In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) pays for help at home so people who are older, blind, or have a disability, including children, can stay safely where they live. In Orange County, IHSS is run by the Social Services Agency, with a separate Public Authority that supports caregivers.
This guide covers who qualifies, the five ways to apply, how to become a paid provider, how provider pay is set, and how IHSS works alongside Regional Center of Orange County for people with developmental disabilities. The steps and contacts here change rarely. Pay rates change at least once a year, so that section explains how pay is set as well as the current numbers.
IHSS in Orange County
- (714) 825-3000Apply for IHSS or ask about your case. Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. TTY (714) 834-4400.
- (714) 825-3174IHSS Public Authority: caregiver registry, provider enrollment and training.
- (800) 451-5155Orange County Adult Protective Services 24-hour hotline.
- RCOCRegional Center of Orange County: (714) 796-5100. Intake: (714) 796-5354.
Sources: Orange County Social Services Agency; Regional Center of Orange County. Phone numbers last verified November 2026.
Who runs IHSS in Orange County
Orange County IHSS, part of the Social Services Agency, handles applications, home assessments, and decisions about your hours. Call (714) 825-3000 (TTY 714-834-4400), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Orange County IHSS Public Authority supports caregivers and recipients. It runs a registry of IHSS providers, helps new providers enroll, and arranges training. Its main line is (714) 825-3174 (TTY 714-834-8800).
Who does what in Orange County
Orange County IHSS, part of the Social Services Agency, takes applications, sends the social worker, and decides your hours. Call (714) 825-3000.
The Orange County IHSS Public Authority runs the caregiver registry and helps providers enroll. Main line (714) 825-3174; to enroll as a new provider, (714) 825-3195; to find a provider, (714) 825-3202.
IHSS, the Public Authority and Adult Protective Services share one office at 2020 W. Walnut St. in Santa Ana.
Where to go in Orange County
Orange County IHSS, the Public Authority, and Adult Protective Services share one office at 2020 W. Walnut St. in Santa Ana. You don’t have to go in to apply: phone, email, fax, and mail all work, and there’s a secured drop box outside the front doors.
Where to go for IHSS help
Orange County IHSS works from one main office in Santa Ana. You can apply by phone, email, fax or mail without going in.
County outline from U.S. Census–derived boundary data; selected cities shown. Pins are placed approximately. Addresses from the Orange County Social Services Agency and RCOC, last verified November 2026.
Who can get IHSS
IHSS is for people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children, and who can’t stay safely at home without help. The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) sets four requirements for every applicant:
The four state requirements
- California residentYou live in California. To apply in Orange County, you live in Orange County.
- Medi-Cal eligibility determinationIHSS is a Medi-Cal program. The county checks your Medi-Cal eligibility as part of the application.
- You live at homeYour own home or a home of your choosing. Hospitals, nursing facilities and licensed care homes don't count.
- Health Care Certification (SOC 873)A licensed health care professional completes it. The county must have it before services are authorized.
Who it's for: people who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children, and who can't stay safely at home without help.
- You are a California resident.
- You have a Medi-Cal eligibility determination.
- You live in your own home or a home of your choosing. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and licensed community care facilities don’t count.
- You submit a completed Health Care Certification form (SOC 873).
A licensed health care professional fills out the SOC 873. The county must receive it before it can authorize services.
The 45-day clock on your doctor's form
When the county asks for the SOC 873 Health Care Certification, you have 45 calendar days to return it. If your doctor needs more time, ask the county for a good-cause extension before the 45 days run out.
If the form or acceptable alternative documentation never arrives, the application is denied. If waiting would put you at risk of moving into a facility, the county can approve services temporarily while the form is pending.
Your doctor's office cannot charge you a fee to fill out IHSS eligibility forms (Health and Safety Code §123114).
How to apply for IHSS in Orange County
Orange County accepts applications five ways. Printable applications come in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Armenian, and paper copies are available at the office.
Five ways to apply, then four steps
- Phone(714) 825-3000Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. TTY (714) 834-4400.
- EmailIHSSapplications@
ssa.ocgov.com Send your completed application. - Fax(714) 825-3001Fax your completed application.
- MailP.O. Box 22006, Santa Ana, CA 92702Applications come in English, Spanish, Chinese and Armenian.
- Drop box2020 W. Walnut St., Santa AnaSecured box outside the front doors.
