Consumer Questions

What is the Registry?

The Public Authority maintains a list (Registry) of pre-screened personal assistants to be referred to IHSS consumers. Providers on the Registry are referred to IHSS consumers based on the individual consumer’s schedule, needs, and preferences. As the IHSS consumer, you are the employer of your IHSS provider and are responsible for interviewing, hiring, and supervising your provider(s).

I have a disability and need some assistance. Can you send someone?

The IHSS Public Authority provides referrals to recipients of the In-Home Supportive Services program. If you are currently enrolled in the IHSS program, contact the Public Authority office in your area to speak to a Registry Specialist.

How do I apply for In-Home Supportive Services?

Eligibility for the In-Home Supportive Services program is determined by your county’s Adult Services or Social Services office. IHSS eligibility is based on income, assets, and your need for assistance. Contact your county’s social services office and ask about IHSS eligibility:

Nevada County: 530-265-1639

Sierra County: 530-993-6700

Plumas County: 530-283-6350

How can I find out the status of my IHSS application?

Contact the Social Services department in your county.

How can I get approved for more IHSS hours?

The number of hours you receive through IHSS is determined by your IHSS social worker. If your situation has changed and you feel you need more hours, contact your IHSS social worker.

Who is my IHSS social worker?

Your IHSS social worker is most likely the person who came to your home to do an assessment for IHSS. Your social worker’s name and phone number should be printed on the Notice of Action (NOA) that you received from your county’s IHSS department. If you cannot remember or find your social worker’s name, contact your county’s Adult Services or Social Services department.

I just hired a new provider. What should I do now?

If you are in Nevada County, call the Public Authority to request an Enrollment Packet for your provider. The enrollment packet includes all of the necessary paperwork for you and your provider to sign to get him/her the first timesheet. If this is your provider’s first time working for the IHSS program, he or she may need to be fingerprinted and/or attend an orientation. Please have your new provider contact the Public Authority as soon as possible.

If you are in Plumas County, call Janell Sommer at 530-283-6481 to request provider enrollment forms.

If you are in Sierra County, call 530-993-6700 to request provider enrollment forms.

I was just released from the hospital. What should I do?

Contact your IHSS social worker.

I am going into the hospital. Who should I tell?

Contact your IHSS social worker.

How do I report a change in my name, address, or phone number?

Contact your IHSS social worker. You can also make changes to your address or phone number on IHSS timesheets by checking the “address change” box under your name and writing your new contact information on the back of the timesheet. This information will be forwarded to your social worker.

Provider Questions

I’m interested in working for IHSS. How do I apply for a job?

The Public Authority is currently accepting applications to our Registry. Call or pick up an application at our office.

Registry applicants must provide two work references and one personal reference, and undergo Live Scan fingerprinting and a background check. Fingerprinting costs $33 and can be done at our office by appointment. Once we have processed your Registry application, we will invite you to a Registry orientation to familiarize you with the program. The current pay for IHSS providers is $8.56 per hour.

Please note: This is a union position. All IHSS providers in Nevada, Sierra, and Plumas counties are represented by California United Homecare Workers (CUHW) and will pay union dues of $14.33 per month if they work 25-35.9 hours per month or $28.66 per month if they work over 36 hours per month. You will also be charged a one-time $25 initiation fee, which will come out of your first two checks ($12.50 per check). If you have questions about CUHW, please contact them directly at 855-834-4034.

What is the Registry?

The Public Authority maintains a list (Registry) of pre-screened personal assistants to be referred to IHSS consumers. Providers on the Registry are referred to IHSS consumers based on the individual consumer’s schedule, needs, and preferences. Registry providers do not work directly for the Public Authority; the IHSS consumer is the employer and is responsible for interviewing, hiring, and supervising their provider(s).

I just started working for an IHSS consumer. How do I get my first timesheet?

If you are in Nevada County, call the Public Authority to request an Enrollment Packet. The enrollment packet includes all of the necessary paperwork for you and your provider to sign to get him/her the first timesheet. If this is your first time working for the IHSS program, you may need to be fingerprinted and/or attend an orientation. Please contact the Public Authority as soon as possible.

If you are in Plumas County, call Janell Sommer at 530-283-6481 to request provider enrollment forms.

If you are in Sierra County, call 530-993-6700 to request provider enrollment forms.

I started working weeks ago and have not received my first timesheet. What should I do?

It may take a few weeks to receive your first timesheet. If you are a new provider, delays may be caused by the state’s Social Security verification process or a delay in Live Scan background check results. I f you work in Nevada County, contact the Public Authority to check on the status of your enrollment. If you work in Plumas County contact Janell Sommer at 530-283-6481. If you work in Sierra County call 530-993-6700.

I have a question about my timesheet and/or paycheck. Who should I call?

Providers who work in Nevada County may contact the timesheet helpline at 530-274-5603 and leave a detailed message about your problem or question. Someone will get back to you within 24 hours.

Providers who work in Plumas County should contact Janell Sommer at 530-283-6481.

What is the Orientation Video and when can I watch it?

The state requires all new IHSS providers to watch a 30 minute orientation video and sign a form (SOC 846) indicating that you understand the information provided. The Public Authority shows the Orientation Video Monday through Thursday at 10 am. You do not need an appointment.

Can providers get health benefits?

IHSS providers can qualify for health benefits if they work 80 hours or more per month for two consecutive months. Benefits are provided through Pan American Benefit Solutions. For more information about the health benefits, contact Heather Heckler at 530-274-5601.

I am having problems with my health benefits. Who should I contact?

For questions regarding specific health plan coverage, contact Pan American Benefit Solutions at 877-569-3075. For questions about your health benefits enrollment, contact Heather Heckler at the Public Authority at 530-274-5601.

How can I contact my union?

IHSS providers in Nevada, Sierra, and Plumas counties are represented by California United Homecare Workers (CUHW). If you have questions about the union, union dues, or union programs and activities, contact CUHW’s member services at 855-834-4034. Your current CUHW representative is Golden Sizemore. She can be reached at 530-228-1345. You may also find more information at www.cuhw.org.