Hire an IHSS Provider
If you want to hire a friend or family member to be your IHSS Provider:
- Refer them to our webpage, Become an IHSS Provider.
- Hire an existing IHSS Provider directly at the Electronic Services Portal
Start your search for an IHSS Provider by viewing the IHSS video (English | 中文 | Español) or flyer, then:
- Get referred to the Public Authority by IHSS for help with finding an IHSS Provider.
- Tell the Public Authority counselor your preferences and care needs when they call.
- Get a list of five recommended IHSS Providers from the counselor.
- Interview them by phone to determine who is the best fit for you. You can call your IHSS Public Authority counselor with questions.
- Ensure the IHSS Provider meets the COVID-19 vaccine requirements issued by the California Department of Public Health.
If you are no longer working with your assigned IHSS Provider:
- Call your IHSS Social Worker or the IHSS Independent Provider Assistance Center (IPAC) at (415)-557-6200 to update changes, including the last day of service by your IHSS Provider.
- Ask IPAC for an Independent Provider Packet (IPP) to hire a new IHSS Provider. Or download it here: English | Español | 中文 | русский | Filipino | Tiếng Việt
Back-up Provider Services (BUPS) provides short-term, immediate personal care services if you are an IHSS Recipient and:
- You are being discharged from a hospital or another facility without anyone at home to help.
- Your regular IHSS Provider is unavailable.
- You have not yet hired an IHSS Provider.
- You need personal care that can't wait until the next scheduled IHSS visit.
Request BUPS
- During business hours call your IHSS social worker who will send a referral to the Public Authority. A counselor will call you, assess your needs, and assign you a back-up provider. (For your social worker's phone number, call (415) 355-6700.)
- After 5:30 p.m. and on holidays and weekends, call (415) 243-4477
Public Authority Mentorship Program offers guidance on hiring and managing your IHSS Provider.
Supervising Your Provider video (English | Español | 中文) and flyer offer tips on how to communicate effectively with your IHSS Provider, maintain privacy, and protect personal information.