This post will help you with the process on how to become an IHSS provider in Los Angeles county. We will walk you through the IHSS provider application in Los Angeles county, how long it takes to get approved, the hourly pay rate and how much you can make a month, the timesheet submission process, and more.
Table of Content:
- Is Being an IHSS Provider a good job?
- How to Become an IHSS Provider
- IHSS Provider Application in Los Angeles County
- What is the IHSS Pay Rate in Los Angeles County?
- Los Angeles County IHSS Provider FAQs
Is Being an IHSS Provider a good job?
To be a great IHSS provider, you have to be a compassionate person and be willing to assist seniors and people with disabilities to live independently at home.
In California, the average monthly Salary for an IHSS provider is $2,743, however, in some counties, you can make over $3,000 a month.
In addition, IHSS providers do get overtime pay and paid sick leave (county rules apply).
Furthermore, IHSS providers can enroll in the CalSavers program, a form of retirement savings that helps IHSS providers prepare for their future.
How to Become an IHSS Provider
There are two ways to be an IHSS Provider:
Option 1 – Become a care provider for someone you already know
This is the easiest and fastest way to start a career as an IHSS Provider.
IHSS rules allow recipients to hire family members or friends as providers.
If you know a family member or friend that is on Medi-Cal and is eligible for IHSS, reach out to them and discuss becoming their provider.
Once you apply and are approved by the county as a provider, your family member or friend can then hire you as their provider.
Note: The IHSS recipient is responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and if necessary, firing the provider.
Option 2 – Apply to join the IHSS Registry and meet potential clients
Each county maintains an IHSS provider list that recipients can access to find providers.
Once you are approved to become an IHSS provider, the county IHSS office will add you to the list.
You will then be matched with potential IHSS clients based on your availability and preferences.
To apply to become an IHSS provider in Los Angeles County, follow the steps below:
IHSS Provider Application in Los Angeles County
Here are the steps you need to take to apply and be approved as an IHSS provider in Los Angeles County:
Step 1 – Complete and sign the IHSS Provider Enrollment Form
The first step in the process is to complete and sign the IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) and return it to the County IHSS Office.
Click here to download the application form.
In Los Angeles County, there are three options to submit your application:
Apply By Mail
Complete the SOC 295 Application For IHSS.
Then, mail the completed application to:
IHSS Application
2707 S. Grand Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Apply By Phone
You can apply for IHSS by calling:
- Toll-Free Number 1-(888) 944 – IHSS (4477)
- Local Number (213) 744 – IHSS (4477).
You can also call the IHSS Helpline at IHSS Helpline at 1-(888) 822-9622 (option 4 from the main menu).
The helpline is available Mon-Fri from 8 AM – 5 PM.
Apply By Secure Fax (eFax)
Print and fax the IHSS application to:
Metro IHSS (213) 947-4591
Step 2 – Attend an IHSS Provider Orientation & Get Finger Printed
The next step in the process is to complete the provider orientation.
In Los Angeles County, you have the option to attend an in-person provider orientation or by completing the provider orientation process online.
After the orientation, you will be required to visit an IHSS office to:
- Present your photo ID and Social Security card;
- Complete and return the required enrollment forms; and
- Obtain the Request for Live Scan Service form to get a criminal background check.
How the IHSS Fingerprinting Process Works
The County IHSS Office will give you instructions on how to get fingerprinted.
Do not try to be fingerprinted until you have received instructions from the county.
You can get fingerprinted at some local law enforcement agencies (Police or Sheriff Department) or at a business that offers digitally scanned fingerprinting (Live Scan) services.
The County IHSS Office can give you a list of nearby locations.
To find a list of approved Live Scan locations in Los Angeles County, click here.
California state law requires that you pay the costs for fingerprinting and the criminal background check.
The cost to get fingerprinted varies from $40 to $90.
Step 3 -Sign an IHSS Provider Enrollment Agreement
Once you have completed the orientation, you will be asked to sign an IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Agreement (SOC 846).
By signing the SOC 846, you are saying that you understand and agree to the rules and requirements for being a provider in the IHSS Program.
You should maintain copies of all documents you submitted and any that you have received from the county for your records.
Once you have successfully completed the four steps above here’s what happens next:
IHSS Provider Status
If you are approved to be an IHSS provider, here’s what happens next:
As long as you are an active provider and your criminal background check remains clear, you will continue to be eligible to provide services for any IHSS recipient.
90 Day Requirement for Enrollment
The three steps above must be completed within 90 days after you began the provider enrollment process
If you do not complete the enrollment process within 90 days, you will be found ineligible to work and be paid as an IHSS provider.
