1. How can I enroll to receive IHSS services?

You must first call the IHSS intake hotline at 415-473-2874.

2. I need to speak with a Social Worker. Where do I call?

Please call the IHSS Social Worker’s office at 415-473-7118 and ask to be connected to your Social Worker’s extension.

3. I need a list of Care Providers. What do I do?

If you are authorized for IHSS assistance and you need help finding a Care Provider, call the Public Authority at 415-499-1024. If you are not yet authorized to receive IHSS services, please call the IHSS intake hotline at 415-473-2874.

4. Am I responsible for hiring and firing a Care Provider?

Yes, you are the employer. If you need assistance with this, please let your Social Worker know. The Public Authority does not hire or recommend Care Providers; we only serve as a referral service.

5. How do I obtain more IHSS authorized hours?

You need to contact your IHSS Social Worker to discuss your specific needs and request additional hours.

6. Can I hire more than one Care Provider?

Yes, you can have more than one Care Provider working for you and sharing your authorized hours. If you are authorized for more than 173 hours per month and/or require a variety of skilled care, it is encouraged to have more than one Provider.

7. I already have a family member caring for me. How does s/he get enrolled for reimbursement?

If you are currently enrolled to receive IHSS services, contact your Social Worker to send you a Provider enrollment packet for you and your Care Provider to complete. Your Care Provider must also be enrolled with the State of California as an IHSS Provider. For more information, click here.

8. What should I discuss with a Care Provider who I am interviewing?

The duties to be performed within the authorized hours, the expectations and standards that you require, when and how the duties are to be performed, the Care Provider’s availability and experience, a list of references to call, and driving availability.

9. How do I know what tasks are to be performed by my Care Provider?

Tasks and hours are summarized in a “Notice of Action,” a state form that is mailed to you and communicates the social worker’s decision regarding your care. When you select a Care Provider, you should tell the Provider what tasks have been authorized for your care and the number of hours per week you have authorized for the Care Provider to complete these tasks. A completed and signed job agreement can be used to remind you and your Provider of your respective responsibilities.

10. Whom should I tell I have hired a new Care Provider?

You will inform your Social Worker by submitting a Provider packet completed by you and your Care Provider. If your Care Provider is from the Public Authority’s Registry, you will need to notify us that you have fired or hired a Care Provider by calling 499-1024.

11. How does the Care Provider get his/her timesheet?

When the IHSS payroll office receives the completed enrollment packet, and the Care Provider has fulfilled all of the state-mandated requirements, a timesheet will be sent to the Provider in the mail.

12. Do I need to reimburse my Care Provider for gas?

You and your Provider need to know that IHSS does not pay for the cost of gas and other transportation costs. Therefore, it is important for you to determine—at the time of hiring —who will pay these costs.

13. What should I do if my Care Provider is sick and cannot come to work?

If your Provider is going to be out for the day, try to arrange for a family member or friend to help you. If your Provider is going to be out for a longer time, please contact the Public Authority or your Social Worker to help you find a replacement.

14. Should I disclose if I have infectious diseases?

Care Recipients and Care Providers are strongly encouraged to disclose to each other any health conditions that may negatively affect the health of the other. This includes all infectious diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis, Tuberculosis (TB), etc.

15. I am having difficulty communicating with my Care Provider. What should I do?

If you find it difficult to communicate with your Care Provider, ask for help from a family member or friend, your Social Worker or a Registry Specialist at the IHSS Public Authority.