What happens next
- 1Home visitA social worker visits for a face-to-face assessment of your needs, living situation, and the help you already have.
- 2Health care certificationA licensed health care professional completes the SOC 873 confirming your need for services.
- 3Notice of ActionThe county tells you in writing whether you're approved and how many hours you get for each service.
- 4Hire your providerYou hire, supervise and, if needed, replace your caregiver. Need help finding one? Call the registry at (714) 825-3202.
- Phone: (714) 825-3000, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; TTY (714) 834-4400.
- Email: IHSSapplications@ssa.ocgov.com.
- Fax: (714) 825-3001.
- Mail:O. Box 22006, Santa Ana, CA 92702.
- Drop box: outside the front doors of the IHSS office at 2020 W. Walnut St., Santa Ana.
After you apply, a social worker visits for a face-to-face assessment of your needs, your living situation, and the help you already have. Your health care professional completes the SOC 873, and the county sends a Notice of Action with its decision and your authorized hours. You then hire, supervise, and if needed replace your own provider; the State of California pays providers directly.
Becoming an IHSS provider in Orange County
Everyone who wants to be paid as an IHSS provider, including family caregivers, completes the same four state steps within 90 days. In Orange County, start by calling the Public Authority’s enrollment line at (714) 825-3195.
Becoming a paid IHSS provider
Enroll as a provider
Required for everyone, including family caregivers. The state sets these four steps; finish them within 90 days.
- Return the Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) in person, with a photo ID and your original Social Security card.
- Get fingerprinted for the California DOJ background check, after the county tells you to. You pay the fee.
- Attend a county provider orientation.
- Sign the Provider Enrollment Agreement (SOC 846) at the end of orientation.
Join the Registry
Optional. For providers who want to be matched with recipients.
- Finish provider enrollment.
- Ask about the registry: (714) 825-3202.
- Ask about training for providers.
Public Authority main line: (714) 825-3174 · TTY (714) 834-8800 · Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Return the IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) in person, with a valid government-issued photo ID and your original Social Security card.
- Get fingerprinted for the California Department of Justice criminal background check, after the county tells you to. You pay the fingerprinting fee.
- Attend a county IHSS provider orientation.
- Sign the IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Agreement (SOC 846) at the end of orientation.
To find a provider through the registry, or for other registry questions, call (714) 825-3202.
Orange County doesn't post its own step-by-step enrollment guide
The county's provider page points new providers to the Public Authority's enrollment line rather than listing steps. The four steps above come from the state's instructions for every new provider (SOC 847).
Call (714) 825-3195 to confirm what to bring and when orientation is held.
What Orange County IHSS providers earn
Under Orange County’s 2025–2026 contract with United Domestic Workers (UDW/AFSCME Local 3930), a provider’s wage was the state minimum wage plus a $2.00 county supplement. With the 2026 minimum wage of $16.90, that’s $18.90 an hour.
How Orange County IHSS pay works
Under the contract that ran through June 2026, pay was built from two parts: the state minimum wage plus a county supplement.
- $19.40Nov 1, 2026 or
on state approval - $19.90Jan 1, 2027
- $20.35Nov 1, 2027
New-contract figures as announced by United Domestic Workers. The $18.90 figure is IHSS Connect's arithmetic from the 2025–2026 contract.
Call the Public Authority at (714) 825-3174, check your pay stub, or see IHSS Connect's county pay table, updated each January.
That contract ended June 30, 2026. The Board of Supervisors approved a new contract on August 25, 2026, running through June 30, 2028. According to the union, it raises pay to $19.40 on November 1, 2026 or once the state approves it, then $19.90 on January 1, 2027, and $20.35 on November 1, 2027.
Providers who average at least 80 paid hours a month over a calendar quarter can qualify for health benefits through the Public Authority. Every county raise must be approved by the state before it shows up in a paycheck.
The new raise may not be on paychecks yet
The Board approved the new contract on August 25, 2026, but it doesn't take effect until the state approves it. United Domestic Workers said in September 2026 that state approval can take about two months.
The new-contract figures come from the union's announcement; we could not open the final contract text. If your pay hasn't changed, ask the Public Authority whether the state has approved the new rate.
IHSS and your regional center: Regional Center of Orange County
If you or your child has a developmental disability, Orange County is served by Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC), one of California’s 21 regional centers. RCOC serves Orange County only, from offices in Santa Ana and Cypress. Its main line is (714) 796-5100.
