these are general rules that apply across california, but counties may enforce additional procedural steps.

• to enroll as an ihss provider, you must complete certain state forms (e.g., soc 426) and background check requirements. california dept. of social services
• on the soc 426 form, there is a line that says: “if you are under 18 years of age, you must submit a valid work permit.” california dept. of social services
• minors are permitted to be ihss providers (under certain conditions), not just those 18 and older. public authority services alameda county social services
• minors must comply with california labor law (limits on working hours and type of work allowed) and must have a school work permit. public authority services alameda county social services
• in some counties, a guardian or parent must accompany the minor at in-person enrollment appointments (example: fresno county requires a guardian and valid work permit).
• some county ihss faqs explicitly state a minimum age of 12 for providers. public authority services
• some online sources claim “you must be at least 18,” but these are not consistent with official rules and forms. ihss law office of james diskint, pc

county-level variation

because ihss is administered by counties under state oversight, counties can impose additional procedural requirements (though not necessarily stricter age limits beyond what the state allows). examples include:

• fresno county: minor providers must have a guardian present at in-person enrollment and submit a valid work permit.
• napa county: their faq states that “minors must be at least 12 years old, comply with labor law, complete enrollment, and obtain a valid school work permit signed by their school.”
• some counties require additional verification (identity docs, orientation, fingerprinting). timing can affect how quickly minors are activated as paid providers.

More information

• the requirement is not always “must be 18.”
• the state allows minors to be ihss providers with a valid work permit and compliance with labor laws. california dept. of social services public authority services
• in many counties, the minimum age is 12 for enrollment (with proper permits). public authority services
• counties may add steps (guardian presence, orientation scheduling) but generally cannot set a stricter minimum age than state rules.

what caregivers can do (authorized ihss tasks)

• personal care services: bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, bowel and bladder care, feeding, help with medications as directed, repositioning, assistance with mobility and transfers.
• domestic services: meal planning and preparation, dishwashing, kitchen cleanup, routine housecleaning, laundry, changing bed linens, trash removal, organizing to keep walkways safe.
• related services: shopping for food and household supplies, errands related to the care plan, picking up prescriptions, paperwork help that is directly tied to the recipient’s care.
• accompaniment to medical appointments: going with the recipient to doctor or other approved medical visits; approved waiting time can be included when authorized.
• protective supervision (if authorized): monitoring for health and safety due to cognitive or mental impairments; only when specifically approved by the county.
• paramedical services (if ordered): clinician-ordered tasks such as injections, tube feeding, catheter care, wound care, etc. Only when prescribed and the provider has been trained; include setup and cleanup time.

not covered (common examples)

• yard work, outside maintenance, and non-health safety hazards that require specialized trades.
• heavy cleaning beyond what is needed for health and safety, home remodeling, and move-in or move-out cleaning.
• services while the recipient is in a hospital or licensed facility.
• transportation mileage reimbursement (IHSS does not pay mileage; accompaniment time may be authorized instead).

enrollment steps (new providers)

1. register for orientation with the county/public authority. orientations may be online or in person; you will receive instructions and required forms.
2. complete background check (live scan) and submit identification. follow your county’s instructions and keep your tracking receipt; fees may apply.
3. finish provider enrollment paperwork. forms typically include provider enrollment, tax forms, and direct-deposit/pay card setup; sign the provider agreement.
4. set up access to the electronic services portal (esp) or telephone timesheets. you will submit hours only after they are worked and approved by the recipient.
5. be added to a recipient’s case. the recipient (or their authorized representative) selects you as the provider; the county activates you for their authorized services and hours.

enrollment downloads & links

• ihss application (soc 295):
  english •
  spanish •
  chinese •
  armenian
• health care certification (soc 873):
  download (english)
• find your county ihss office:
  directory
• electronic services portal (timesheets/evv):
  etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov
• ihss wage rates by county:
  cdss wage hub
• ihss provider resources (state):
  provider hub

after you apply as an ihss caregiver

• complete the provider orientation (usually in-person or online, depending on county). cdss – provider orientation
• submit fingerprints for a department of justice background check (live scan). the results go directly to the county ihss office. california doj – live scan
• fill out all required forms (soc 426, w-4, i-9, etc.) and return them to your county public authority or ihss office. cdss – how to become a provider
• wait for processing. counties often take several weeks to clear the background check, verify your paperwork, and activate you in the system. delays are common. example timeline (orange county)
• once you are officially approved, you can be linked to your client in the electronic services portal (esp) and begin submitting timesheets. cdss – esp/tts

when does a caregiver get paid?

