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Frequently Asked Questions

“What is CaregiversConnected?”

  • This is a public post website for Caregivers (IHSS and otherwise) to find Clients in the Greater Rural West Sonoma County Region

  • The website was created by Caregivers for Caregivers to be more connected with possible Clients based on their needs

  • Since we live in the Rural Coast it is difficult to connect with each other and there is not much outreach or advertisement done by the IHSS program

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“Do I have to sign up for IHSS to use this website?”

  • No! But it is helpful as IHSS is a federally-funded county-operated program which can provide many resources to you including but not limited to:

    • Background checks​

    • Social Workers

    • Direct Deposit

    • Paid Sick leave

    • Union Benefits

    • Education

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“What is IHSS? How does it work?”

  • IHSS is a Federally funded and County operated program which aims to keep people in their homes by providing the aid workers they need to stay comfortable. California’s IHSS program currently pays $19.20 an hour in 2025 (overtime and benefits when applicable)

  • You are assigned a number of workable hours that pertain to a Client's needs. Create a schedule with these hours in mind for your Caregiver

  • Your Caregiver will submit the hours they worked for you online through the etimesheets website portal. You will then be called by an automated service to approve the Caregivers hours. You may deny the hours if it is incorrect. (833) 342-5388 or (833) DIAL-EVV

  • Caregivers are then either Mailed checks or get Direct Deposit checks to their Bank Accounts

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“How is IHSS paid? Do I pay out of pocket?”

  • Caregivers submit their hours worked through the etimesheets website portal and the Client will be contacted to approve these hours. The State Controller of California will send them a check in the mail or Direct Deposit to their bank account

  • You are allowed to compensate your Caregivers more from your own pocket if you desire, but it is not ever required

  • If you are not accepted into the IHSS program, you may pay a Caregiver an out of pocket agreed upon hourly wage. It is important that you keep detailed records of these transactions

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“Who can be a Client? How do I start?”

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“Who can be a Provider? How do I start?”

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“Can a family member be my provider?”

  • Yes absolutely, as long as they are a US Citizen who is a California Resident and who has not committed any “Tier 1” Convictions or “Tier 2 Exclusionary” Crimes in the past 10 years

 

“What if my needs change?”

  • You are assigned a Social Worker through IHSS when you sign up for the program. They will be available to call if you any of your needs change or if you have any questions

  • The Public Authority phone number is (707) 565 - 5700

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“What is the Public Authority?”

  • IHSS is the name of the program to which the Caregiver works for, but the Public Authority is an esteemed group of individuals working to help you navigate the IHSS system by answering any applicable questions you may have surrounding the program

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"What if I need a Caregiver at night?"​

  • There are those aging who have different needs whether it be monitoring or changing diapers in the evening. This is a different program than IHSS called WPCS. An additional interview and sign-up process is required for this evening care program to take effect.

  • WPCS Hotline: (916) 552-9214

  • Waiver participants and providers, please email your comments and questions regarding the HCBA Waiver to: HCBAlternatives@dhcs.ca.gov  or call toll-free (833) 388-4551

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“Can I work before approval?”

  • Yes, you can start work for your client up to 90 days before your paperwork is completed, only if your Client is already signed up for IHSS and calls to approve you. You will be backdated and paid for your time upon completion of hiring and paperwork

 

“What if I’m denied?”

 

“Do I need experience as a Caregiver?”

  • It is always more helpful to have more experience, but different Clients have different needs. Some Clients only need grocery shopping and floor sweeping, others are more involved

  • This is why it is important to contact your Client or Caregiver before the first day of work to interview for further details on their needs

 

“What Is IHSS?”

  • In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a California program that helps people who need assistance remain safely in their own homes

  • IHSS provides non-medical, non-nursing, in-home care. It does not include nursing or medical services

  • The program is designed to support individuals who might otherwise need to live in a care facility

 

“Who IHSS Is For?”

  • The elderly 65+

  • Disabled or blind children or adults

  • People who cannot live safely at home without help

  • Short-term or long-term help

 

“What does IHSS cover?”

  • IHSS caregivers help with everyday, non-medical tasks

  • House cleaning and laundry

  • Meal preparation

  • Grocery shopping and errands

  • Transportation to/from appointments

  • Personal care, like bathing or grooming

  • Help with daily routines

  • The exact services depend on the individual’s needs and what IHSS approves, as a Client you will be provided paperwork outlining exactly what types of work your Caregiver is approved for

 

“How do I find a Caregiver on CaregiversConnnected ?”​

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“How do I find a Client on CaregiversConnnected ?”​

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"How do I know if this Caregiver is right for me?"

  • The interview process is personal to your own needs and conditions. You should call your new prospective Caregiver ahead of time and ask them any pertaining questions

 

"Why should I hire an IHSS Caregiver?"​

  • IHSS allows individuals receiving services to choose their own caregiver. They can be a family member, friend, or another approved provider

  • IHSS background checks all of its Caregivers before approval

  • Both the client and caregiver must complete IHSS requirements before services can begin

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