Regional Center of Orange County
Serves Orange County residents of all ages with developmental disabilities, and their families. It serves Orange County only.
SSanta Ana officeCCypress office
Who it serves
People with developmental disabilities, such as intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and autism, that begin before age 18, plus babies and toddlers through Early Start.
How to apply, any age
Call intake at (714) 796-5354 or email intake@rcocdd.com. Online inquiries get a reply within 2 business days.
Main line
Santa Ana: 1525 N. Tustin Ave.
Cypress: 10803 Hope St., Suite A
Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Served by RCOC? IHSS Connect helps families find caregivers for IHSS, WPCS, respite and Self-Determination, at no cost.
Regional centers on IHSS Connect →Under the Lanterman Act, a developmental disability is one that begins before age 18, is expected to continue indefinitely, and is a substantial disability. RCOC also serves babies and toddlers through Early Start. To apply at any age, call RCOC intake at (714) 796-5354, email intake@rcocdd.com, or send an online inquiry; RCOC says it responds to online inquiries within two business days.
IHSS, your regional center, and Self-Determination
By law, a regional center can't pay for a service that IHSS would cover if you meet IHSS criteria but choose not to apply (Welfare and Institutions Code §4659(c)). That's why your RCOC service coordinator may ask you to apply for IHSS.
IHSS and regional center services can be used together. If you're in the Self-Determination Program, you choose and hire your own staff, and you can use IHSS Connect to find them.
If you disagree with a decision
If the county denies your application, cuts your hours, or ends your services, you can ask a state judge to review it.
You have 90 days to ask for a state hearing
If the county denies IHSS, cuts your hours, or ends services, you can ask for a state hearing within 90 days of the notice (Welfare and Institutions Code §10951). Call the CDSS State Hearings Division at (800) 743-8525 (TDD 800-952-8349), file online, or use the form on the back of your Notice of Action.
If you ask before the change takes effect, ask whether your current services can continue until the hearing decision. This is called "aid paid pending."
You can also ask for a reassessment at any time if your needs change. You don’t have to wait for your yearly visit.
Orange County IHSS contacts
Save these numbers.
Who to call in Orange County
- Apply for IHSS / client questions(714) 825-3000Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. TTY (714) 834-4400.
- IHSS Public Authority (main)(714) 825-3174TTY (714) 834-8800. Mon–Fri, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
- New provider enrollment(714) 825-3195Enroll as a provider or report a change of provider.
- Registry: find a provider(714) 825-3202For recipients looking for a caregiver.
- Adult Protective Services (24 hours)(800) 451-5155Report abuse or neglect of an older or dependent adult.
- Regional Center of Orange County(714) 796-5100Intake: (714) 796-5354.
- IHSS Service Desk (state payroll)(866) 376-7066Timesheet, ESP and paycheck problems.
- Apply for IHSS / client questions: (714) 825-3000; TTY (714) 834-4400.
- IHSS Public Authority: (714) 825-3174; TTY (714) 834-8800.
- New provider enrollment: (714) 825-3195.
- Registry (find a provider): (714) 825-3202.
- Adult Protective Services, 24-hour hotline: (800) 451-5155.
- Regional Center of Orange County: (714) 796-5100; intake (714) 796-5354.
- IHSS Service Desk (state payroll): (866) 376-7066.
Find a caregiver or IHSS work in Orange County
Approval is only half of it. You still need a caregiver, and caregivers need families to work for. IHSS Connect is a free online registry where Orange County families and caregivers can find each other by city, county, or ZIP code.
Families served by a regional center can use IHSS Connect for care paid through IHSS, WPCS, respite, or Self-Determination. Hiring happens between you, and pay goes through the program that authorized the care, not through IHSS Connect. See regional centers on IHSS Connect.
Find care, or find work, in Orange County.
IHSS Connect is California's free online registry for families and caregivers. Search by city, county or ZIP code, from Fullerton to San Clemente.
Browse caregivers near you, read their profiles, and message the ones who fit.
Find caregiversSee job posts from families near you and build a profile families can find.
Find caregiving jobs- Free for families and caregivers
- 17 languages
- Optional background check badge
Served by Regional Center of Orange County? IHSS Connect works for IHSS, WPCS, respite and Self-Determination. See regional centers on IHSS Connect →
IHSS Connect helps you find each other. Hiring happens between you, and IHSS pay goes through the state's IHSS payroll, not through IHSS Connect. New here? See how it works.
