Frequently Asked Questions…

1. What do I do if my check is Lost or Stolen?
   
   After ten days from the date it was issued, the provider can go to the appropriate DAAS office and complete a Stop Payment Form. A replacement check will be issued in four to six weeks. If the missing check is found or received AFTER a Stop Payment Form is submitted, DO NOT CASH because it is void. The IP may also choose to file a police report after the stop payment has been requested.
   
   
2. What do I do if I never receive my check?
   
   After ten days have passed, the provider may go to the appropriate DAAS office and complete a Stop Payment Form. A Stop Payment Form can be submitted immediately at the appropriate DAAS office and a replacement check will be issued in four to six weeks. If the missing check is found or received AFTER a Stop Payment Form is submitted, DO NOT CASH because it is void.
   
   
3. How do I request a change of address?
   
   If the provider has a timesheet, complete the address change on the back of the timesheet and check the SSN verification box on the front of the timesheet.
   If the provider does not have a timesheet, a request can be submitted to the Public Authority by faxing or bringing the request to the PA office with a copy of their ID.
   
   
4. I need a replacement timesheet. What do I do?
   
   Call the appropriate DAAS office to request a replacement timesheet.
   
   
5. Why haven’t I received a Time Sheet yet?
   
   If you have already attended an IHSS orientation session, you should have received and completed an IHSS employee orientation packet. If you have not attended orientation, you must contact the recipient’s social worker unit clerk, and he/she will advise you of upcoming orientations. Orientation admission is on a “first come, first served” basis. After completing Orientation, you will need to complete and submit the “Personal Care Services Program Provider/Enrollment Agreement” form. You will then receive your time sheet by mail within 10 days (Average time frame).
   
   
6. When am I going to get paid?
   
   There are 2 pay periods per month: The 1st through 15th (1st pay period of the month); 16th through the last day of the month (2nd pay period of the month). Time sheets are processed after the end of each pay period, beginning the 16th (1st pp) and the 1st (2nd pp). Your paycheck should arrive within 10 calendar days of processing. If you do not receive your paycheck, we can verify if your check was issued after the 12th and the 27th.
   
   
7. Can I request Direct Deposit?
   
   Yes, but direct deposit requests are handled by the State, in Sacramento. If you are eligible, you will receive a letter offering Direct Deposit. Providers must be active in the payroll system for 90 days or more.
   
   
8. Can you help me complete my timesheet?
   
   Please contact Paycheck Customer Service (800) 722-4595 for assistance.
   
   
9. What is Share of Cost (SOC)?
   
   Your client has a share of cost with the In-home Support Services program. The share of cost is part of the provider’s salary. The client must pay the share of cost to the provider monthly. Share of cost is based upon the client’s income and any Medi-Cal based services the client uses each month.
   The share of cost may change from month to month and is found on the provider’s pay stub, as SOC. The client is required to pay that amount to the provider on a monthly basis.
   
   
10. My client is not paying the Share of Cost – what should I do?
    
    Report non-payment of SOC to the client’s social worker.
    
    
11. Is it possible to email questions I have regarding my timesheet and paycheck?
    
    Yes, you may submit your questions via email to: ihsspaycheck@hss.sbcounty.gov. Please be advised this email DOES NOT accept timesheets for processing; they still must be submitted through your local IHSS office.
    

Paycheck Deductions

1. Why is the Union taking dues out of my paycheck?
   
   The dues are calculated according to the hours you work. If you have specific questions regarding how the dues are applied, contact SEIU (888) 373-3018.
   
   
2. Why is there a $5.00 Dental Insurance deduction?
   
   Your premium is $5.00. For more information on your dental coverage please contact SEIU at 1(888)373-3018.
   
   
3. What is the $20.00 Health Insurance deduction?
   
   You will pay a premium of $20.00 per month automatically deducted from your paycheck but will not have deductions for Dental ($5.00). You will also be required to pay co-payments for many of the services you receive. For more information, please contact Alicare, Inc. (800) 633-5568.
   
   
4. What is COPE deduction?
   
   COPE is an Education Political Action Fund. In IHSS Orientation, SEIU (union) passes a card out with two sections for signatures. One side is for the union (mandatory) and the other side is for COPE (voluntary).
   