• you are only paid for hours of care provided after you are fully approved and linked to a recipient in the county system. cdss – provider resources
• even if your client’s ihss eligibility is backdated, you as the provider cannot be paid for work done before you completed enrollment and background clearance. soc 426 form
• timesheets become available in the esp as soon as your approval is processed and you are assigned to a recipient. payment is issued based on approved hours worked from that point forward. electronic timesheets

when does payment start?

• for applicants/recipients (ihss services): ihss can be effective back to the date you requested services (your “protected application date”), if you meet all eligibility rules for that period (including medi-cal). acl 12-36 • cdss e-note 133
• how far back can it go? medi-cal eligibility can be retroactive (generally up to 90 days prior to the month of application if criteria are met); ihss follows medi-cal for payable periods. check your noa for the exact start. cdss e-note 133
• for providers (caregivers): you can only be paid for hours after (1) the recipient is authorized for services and (2) you are fully enrolled/approved and assigned to that recipient. after approval, the portal may allow timesheets for eligible retro periods tied to the recipient’s effective date and your assignment. cdss – provider resources
• bottom line: recipients’ ihss can be retroactive to the protected application date (subject to medi-cal rules). providers are paid only for authorized hours delivered once they are approved and assigned; the system can open prior pay periods if those conditions are met. review your noa and the esp for open pay periods. electronic timesheets (esp/tts)

work rules you should know

• authorized tasks only: work must match the recipient’s approved service plan (for example, personal care, domestic/related tasks, accompaniment to medical visits).
• no facility work: ihss does not pay for services while the recipient is in a hospital or licensed facility.
• overtime and weekly limits: overtime may apply over a weekly threshold, and there is a statewide cap across all recipients; the county will tell you your limits and how to avoid violations.
• travel time: limited travel time may be payable when serving multiple recipients on the same day; it must be tracked separately and within the weekly cap.
• waiting time: approved waiting time for medical or other authorized appointments can be included when authorized.
• paramedical tasks: do not perform “nursing-type” tasks unless a clinician has ordered them and trained you; these are authorized only as paramedical services.

timesheets, pay, and taxes

• submitting hours: use the electronic services portal (esp) or the telephone system to submit timesheets after hours are worked; the recipient approves before payment is issued.
• pay periods: providers submit two timesheets each month (1st-15th and 16th-end). late approvals can delay pay, so coordinate closely with the recipient.
• paid sick leave: ihss providers receive a fixed annual sick-leave bank; claim it in esp or via the county form by the deadline.
• taxes and live-in rules: most providers receive a w-2; special tax treatment may apply to live-in providers – ask about the live-in certification and consult a tax professional.

benefits and support

• training: many public authorities offer free classes on safe transfers, dementia care, infection control, and more.
• health and other benefits: availability varies by county or union agreement and may depend on monthly hours worked.
• registry and backup: registries can help match you with recipients; some counties have emergency backup programs for short-term coverage.

professional boundaries and safety

• communicate clearly about schedules, tasks, and privacy; agree on how to handle keys, money, and transportation.
• keep simple notes on tasks performed and safety incidents; report changes that may affect the care plan.
• lift and transfer safely; ask for equipment (gait belt, shower chair) or training if needed.

special notes for parent and spouse providers

• eligibility is based on the recipient’s needs and program rules; only authorized ihss tasks are payable for children or spouses.
• paramedical services for children require clinician orders and training; time should include preparation and cleanup when documented.
• keep school and therapy schedules in mind when planning hours; coordinate with the county if needs or routines change.

quick success checklist

• confirm the recipient’s authorized tasks and total monthly hours before you start.
• set up the electronic services portal (esp) immediately after enrollment and practice a test login.
• create a basic weekly schedule and identify a backup provider.
• save every county letter and note deadlines for timesheets and sick-leave requests.