1. How can I become a Care Provider and get referred to Care Recipients?

You must take the steps to be enrolled as an IHSS Care Provider. First you must attend a state-mandated orientation and complete a Provider Enrollment form. You will also need to submit LiveScan fingerprints for a background check, and present a valid ID and an original social security card. Once you are an enrolled as an IHSS Care Provider, you will need to complete a Provider Registry Application and we will call you in for an interview. For more information, click here.

2. I am already caring for an IHSS Recipient. How do I get enrolled as a Care Provider so that I can be paid?

In order to be an enrolled with the State of California as an IHSS care provider you must attend a state-mandated orientation, complete a Provider Enrollment Form, submit LiveScan fingerprints for a background check and present a valid ID and original Social Security card. You and the IHSS recipient must also complete a Provider Packet. This packet can be obtained from the recipient’s Social Worker. The phone number for the IHSS Social Worker’s office is 415-473-7118. For more information, click here.

3. When can I attend the Care Provider state-mandated orientation?

State-mandated orientations are held every Wednesday at 3:30 pm at the Public Authority. Please call 415-499-1024 to register, or send an email request.

4. What crimes will make me ineligible to be an IHSS Care Provider?

Any crime of abuse against a child or elder, or any crime of Medicare fraud will exclude you from being an IHSS care provider. In addition, several violent or serious felonies or sexual felony offenses will also exclude you. Please call the Public Authority for more information regarding specific exclusionary crimes.

5. I am an enrolled Care Provider and an IHSS Care Recipient has just hired me. What do I need to do next?

You and the IHSS Recipient must complete a Provider Packet. This packet can be obtained from the Care Recipient’s Social Worker. The phone number for the IHSS Social Worker’s office is 415-473-7118.

6. Where do I turn in my Provider Packet once it is completed?

You turn in your completed packet into the IHSS Care Recipient’s social worker. You can either mail it directly to the Social Worker or you can drop it off to the receptionist at 10 N. San Pedro Road, San Rafael. If you are on the Public Authority Provider Registry, you can bring it to the Public Authority office between 1:00-4:00 Monday – Friday and we will process it for you.

7. Do I need to complete a Provider Packet for every Care Recipient that I work for?

Yes. Also, if your Care Recipient has multiple Care Providers, a Provider Packet must be completed for every individual Provider.

8. When will I get my first timesheet after I start working?

First you must complete all of the steps in question #2 above. Once your background check has cleared, your paperwork will be forwarded to the IHSS payroll department. They will submit Social Security verification to the State. Once your Social Security number is verified, a timesheet will be generated and mailed to you. This entire process takes approximately 2-3 weeks unless there are issues with your background check.

9. How can I get my employment verified?

You may fax your request to the IHSS payroll department at 415-473-7042.

10. Who is required to sign my timesheet? Do I need more than one timesheet?

Both you and your IHSS Care Recipient must sign and date each timesheet. You need to complete a separate timesheet signed by each Care Recipient that employs you. It must then be immediately mailed to the address printed on the timesheet.

11. When and where do I turn my timesheet in?

You will need to complete and mail in a timesheet twice a month. The pay period for the 1-15 of the month should be mailed on the 16th, and the timesheet for the 16-31 of the month should be mailed on the 1st. It is very important to submit timely timesheets because your next period’s timesheet is attached to each paycheck. Timesheets are to be submitted by mail, not hand delivered.

12. How long after I mail the timesheet will I receive a check?

Please allow seven working days to receive your paycheck. If you have not received your check after that time, contact the county IHSS payroll at 415-499-7487 and leave a message with your name, the Care Recipient’s name and the pay period of the delayed check.

13. Does the Public Authority offer additional Care Provider training?

Currently the Public Authority offers free video trainings for Public Authority registry providers every Tuesday from 1-4 pm. Call to reserve a seat at 415-499-1024, x10 or email us. For more information about upcoming trainings, click here.

14. Does the Public Authority offer health and dental benefits to IHSS care providers?

Yes, the Public Authority offers IHSS Care Providers benefits to those who qualify. Spouses and dependents are not eligible for benefits. For more information, click here.

15. Can I take vacation time? Will I be paid?

You may take a vacation, however you will not be paid during the time you are not working for your Recipient. IHSS pays only for the hours that you work. Please give your Care Recipient ample time to make other arrangements while you will be away.

16. Can I work for someone that is in the hospital or a skilled facility?

If the Care Recipient is hospitalized, no hours can be reported or paid for that period.

17. Will I be reimbursed for gas?

Care Providers are not required to provide transportation for Care Recipients and IHSS does not pay for travel expenses. However, if you are asked to provide transportation for your client, you may want to negotiate reimbursement for gas and other travel expenses with your Care Recipient before providing such services.

18. Do I have to drive my car?

If you are willing to transport the IHSS Care Recipient to medical appointments, you may have to provide proof of a current auto insurance policy with liability insurance, a copy of your Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) record, and a valid Driver’s License. It is your decision about whether to drive your own car to take your Care Recipient to medical appointments. You are not required to do so.

19. Will I be paid for waiting when taking a consumer to an appointment?

No, it is important to understand that IHSS will pay only for the time to drive to and from the appointment, and not the waiting time. You can do other needed tasks such as short errands or grocery shopping in the immediate area or plan personal activities while the client is at the doctor’s office.

20. If I am going to be late or I am not coming to work, whom do I contact?

Call the Care Recipient as soon as possible if you are late, sick or unable to work.

21. Do I have to pay union dues?

Yes, all Care Providers who work over 15 hours per month must join the union and pay dues. For more information, click here.