If your loved one has been approved for IHSS in Los Angeles County, one of the most important decisions you will make is who will provide the care. For many families, the best person is not a stranger. It may be a parent, adult child, sibling, spouse, grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or trusted family friend who already understands the recipient’s needs, routines, communication style, safety risks, and dignity.
Los Angeles County allows IHSS recipients to hire family members, friends, neighbors, or providers registered through the Public Authority, known locally as PASC. The recipient is considered the employer, which means the recipient or their authorized representative is responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and, if necessary, ending the working relationship with the provider.
The good news is that setting up a relative as an IHSS provider is very doable. The confusing part is that there are several steps, and missing one can delay payment. This guide walks through the process in the order families should usually complete it.
Step 1: Make Sure the IHSS Recipient Is Already Approved or Has Applied
Before a relative can be paid as an IHSS provider, the person receiving care must have an active IHSS case or be in the process of applying. In Los Angeles County, a person can apply for IHSS by phone, mail, or secure fax. The county lists the IHSS application phone numbers as (888) 944-4477 or (213) 744-4477, and the IHSS Helpline as (888) 822-9622, option 4.
The recipient must also have the required health care certification completed by a licensed health care professional before IHSS services can be authorized. In California, this is commonly done using the SOC 873 Health Care Certification form. Los Angeles County states that the completed certification must be returned before care services can be authorized.
Helpful links:
Los Angeles County IHSS page:
https://dpss.lacounty.gov/en/senior-and-disabled/ihss.html
SOC 873 Health Care Certification:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/SOC873.pdf
Step 2: Confirm That the Relative Wants to Become an IHSS Provider
The relative should understand that IHSS is real employment. They are not simply “helping out” informally once they are enrolled. They will be responsible for providing authorized services, following IHSS program rules, submitting accurate timesheets, and complying with Electronic Visit Verification requirements when applicable.
IHSS providers are paid to provide services to someone who receives IHSS, but CDSS makes clear that a provider cannot be enrolled or paid until the required provider enrollment steps are completed.
CDSS: How to Become an IHSS Provider:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ihss/ihss-providers/how-to-become-an-ihss-provider
Step 3: Call the Los Angeles County IHSS Helpline to Begin Provider Enrollment
Los Angeles County instructs prospective providers to begin the enrollment process by calling the IHSS Helpline at (888) 822-9622, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
This is an important step because the county can explain whether the provider should complete orientation online or in person, what office they need to visit, and what documents they need to bring.
When calling, the relative should be ready to say something like:
“I want to enroll as an IHSS provider in Los Angeles County for my relative, who is already an IHSS recipient. I need to complete provider orientation and enrollment.”
Step 4: Complete IHSS Provider Orientation
Los Angeles County allows prospective providers to become providers by attending an in-person orientation or completing the provider orientation process online. After orientation, the provider must still complete the remaining county enrollment requirements.
PASC also explains that provider orientation sessions are available at several locations throughout Los Angeles County, and prospective providers may call the IHSS Helpline at 1-888-822-9622 to be scheduled. Walk-ins may be accepted, but PASC encourages making an appointment to help ensure entry.
Helpful links:
PASC Provider Enrollment Process:
https://pascla.org/ihss-provider-enrollment-process/
CDSS IHSS Provider Orientation:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ihss/ihss-providers/
Step 5: Complete the Provider Enrollment Forms
The prospective provider must complete and submit required enrollment forms. PASC identifies the SOC 426 IHSS Provider Enrollment Form and the SOC 846 Provider Enrollment Agreement as required forms in the provider enrollment process.
The SOC 426 is the main enrollment form. The SOC 846 confirms that the provider understands and agrees to IHSS program rules and provider responsibilities. PASC states that the SOC 426 must be submitted to the county in person, and the SOC 846 is completed and signed as part of the provider orientation process.
Helpful links:
SOC 426 Provider Enrollment Form:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/SOC426.pdf
SOC 846 Provider Enrollment Agreement:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/SOC846.pdf
Step 6: Bring Original Identification Documents
After orientation, Los Angeles County says the provider must visit an IHSS office to present photo identification and a Social Security card, complete and return the required enrollment forms, and obtain the Request for Live Scan Service form for the criminal background check.
PASC similarly states that the prospective provider must submit original documentation verifying identity, such as a current, unexpired government-issued photo ID and Social Security card, so the county can photocopy the documents.
The provider should bring:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Original Social Security card
- Completed SOC 426, if already filled out
- Any paperwork provided after orientation
- The recipient’s IHSS case information, if available
Step 7: Complete Live Scan Fingerprinting and Background Check
All IHSS providers must complete fingerprinting and a criminal background investigation through the Department of Justice. PASC states that the provider must submit fingerprints at an approved Los Angeles County Live Scan location and that the provider is responsible for paying for this service.
This is one of the most common places families get delayed. The provider should not use a random Live Scan form from somewhere else. They should use the IHSS-specific Live Scan form or packet provided through the county/PASC process.