Sources
Every figure in this article traces to one of these records. Each opens in a new tab.
- Orange County SSA — Apply for IHSSPhone (714) 825-3000, TTY (714) 834-4400, Mon–Fri 8–5; fax (714) 825-3001; P.O. Box 22006, Santa Ana 92702; drop box at 2020 W. Walnut St.; IHSSapplications@ssa.ocgov.com; applications in English, Spanish, Chinese and Armenian.
- Orange County SSA — IHSS Public Authority (providers)Public Authority (714) 825-3174, TTY (714) 834-8800; enrollment (714) 825-3195; registry (714) 825-3202; Mon–Fri 8–5.
- Orange County SSA — Adult Protective Services24-hour hotline (800) 451-5155.
- HeySoCal — OC Social Services Agency's Adult Services office relocates (Oct. 14, 2024)APS, IHSS and the IHSS Public Authority at 2020 W. Walnut St., Santa Ana.
- County of Orange — IHSS Provider Unit MOU, 2025–2026Base wage = applicable minimum wage; total supplement $2.00; term Jan. 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026; health benefits at an average of 80 hours a month per quarter.
- UDW — Orange County home care workers secure higher wages (Sept. 22, 2026)$19.40 (Nov. 1, 2026 or on state approval), $19.90 (Jan. 1, 2027), $20.35 (Nov. 1, 2027); Board approval Aug. 25, 2026; through June 30, 2028; state approval about two months.
- Fullerton Observer — OC home care rally (May 4, 2026)Providers paid $18.90 per hour under the contract expiring June 30, 2026.
- IHSS Connect — 2027 IHSS Raises by County$16.90 minimum wage in 2026; IHSS Service Desk (866) 376-7066.
- Regional Center of Orange County — Office Locations and HoursSanta Ana and Cypress offices; Mon–Fri 8–5; main line (714) 796-5100.
- Regional Center of Orange County — Contact UsIntake (714) 796-5354 and intake@rcocdd.com; online inquiries answered within 2 business days.
- RCOC BackgrounderRCOC serves only Orange County; one of 21 regional centers under contract with DDS.
- Welfare and Institutions Code §4512 (Justia, 2025)Definition of developmental disability.
- Welfare and Institutions Code §4659 (Justia, 2025)Regional centers may not buy services available from IHSS when a consumer meets the criteria but chooses not to pursue it.
- CDSS — In-Home Supportive Services ProgramState eligibility criteria; SOC 873 before authorization; recipient as employer; no fees for IHSS forms.
- CDSS — SOC 847, Important Information for Prospective ProvidersFour enrollment steps within 90 days: SOC 426 in person with ID and Social Security card; DOJ fingerprinting after county instructions, fee paid by provider; orientation; SOC 846.
- CDSS — All County Letter 11-7645-day SOC 873 window; temporary authorization when waiting risks out-of-home placement.
- CDSS — All County Letter 16-78Good-cause extension of 45 more days.
- CDSS — State Hearing Requests90 days to request a state hearing; (800) 743-8525.
- DHCS Medi-Cal Rx — State Fair Hearing Request FormWelfare and Institutions Code §10951; TDD 800-952-8349.
CDSS is the primary authority for statewide IHSS rules; the County of Orange and its Public Authority are the authority for local offices and wages; DDS and the Lanterman Act govern regional centers. Where county guidance and the statute differ, the statute governs.
About this article
IHSS Connect publishes this article for general information and education. It is not legal advice, and reading it does not create an attorney–client relationship. IHSS Connect is not a law firm and is not affiliated with the California Department of Social Services, Orange County, the Orange County IHSS Public Authority, any regional center, or any union.
Program rules, wages, phone numbers, and office details change. Only Orange County IHSS can decide what you are eligible for, and only the county and its Public Authority can confirm your pay rate.
If a decision on your case looks wrong, or you want advice about your own situation, talk to someone who can look at your file:
- Free and low-cost legal help: LawHelpCA.org
- CDSS State Hearings Division: (800) 743-8525
- CDSS Public Inquiry and Response: 1-800-952-5253
Phone numbers, office details and wage figures last verified November 2026. Pay rates change at least once a year.