Also, if you are found ineligible to work, you will need to begin the process over again in order to be enrolled as an IHSS provider.
If you have any questions about these provider enrollment requirements, contact the Los Angeles County IHSS Helpline at the number below:
Los Angeles County IHSS Helpline
If you have any questions about becoming an IHSS Provider, you can call the IHSS Helpline at (888) 822-9622, Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Step 4: Register Online as IHSS Provider
Once you are approved by your county as an IHSS provider, you should create an online account in the State’s Electronic Services Portal (ESP).
Click hereto be taken to the ESP website.
The ESP portalallows you to:
- Receive notifications as to the status of your checks
- Submit Sick Leave claims
- Sign up for Direct Deposit
- Sign up for electronic timesheets, which allow you to retrieve and submit your timesheets online. This option will also give you warnings if you complete your timesheet incorrectly and you are in danger of receiving a violation. In order to use electronic timesheets, your client must be willing to approve your timesheets either electronically or by telephone.
Step 5: Join the IHSS Provider Registry
Next, you should join the IHSS provider registry so that you can be matched with potential clients.
Here’s how to join the provider registry in Los Angeles County:
You may contact the Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC).
The PASC is the Public Authority for Los Angeles County.
The PASC operates a Registry to provide referrals for IHSS recipients and providers.
You may contact the PASC at (877) 565-4477 for more information.
Click here for the PASC website.
Los Angeles County IHSS Provider FAQs
Here are the most frequently asked questions about IHSS in Los Angeles County:
What is the IHSS Pay Rate in Los Angeles County?
Starting January 1, 2022, thehourly pay for an IHSS providerin Los Angeles County is $16.00 an hour. This is the equivalent of $640/week or $2,773/month.
At this pay rate, you will earn an annual salary of $33,280.
The Back-Up Attendant Program (BUAP) provider wage rate is $19.00 per hour.
For details about IHSS pay in Los Angeles County, see our post on Pay Rate for IHSS Providers in Los Angeles County, CA.
How does IHSS Timesheet work?
IHSS providers and recipients must either enroll in the Electronic Timesheet System (ETS) or the Telephonic Timesheet System (TTS) to complete, submit, and manage their IHSS timesheet and payment accounts.
These secured systems allow IHSS providers to submit their IHSS timesheets and the IHSS recipients to review, reject or approve timesheets using a computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone, and/or by phone.
How do I Enroll in IHSS Timesheets?
Here’show to Enroll:
- Enroll in ETS by visiting the State website at:http://www.etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov/
Have your Provider/Recipient number, Social Security number, and valid email address ready.AND / OR - Enroll in TTS by calling 1-833-342-5388
Have your Registration Code, Provider/Recipient number, and Social Security number ready. You do NOT need an email address for this option.
Are IHSS Providers Eligible for Paid Sick Leave?
Yes. As of July 1, 2018, IHSS providerscan earnpaid sick leave if they are active IHSS provider that works for an IHSS/WPCS recipient.
To earn sick leave, you must complete a one-time, two-part requirement to earn and use paid sick leave:
- Work 100 hours for an IHSS recipient to earn paid sick leave hours; and
- Wait 60 days or work an additional 200 hours, whichever comes first, before using paid sick leave hours.
Can IHSS Providers Save for Retirement?
Yes. IHSS providers can enroll in the CalSavers program, a form of retirement savings that helps IHSS providers prepare for their future.
CalSaversis a newoptionalretirement program designed for all California individuals, including IHSS providers, which offers automatic employment retirement contribution options.
Enrollment is easy and can be done by phone or online.
Additionally, there is multilingual support and materials are available.
To learn more about the program, contact CalSavers:
- Online:CalSavers website
- Telephone: (855) 650-6918
- Business Hours: Monday – Friday8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (PST)
- Email:clientservices@calsavers.com
IHSS Provider Application in Los Angeles County Summary
We hope this post on IHSS Provider Application in Los Angeles County was helpful.
Questions?
If you have further questions about the IHSS Program or Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County, please let us know in the comments section below.
Be sure to check out our other articles about Medi-Cal and California Medicaid program, including:
- What Does Medi-Cal Dental Cover?
- Medi-Cal Dental Coverage – 2022 Guide
- Kaiser Permanente Medi-Cal Sign Up Guide
- Medi-Cal in Los Angeles County (2022 Guide)
- Medi-Cal Phone Number (Speak to a Live Person)
- IHSS Program in California
- Medi-Cal Services in Riverside County
Related
FAQs
Do you need to have Medi-Cal to qualify for IHSS? ›
Eligibility criteria for all IHSS applicants and recipients: You must physically reside in the United States. You must also be a California resident. You must have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination.
