Enrollment Instructions for IHSS Independent Providers
of Santa Clara County

Please read the instructions on this page carefully, then use the link called “Continue to ENROLLMENT” at the bottom of this page to continue with your enrollment steps.

This website is ONLY to be used by caregivers or “providers” of the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program in Santa Clara County. State laws require that all IHSS providers go through an enrollment process and pass a background check before they are eligible to be paid by the IHSS program.

You are not eligible to enroll (do not use this website) until you know that the person you will be taking care of has been approved by IHSS after a social worker has made an in-home visit to assess the persons needs.

Your Enrollment as an IHSS provider will be completed in three steps.

1.  Use the Enrollment website:

a.) Use the “Continue to ENROLLMENT” link at the bottom of this page to fill in your enrollment forms, watch the mandatory enrollment video, and book an appointment date and time to visit our enrollment office location.

2.  Go to your appointment on the date you have chosen.

a.) Remember to bring the original of your Social Security Card – we can not accept a copy – only the original.
b.) Remember to bring your current valid driver’s license or another US government issued photo ID.
c.) Your name on the Social Security Card and on the ID must match.
d.) Your fingerprints will be taken at the appointment to start the necessary background check.  The fingerprint fee is $20.
e.) Do NOT bring children, friends, relatives, or others to your appointment – there is no waiting space for them and you will be turned away to make another appointment. You may bring a translator.
f.) Complete all the steps on the Enrollment Website before your appointment.

3.  Wait for your first timesheet from IHSS

a.) Make sure the person you will be taking care of has completed their paperwork and sent it to IHSS. They must complete forms that tell IHSS you will be their provider.
b.) Wait 6 to 7 weeks after your appointment before calling to review the status of your case. It may take longer to receive your first timesheet.

After you have read these instructions click on the following link to continue with your enrollment:

If you have additional questions please review the Question and Answer page here:

Question: I can’t find my Social Security Card

Answer: Visit the Social Security Office and apply for your replacement card. They will provide you with a replacement card. You may also ask the office to provide you with a letter or printout to use at your appointment. The letter must include your full name, the full social security number, and a social security office “stamp” on letterhead all on one page.

Question: I already had a background check done for another job – do I need to do it again?

Answer: Yes. Everyone applying to be an IHSS Independent Provider must have a background check done using the forms we provide.

(The only exception is for those providers who are already members of the Council on Aging Public Authority Registry and have completed their background check with COA when they joined the Registry.)

If your Question is not answered here call the Provider Enrollment phone line at (408) 350-3252 (we can only answer questions about the provider or caregiver enrollment steps).

For questions about provider payroll or paychecks, timesheets, or to speak with a social worker about authorized hours or to apply to receive IHSS services call the IHSS program at (408) 975-4899.