California Law
Every CA code that affects IHSS workers — translated into plain English. 10 regulations tracked.
IWC Wage Order No. 15
Plain English
IHSS providers who do not live with their recipient are entitled to overtime pay (1.5×) after 9 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week, and double time (2×) after 12 hours in a day.
CA WIC § 12300
Plain English
This is the main law that created IHSS. It says California must provide in-home care services to elderly and disabled Medi-Cal recipients who would otherwise need nursing home placement.
WIC § 12301
Plain English
This is the main state law that created and governs the IHSS program — who qualifies as a recipient, what services are covered, how providers are paid, and how counties administer the program.
Welfare & Institutions Code § 12301.1 / IWC Wage Order 15
Plain English
IHSS providers who live in the same home as their recipient follow different overtime rules. You must be paid for all hours worked up to the authorized maximum, but the daily overtime threshold is 10 hours (not 9). Double time still applies after 12 hours.
California Labor Code § 512 / IWC Wage Order 15
Plain English
If you work more than 5 hours, you're entitled to a 30-minute unpaid meal break. If you work more than 10 hours, you get a second meal break. You're also entitled to a 10-minute paid rest break for every 4 hours worked. However, live-in providers have special rules.
CA Labor Code § 1194
Plain English
If you are paid less than minimum wage or denied overtime, you have the right to sue your employer in court and recover the unpaid wages plus attorney fees.
AB 1522 / CA Labor Code § 245
Plain English
All California workers — including IHSS providers — earn at least 40 hours (5 days) of paid sick leave per year. You can use it for your own illness or to care for a family member.
California Labor Code § 226
Plain English
Every paycheck must come with a written pay stub listing your gross wages, hours worked, pay period dates, deductions, and employer information. You are entitled to inspect your pay records at any time.
AB 1228 / CA Labor Code § 98
Plain English
AB 1228 sped up the wage theft claims process at the Labor Commissioner's office. Workers who file wage claims now get faster hearings and stronger enforcement against employers who don't pay.
California Labor Code § 203
Plain English
When you stop working as an IHSS provider, your final paycheck is due immediately if you quit with 72+ hours notice, or within 72 hours if you quit without notice. If the payment is late, you earn one extra day of pay for every day the check is late, up to 30 days.