How do I hire an IHSS provider in Los Angeles county? ›DPSS In-Home Supportive Services
Toll Free Number (888) 944 – IHSS (4477) Local Number (213) 744 – IHSS (4477) OR. IHSS Helpline Mon-Fri from 8AM - 5PM.
Beginning July 1, 2023, all IHSS and WPCS providers who do not live with their recipient are required to check-in and out at the beginning and end of each workday and indicate if services are being provided in the home or community.
How do I get started with IHSS in California? ›- Go to an IHSS Provider Orientation given by the county. ...
- Complete, sign and return the IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) directly to the County IHSS Office or IHSS Public Authority. ...
- Complete and sign the IHSS Provider Enrollment Agreement (SOC 846) .
Generally, misdemeanor crimes involving violence or threats of violence would disqualify a person from being an IHSS provider. Minor infractions, such as traffic violations, would not disqualify a person from being an IHSS provider. 10. WHAT HAPPENS IF I'M CONVICTED OF A CRIME AFTER I'M ENROLLED AS AN IHSS PROVIDER?
What is a Medi-Cal eligibility determination? ›Medi-Cal eligibility is based primarily on your income and, sometimes, your "countable property". To find out if you and your family may be eligible based on income, use the Covered California Income Guidelines chart.
Is it hard to get approved for IHSS? ›Currently, the application process can be confusing, and at present only 10% of eligible families get approved for IHSS. Of those who do get approved, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to finally receive benefits.
How much does LA county pay for IHSS? ›| Current | Jan 1, 2024 | |
|---|---|---|
| Current Wage | $16.00 | |
| Wage Supplement | $0.25 | |
| State Minimum Wage | $15.00 | $16.00* |
| Amount above Minimum Wage | $1.00 | $2.00 |
The Governor's budget assumes that the cost per hour of IHSS services will increase from $18.62 in 2022-23 to $19.12 in 2023-24. The majority of the cost per hour is associated with IHSS wages (estimated to be an average of $16.64 per hour as of January 2023).
What is the income limit for IHSS in 2023? ›Effective April 2023 – March 2024, the monthly income limit for the IHSS program for a single applicant is $1,677. When both spouses are applicants, there is a couple income limit of $2,269 / month.
What are the maximum hours for IHSS 2023? ›
The IHSS program has created a family-member exemption to the workweek maximum of 66 hours for IHSS providers to allow them to work up to a maximum of 90 hours per workweek and up to a maximum of 360 hours a month.
What is the maximum hours per day for IHSS? ›Please note that a provider of IHSS or WPCS (or both) who is granted an exemption may work up to a total of 12 hours per day, and up to 360 hours per month combined for the IHSS and WPCS that he or she provides, not to exceed each waiver participant's monthly-authorized hours.
How many hours are allowed for IHSS in California? ›In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Exemptions for Provider Violations. As required under State statutes, the maximum number of hours an IHSS or WPCS provider may work in a workweek for all the time he/she works for two or more recipients is 66 hours.
How much does IHSS pay monthly in California? ›As of May 31, 2023, the average annual pay for an Ihss in California is $29,727 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $14.29 an hour. This is the equivalent of $571/week or $2,477/month.
How long can you receive IHSS? ›Depending upon your circumstances, you may be eligible to get up to 283 hours of IHSS each month. The county will do a needs assessment to figure out the services you need and how many hours you qualify for. You can use up to a quarter of your monthly hours each week.
Can a family member be an IHSS provider? ›IHSS Provider Enrollment Process
Upon approval of the recipient's service authorizations, the social worker will assist the recipient in obtaining an IHSS care provider.Care providers may include, but are not limited to, family members, friends, neighbors, or registered providers through the public authority.
Another relative, friend, or a provider through your local IHSS Public Authority Registry can be hired.
What are the requirements to be a IHSS provider? ›- Participate in a 3-hour mandatory IHSS Orientation.
- Complete a Live Scan fingerprinting process.
- Complete paperwork.
According to Covered California income guidelines and salary restrictions, if an individual makes less than $47,520 per year or if a family of four earns wages less than $97,200 per year, then they qualify for government assistance based on their income.
