Here's a comprehensive guide on how to get paid for caring for a loved one in California through the In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. This guide will provide step-by-step instructions, detailed explanations, and relevant official links to help you navigate the process.

How to Get Paid for Caring for a Loved One in California (IHSS Guide)

What is the IHSS Program?

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is a state-funded initiative designed to help eligible low-income individuals who are aged, blind, or disabled remain safely in their own homes by providing in-home care services.

If you are a spouse, adult child, or other family member, you may be eligible to become a paid caregiver for your loved one through IHSS.

Key Benefits of IHSS:

✅ Financial Compensation for caregiving services ✅ Flexible Schedule – Care is provided at home ✅ Prevent Institutionalization – Allows individuals to remain in a familiar environment ✅ Access to Additional Services – Including meal preparation, transportation, and protective supervision

Who Pays for IHSS?

IHSS is funded by the state and federal government through Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program). Once approved, caregivers receive payments directly from the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

Step 1: Determine if Your Loved One Qualifies for IHSS

Before applying, your loved one (the care recipient) must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for IHSS.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for IHSS, the person you are caring for must:

🔹 Be a California Resident 🔹 Live in their own home or apartment (not a nursing facility or assisted living) 🔹 Be eligible for Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program) 🔹 Need in-home assistance with daily living activities (verified through an in-home assessment)

How to Apply for IHSS

To begin the IHSS application process, your loved one can:

📞 Call their County IHSS Office → Find your county’s office here 📝 Submit an Application Online → Some counties allow applications through their website 📍 Visit Their Local Social Services Office to apply in person

Next Steps After Application Submission:

1️⃣ A county social worker will conduct an in-home assessment to evaluate the level of care needed. 2️⃣ The social worker will determine the number of hours your loved one is eligible to receive each month. 3️⃣ A Notice of Action (NOA) will be sent confirming approval, authorized hours, and services covered.

For more details on how to apply: ➡️ IHSS Application Process

Step 2: Become an Approved IHSS Provider (Caregiver)

Once your loved one is approved for IHSS, you can apply to become their paid provider.

How to Become an IHSS Provider

To enroll as a caregiver, you must complete the IHSS Provider Enrollment process, which includes the following steps:

✅ 1. Attend an IHSS Provider Orientation

You must attend an orientation session where you will learn about: ✔ IHSS rules and responsibilities ✔ How to complete timesheets and get paid ✔ The rights and protections of IHSS providers

📍 Schedule an Orientation: Contact your county IHSS office → Find your county office

✅ 2. Submit the Required Enrollment Forms

During the orientation, you will receive important forms, including:

📄 IHSS Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) 📄 Acknowledgment of Provider Responsibilities (SOC 846)

You must complete, sign, and return these forms to your local IHSS Public Authority office.

📌 Download Enrollment Forms: IHSS Forms & Publications

✅ 3. Complete a Background Check (Fingerprinting)

All IHSS providers must pass a criminal background check before they can start working.

🔹 Schedule a Live Scan Appointment – Fingerprinting must be done at an approved Live Scan location 🔹 Pay the Background Check Fee (varies by county) 🔹 Wait for Clearance – This process can take several weeks

📌 Find a Live Scan location near you: Live Scan Locations

✅ 4. Receive Approval and Begin Working

Once you have completed the enrollment process and passed the background check, you will be approved as an IHSS provider.

✔ You will receive a confirmation letter with your IHSS provider number ✔ You can begin submitting timesheets for hours worked ✔ Payments will be processed through the IHSS payroll system

📌 IHSS Payroll Information & Timesheets: IHSS Provider Payroll

Step 3: Get Paid as an IHSS Provider

Once you are officially enrolled, you can start receiving payments for caregiving services.

How Much Will You Be Paid?

The hourly wage for IHSS providers varies by county. The current IHSS wage rates range from $16 to $19 per hour, but some counties offer higher pay.

📌 Check IHSS wage rates by county: IHSS Provider Wages

How to Submit Timesheets & Receive Payments

As an IHSS provider, you must submit timesheets electronically using the Electronic Services Portal (ESP).

💻 Enroll in the IHSS Electronic Timesheet System: ➡️ IHSS Timesheet Portal

✔ Payments are processed bi-weekly ✔ Direct deposit is available for faster payments ✔ Check timesheet status in the IHSS payroll system

📌 Sign Up for Direct Deposit: IHSS Direct Deposit

Additional Benefits for IHSS Providers

In addition to being paid for caregiving, IHSS providers may be eligible for additional benefits, including:

🔹 Health Insurance – Available in some counties through IHSS Public Authority 🔹 Paid Sick Leave – Earned based on hours worked 🔹 Workers' Compensation Coverage – Protects you if you get injured while providing care

📌 Check county-specific benefits: IHSS Provider Benefits

Need More Help?

If you have questions about becoming an IHSS provider, contact:

📍 IHSS County Offices: Find your county office 📞 IHSS Helpline: 1-866-376-7066 💻 IHSS Official Website: CDSS IHSS Program

Final Thoughts

Becoming a paid caregiver through IHSS can provide financial support while ensuring your loved one receives quality care at home. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully apply, get approved, and receive compensation for your caregiving services.

✔ Start the process today by checking your loved one’s eligibility and applying for IHSS benefits! 🚀