This Week in IHSS
Travel Time Pay. A recent state guidance memo clarified that IHSS providers traveling between two clients in the same day must be paid for all travel time at their regular hourly rate. Agencies that deny this are in violation.
Mental Health Resources. CDSS launched a new caregiver wellness portal with free mental health resources, stress management guides, and counseling referrals. Available at cdss.ca.gov/caregiver-wellness.
Santa Clara County Wage Update. Santa Clara County’s IHSS wage rose to $19.25/hr effective April 1, 2025, following a county board vote. Check your county’s rate in our wage tracker.
Rights Reminder
You have the right to take a 30-minute unpaid meal break after 5 hours of work. If your employer requires you to remain on-duty during that break, it must be paid.
Benefit of the Week
CARE Utility Discount. If you have Medi-Cal or CalFresh, you qualify for 20–35% off your monthly electric and gas bill. Call your utility company and ask to enroll in the CARE program — it’s automatic once you qualify.