PASC also notes that prospective providers cannot be enrolled or receive payment as IHSS providers until all requirements are completed, including the criminal background investigation.
Helpful link:
PASC Provider Enrollment Process and CBI packets:
https://pascla.org/ihss-provider-enrollment-process/
PASC Provider Services also handles criminal background inquiries for IHSS providers, including providers whose background checks have cleared, failed, are no longer interested, or require resubmittal.
PASC Provider Services contact:
Phone: 877-565-4477
TTY: 626-737-7512
Email: info@pascla.org
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Step 8: Wait for the Provider to Become Eligible
The relative is not fully ready to be paid just because orientation was completed or Live Scan was submitted. The enrollment must be processed, the background check must clear, and the provider must be connected to the recipient’s case.
Families should follow up with the IHSS Helpline or PASC if too much time passes without confirmation.
Useful contacts:
Los Angeles County IHSS Helpline: (888) 822-9622
PASC Provider Services: 877-565-4477
IHSS Timesheet Service Desk: (866) 376-7066
Step 9: Link the Provider to the Recipient’s IHSS Case
Once the relative is eligible, the recipient must hire that person as their IHSS provider and have them linked to the case. This is the step that allows the provider to submit timesheets for that specific recipient.
The recipient remains the employer. Los Angeles County makes clear that the recipient is responsible for hiring, training, supervising, and firing the provider.
The family should confirm:
- The provider has cleared enrollment
- The provider is connected to the recipient’s IHSS case
- The provider knows the recipient’s authorized monthly hours
- The provider understands which services are authorized
- The provider knows when they can begin claiming time
- The recipient or authorized signer knows how to approve timesheets
Step 10: Register for Electronic Timesheets
After the provider is active, the provider and recipient should register for the IHSS Electronic Services Portal. This is where timesheets are submitted, approved, and tracked. CDSS lists the Electronic Services Portal as a provider resource, and Los Angeles County links providers to ESP for sick leave and timesheet-related functions.
Helpful links:
IHSS Electronic Services Portal:
https://www.etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov/
IHSS Timesheet Help Desk:
(866) 376-7066
Step 11: Set Up Direct Deposit
Once the provider is active, direct deposit is strongly recommended. CDSS explains that direct deposit allows IHSS/WPCS paychecks to be deposited into a checking account, savings account, or pay card instead of being mailed as a paper warrant. CDSS also notes that direct deposit reduces the risk of a paper paycheck being lost or stolen and may help providers access money sooner.
Helpful links:
CDSS IHSS Provider Resources:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/ihss/ihss-provider-resources
Direct Deposit Form SOC 829:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/cdssweb/entres/forms/English/SOC829.pdf
Step 12: Understand Live-In Provider Tax Certification, If Applicable
If the relative lives with the IHSS recipient, they may qualify as a live-in provider for tax purposes. CDSS states that live-in IHSS/WPCS providers have the option to self-certify their living arrangement to exclude IHSS/WPCS wages from federal and state income tax by completing the appropriate forms.
This is especially important for parents, spouses, adult children, and other relatives who live in the same home as the recipient.
Helpful link:
CDSS Live-In Provider Self-Certification Information:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/ihss/live-in-provider-self-certification
Step 13: Keep Records and Avoid Timesheet Problems
Once everything is active, the provider should keep simple records of the care they provide and the hours worked. IHSS timesheets must be accurate. Families should never submit time for hours that were not worked, and providers should not claim more than the recipient’s authorized hours.
The recipient and provider should also understand overtime, travel time, wait time, and EVV rules. Los Angeles County lists IHSS program rules for overtime, travel time, wait time, timesheets, and Electronic Visit Verification as important program information.
Helpful links:
CDSS IHSS Provider Resources:
https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/cdss-programs/ihss/ihss-provider-resources
IHSS Electronic Services Portal:
https://www.etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov/
Common Mistakes That Delay Payment
The most common delay happens when a relative starts working before they are fully enrolled and connected to the recipient’s case. Families should confirm the provider’s start date and eligibility before relying on retroactive payment.
Other common issues include using the wrong Live Scan form, failing to bring original ID and Social Security card, not completing the SOC 426 or SOC 846 correctly, not registering for electronic timesheets, or assuming the provider is active just because they attended orientation.
You Got This
Setting up a relative as an IHSS provider in Los Angeles County can feel overwhelming at first, but the process becomes much easier when families understand the order: the recipient applies or is approved, the relative completes provider enrollment, the background check clears, the provider is linked to the case, and then timesheets and payment can begin.
For many families, having a relative become the IHSS provider is not just convenient. It can mean safer care, better communication, more trust, and greater stability for the person receiving support.
IHSS Connect was created to help Californians navigate this world more easily. Whether a family is hiring a relative, searching for another provider, or trying to understand the IHSS system, the goal is the same: helping people with disabilities, older adults, and families find care with less confusion and more confidence.
