Back-Up Provider Programs

Home Care Now

The Public Authority operates Home Care Now (HCN), a free, back-up provider referral program to assist IHSS consumers who may need temporary assistance when their regular IHSS provider becomes unavailable to work. Home Care Now providers are referred to IHSS consumers based on consumer needs, preferences and the provider’s availability. Home Care Now must be requested by IHSS consumers or their authorized representatives and are set-up on a first come, first served basis.

HCN is funded by locally. HCN providers receive a $20 stipend for referral accepted and roundtrip mileage reimbursement to/from the IHSS consumer’s home.

Back-Up Provider Program

In late 2022, California Department of Social Services, CDSS, formalized the IHSS Back-Up Provider Program to assist consumers in finding temporary back-up IHSS providers. The State funds a $2.00 per hour wage differential to be used by IHSS back-up providers when assisting IHSS consumers. The state provides 80 or 160 hours of back-Up wage differential pay per consumer. The number of hours is based on assessed vulnerability of the IHSS consumer. Please note that “back-up” hours are not additional “authorized IHSS hours”. The IHSS authorized hours remain the same.

Requesting Services

Eligible IHSS consumers can request a referral for temporary back-up providers by calling our office at (530) 661-2676 or by e-mailing us. Our staff will determine which back-up program the consumer can access. In an effort to support consumers and providers, we combine HCN and the State Back-Up Programs whenever possible.  Additionally, back-up services are available on a first come, first served basis.  There may be times back-up caregivers are not available.  We highly encourage you to identify potential back-up caregivers (family, friends, or neighbors).  The Public Authority can help them start the process of becoming eligible IHSS Caregivers/Providers.