   
5. Social Security/MediCare (FICA)?
   
   If you are over 18 and NOT providing care for your child or spouse this is an automatic deduction for wages you earn over $1500 a year to have access to Social Security and Medicare, if you become totally disabled or retire after the age of 62. Contact the Social Security office at 800-772-1213 for more information.
   
   
6. State Disability (SDI) benefits:
   
   This is an automatic deduction for you if your quarterly wages are over $750, UNLESS you are a child, parent or spouse of the recipient you work for.
   If you are a child, parent or spouse of the recipient you work for, you MUST request participation in the SDI program by completing an Elective SDI Coverage form and submitting it to your Social Worker.
   Call the EDD at 800-480-3287 for more information.
   
   
7. Federal/State Income Tax:
   
   You must request that taxes be withheld by completing a W-4 Form and submitting it to your Social Worker. The state will determine your eligibility to have taxes withheld ONLY after you make the request. Even if you do NOT have taxes withheld, you will still have to pay and file taxes at the end of the year on your IHSS wages. Providers must be active in the payroll system for 90 days or more.
   
   

Employment Verifications

Employment and Income verifications are services provided by the Public Authority, for all San Bernardino County IHSS Providers. All requests must include the provider’s social security number and signed release of information.
All requests are completed within 3 business days. You may fax the requests to (909) 386-3071. Click the links for the employment verification forms. English Spanish

Health Benefits

This program is designed for a limited number of IHSS providers who are not eligible for Medi-Cal, Medicare, or other health insurance. Please select the link for additional information including Benefits FAQs.

The Individual Providers’ health benefits plan is contracted through the Long Term Care Workers Health Trust Fund (The Trust) which provides separate plans for Health, Dental , and Vision. Alicare, Inc. is the administrator and resource for membership and general questions regarding coverage for each plan.

Eligibility for health benefits is dependent upon individual providers meeting the following minimum requirements:

• Paid timely for a minimum of 80 hours, two consecutive months. The Public Authority uses state payroll information to determine if this requirement is being met and it is up to the IP to ensure their timesheets are turned in on time each pay period.



• Submit a completed health benefits application when invited to participate in the plan. It is important for IPs to keep their contact information updated with their Social Workers at In Home Supportive Services and clerks for the Public Authority if the IP is part of the Registry.



• Agree by signature on the application to pay the monthly premium of $20/mo which is automatically deducted from the Individual Provider’s paycheck. If the IP receives advance pay, the amount will be billed on a monthly basis.

Frequently Asked Questions…

Who will provide the health services and where can I obtain care?

The Long Term Care Workers Health Trust Fund (“The Trust”) provides 3 separate Plans Alicare, Inc, Western Dental and Avesis Vision.

How much will I have to pay for my health insurance benefits?

You will pay a premium of $20 per month automatically deducted from your paycheck but will not have deductions for Dental ($5.00).
You will also be required to pay co-payments for most of the services you receive.

Are my dependents (e.g., spouse and/or children) eligible for the health benefits plan offered by IHSS Public Authority, through LTCWT?

No. The health benefit plan does not include dependents.

Where is my membership card?

Contact Alicare, Inc. if your card is missing, lost, or stolen.

What if I am eligible for Medi-Cal, MediCare or another health insurance?

IHSS providers with other health insurance coverage or who are eligible for coverage such as zero share-of-cost Medi-Cal, Medicare, Healthy Families or spousal coverage, individual, conversion or coverage under a Group Plan offering Domestic Partners are not eligible to enroll in the Health Plan.

What if my physician is not listed on the plan or I wish to change my current doctor?

Contact Alicare Inc. for more information about choosing a primary care physician at (800) 633-5568.

If I lose my eligibility, can I purchase continued coverage?

By law, at the time of your termination of coverage you will receive an initial notification, which explains your rights for continued coverage, which you will have to pay for, under COBRA. You will have 60 days to elect coverage with no lapse in coverage.

Where can I get more information about the benefits provided by the Plan?
 

Workers Compensation 

The Public Authority is responsible for processing Workers Compensation claims and authorizing the initial doctor’s evaluation for all San Bernardino County IHSS Providers.

IHSS recipients are responsible for reporting work-related injuries to the Public Authority.

If you are injured while performing your job-related duties, you must immediately report the injury by calling 1-866-985-6322; or in person by visiting our main office at 686 E Mill Street, San Bernardino, CA, 92415. In case of emergency, please call 9-1-1.

For more information about Workers’ Compensation insurance, please click here: