum wage floor rose to $18.65/hour in January 2025. Learn how the state floor works and why your county rate may be higher.

Policy Context

AB 1228 and the 2024 Budget Act mandated statewide minimum wage increases effective January 1, 2025. IHSS provider wages are subject to the state floor but counties retain authority to negotiate higher rates via SEIU 2015 collective bargaining agreements.

By the Unified Savers Editorial Team

This information is based on official California CDSS guidelines and is reviewed for accuracy.

California’s In-Home Supportive Services program has updated its minimum wage floor to $18.65 per hour, effective January 1, 2025. This affects all 650,000+ IHSS providers across the state.

What Changed

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) confirmed the statewide wage floor increase. Counties that previously paid above the minimum — including Los Angeles ($20.35), San Francisco ($23.00), and Alameda ($21.00) — retain their higher rates.

How to Verify Your Rate

Contact your county IHSS office or log into your Electronic Services Portal (ESP) account. Your current pay rate is listed on your timesheet confirmation.

What’s Next

SEIU 2015 is currently negotiating additional increases in several counties — including Sacramento, Riverside, and San Bernardino, where the union is pushing for $21+ per hour in 2026 negotiations. Watch the Wage Tracker page for real-time updates as counties announce adjustments.

Related: IHSS pay rates for all 58 California counties in 2026 · IHSS overtime rules — how your new wage rate affects overtime pay · IHSS union benefits through SEIU 2015 · IHSS timesheet and payment guide · How to enroll as an IHSS provider

See also: IHSS Pay Rates California 2026: County-by-County Wage Guide for the most current county-specific pay rates.

Important context: The wage gains secured in 2025 could be threatened by federal Medicaid per-capita cap proposals and California’s 2026-27 state budget shortfall. Stay informed on both fronts to protect your pay.

Source: CDSS

wagesihsslegislationcdss

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Also: View all 58 county wages · Learn your caregiver rights · IHSS FAQ