How much money can you have in the bank and still qualify for Medi-Cal? ›| Household size | Asset limits |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $130,000 |
| 2 people | $195,000 |
| 3 people | $260,000 |
| 4 people | $325,000 |
What is California Medi-Cal changing to in 2023? ›
On January 1, 2023, Cal MediConnect plans transitioned to Medicare Medi-Cal plans (MMPs or Medi-Medi plans) provided by the same companies that provided Cal MediConnect plans. These Medi-Medi plans are designed to coordinate care for people with both Medicare and Medi-Cal.
How long does it take to start getting paid by IHSS? ›The facility sends a request to the State Controller, who then issues your paycheck within two business days. At the same time, your next timesheet is created for you and mailed. You should receive your next timesheet around the same time as your paycheck (note: they come separately).
Is IHSS income exempt for Medi-Cal? ›Wages - Caregiver for Spouse/Minor This income type is exempt as income and property in Medi-Cal. For CalFresh, CalWORKs, CMSP, Kin-GAP and Foster Care, it is treated as earned income.
Can I get paid to be a caregiver for a family member in California? ›To be eligible for PFL benefit payments, you must: Be a caregiver for a seriously ill family member. A qualifying family member is a child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or registered domestic partner.
How much does IHSS pay per hour in Los Angeles? ›As of May 29, 2023, the average annual pay for an Ihss Provider in Los Angeles is $33,036 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $15.88 an hour. This is the equivalent of $635/week or $2,753/month.
What is a hourly pay to IHSS provider in California? ›Effective March 1, 2023: The County IHSS wage rate for providers is $17.25 per hour. The State Back-Up Provider System (BUPS) provider wage rate is $19.25 per hour. The Back-Up Attendant Program (BUAP) provider wage rate is $20.25 per hour.
Who pays for IHSS in California? ›IHSS is a Medi-Cal program and is funded by federal, state, and county dollars. Contact the In-Home Supportive Services program in your county.
How much will IHSS pay in 2024? ›If all approvals are met, the hourly wage for IHSS providers will increase to $16.75 later this year, then to $17.50 in January 2024. The final $1 hourly increase in January 2025 will make the hourly wage $18.50.
Is it hard to get approved for IHSS in California? ›Currently, the application process can be confusing, and at present only 10% of eligible families get approved for IHSS. Of those who do get approved, it can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to finally receive benefits.
What disqualifies you from working in IHSS? ›Under the law, you are ineligible to work in the IHSS program ONLY if you have been convicted within the last 10 years of: 1) fraud against a government health care or supportive services program; 2) child abuse; or 3) abuse of an elder or dependent adult.
What is the maximum income to qualify for IHSS in California? ›
Effective April 2023 – March 2024, the monthly income limit for the IHSS program for a single applicant is $1,677. When both spouses are applicants, there is a couple income limit of $2,269 / month.
What are the new rules for IHSS? ›New Federal Rules & State Laws Say That:
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) and Waiver Personal Care Services (WPCS) providers will be paid overtime at a rate equal to one and one-half times the regular rate of hourly pay, when their time worked exceeds 40 hours per workweek.
You must be related to the IHSS recipients to whom you provide services as his/her parent, stepparent, adoptive parent or grandparent or be his/her legal guardian. With this exemption, you cannot work more than 90 hours per workweek or more than 360 hours per month.
How many hours can an IHSS provider work per day? ›a) Providers who work for two or more participants: --Can work no more than 12 hours in a day, and up to a 66-hour workweek. --A provider who works a 66-hour workweek will be paid overtime for 26 hours per week.
What is the most hours you can work for IHSS? ›Working more than 40 hours a week, when he/she normally works less than 40 hours in a workweek; Receiving more overtime hours than he/she normally works in a calendar month; or. Working more than the maximum weekly limit of 66 hours when he/she works for multiple recipients.
What is the maintenance need level for Medi-Cal? ›An individual's share of cost is calculated by subtracting a $600 “maintenance need income level” from the individual's monthly income. The $600 monthly maintenance need income level is the budget allocation for a person to pay for basic needs, such as living expenses for food, housing, and clothing each month.
What is the income limit for Medi-Cal share of cost? ›Buy health insurance each month to get rid of the monthly Medi-Cal Share of Cost. reduce your income so that you meet the Medi-Cal monthly income limits of $1,564 for a single person or $2,106 for a married couple.
How much will IHSS providers get in 2023? ›Wages: On January 1, 2023 total Provider pay will increase by $. 50 from $16.00 to $16.50 per hour as a supplement that stays $1 above minimum wage.
How much does IHSS pay per hour in Los Angeles County? ›As of May 26, 2023, the average annual pay for an Ihss Provider in Los Angeles is $33,036 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $15.88 an hour. This is the equivalent of $635/week or $2,753/month.