Concern and confusion about the new IHSS provider enrollment requirements – especially about new eligibility criteria and criminal background checks – has caused a serious problem for IHSS providers and clients and for our union.
That is why we want to provide you with the FACTS about the new enrollment requirements and to urge you to complete the enrollment process as soon as possible.
New State Law Requires IHSS Providers to:
- Complete and sign a Provider Enrollment Form (SOC 426) and return it in person to the location designated by your county IHSS Program or IHSS Public Authority, and bring original documentation verifying your identity such as an unexpired driver’s license or photo identification AND original social security card. You must not return the form to the State Department of Social Services as this will cause a significant delay in the processing of your information.
- Submit fingerprints at your expense and undergo and pass a criminal background check by the California Department of Justice. If you were convicted within the last 10 years of elder / dependent adult abuse, child abuse or fraud against a government health care or supportive services program you are not eligible to be an IHSS provider. Find applicant live scan (fingerprinting) in your area: locations and hours of operation
- Complete a Provider Orientation If you are a currently authorized provider, you have the right to receive the orientation information by mail. Providers may view the Provider Orientation Video here, courtesy of the IHSS Coalition. Remember the video is only part of the package of materials that must be reviewed.
- Sign an IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Agreement (SOC 846) that you understand and agree to the rules and requirements for being an IHSS provider.
If you completed at least one of these steps by June 30, 2010 you may continue to work, be paid by the IHSS program, and will have until December 31, 2010, to complete the remaining requirements.
As of July 1, 2010, if you want to go to work for another recipient, you will need to complete all four of the new requirements and be determined an eligible IHSS provider before you will be paid by the IHSS program.
Once you have completed these steps and you have been approved by the County or Public Authority to be an IHSS provider, you will continue to be eligible to receive payment for providing authorized services cfor any IHSS recipient as long as you are an active provider and your criminal background check remains clear.
If you have any questions about these new requirements, contact your county IHSS or IHSS Public Authority.
It is important to complete enrollment AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
Reminder of some additional important FACTS about the eligibility requirements for IHSS:
- An incorrect SOC 426 sent out by the state last year asked if the provider “has ever been guilty of a serious felony or misdemeanor.” You do NOT have to sign the enrollment form if it contains that question.
- Under the law, you are ineligible to work in the IHSS program ONLY if you have been convicted within the last 10 years of: 1) fraud against a government health care or supportive services program; 2) child abuse; or 3) abuse of an elder or dependent adult.
- Convictions for other crimes DO NOT make you ineligible to be an IHSS provider.
- When providing identification documents, the name on your Social Security card needs to be exactly the same as on your ID document. If your photo ID has a different maiden name or no middle name etc then this has to be corrected by the issuer of the document.
- If you are a permanent legal resident instead of a citizen, then you must additionally show proof or legal residency with your Social Security card.
We at IHSSadvocates are working with the state, the counties and other organizations representing providers and clients to clear up confusing, contradictory, incomplete, and–in some cases–potentially misleading information. We are also fighting hard in the State Legislature to prevent further cuts in IHSS provider wages or client eligibility.
If you need any assistance, you are welcome to join our support group at: IHSS Advocacy Group