We have compiled a list of questions most frequently asked by home care workers below. UDW serves many different counties and circumstances are sometimes different for each county. If you have questions that are not answered here, check the page for Your County. The county pages have news and information about negotiations or contracts in your county. You may also contact your local UDW office or your UDW member hotline.

Wages

• Why do some IHSS workers in California make higher wages than others?
  
• Who pays my wages?
  
• How do I get higher wages?
  
• My paycheck didn't come.  What can I do?
  

• My county has no medical benefits for home care workers. How can I get coverage?
  
• My county has medical benefits, but I didn't enroll when I got the forms in the mail. Can I still get medical coverage?
  
• I am short of the minimum hourly requirement for medical benefits. What can I do?
  

• "I'm confused about recent events. I've been contacted by two different unions. Who is representing me?"
  
  
• Why do I need a union, anyway?
  
  
• Is UDW similar to other unions?
  
  
• Will the union ever ask me to go on strike?
  
  
• How do I know if I am a union member?
  
  
• What if I don't want to be a union member?
  
  

• Why are my union fees different this month than last month?
  
  
• What are my dues used for?
  

• My client doesn't get enough hours for his/her care. How can my client get more hours?
  
  
• How can I get hours reinstated that were taken away from my client?
  
  
• How do I find a client? Can I get a second client?
  
  
• My home care worker is not available anymore. How do I find another worker?
  

• My last timecard was delayed/lost. Is there some way to get things back on schedule?

Why do some workers in California make higher wages than others?

Some counties have been represented by a union longer than others, and have negotiated more than one contract.  Each contract negotiated by your union usually builds on the previous one, making incremental gains in wages and benefits.  Also some counties have greater or fewer resources, or a more conservative Board of Supervisors (the elected officials that control providers' wages) -- these are additional factors that affect how much you earn in your county. 

To see wages and benefits for other California counties go to our Statewide Information page.  For counties represented by UDW, you can get even more detailed information at Your County where there are links for different UDW counties.

To learn more about how UDW negotiates, and how you can contribute in this process, see:
Your County Board of Supervisors
Understanding UDW's work in Sacramento

Who pays my wages?

Your client is called your employer, and he/she has the authority to hire or fire a worker.  However the IHSS Public Authority is your legal "Employer of Record."  Your client does not pay your wages (unless they have a "share of cost"). The IHSS program pays for wages, and the money comes from three sources; County, State, and Federal.

The IHSS program is administered by the county, and United Domestic Workers must negotiate with the county for increased wages and benefits.   However the In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program is run by the county because State law says they have to do it.

In fact 50% of the wages for home care workers comes from the State treasury and 50% of the money for your wages comes from the federal government. The county pays 20% of the cost at first, but the county is supposed to be paid back their share later, out of state sales tax revenue. Delays in this pay-back (called "re-alignment") and other political forces, make counties cautious about granting wage increases.

Counties depend on state and federal funding for your wages. That money comes only as long as the politicians in Sacramento agree that "home care" is something they should spend tax money on.

Also see:
Your County Board of Supervisors
Understanding UDW's work in Sacramento

How can I get higher wages?

Higher wages and medical benefits are a result of union representation, together with the actions of home care workers who are willing to get involved.  Counties that do not have union representation only give their workers minimum wage ($6.75) or a small adjustment for cost of living ($7.11) per hour and no medical benefits.

It is the number of union members in your county that gives you real power when it comes to negotiating for higher wages and benefits. Many workers think that if they are represented by a union that automatically makes them a member but it does not. You must sign a membership card to join your union, and it is the number of members that gives the union power in their negotiations with the county.

The IHSS program is administered by the county, and United Domestic Workers must negotiate with the county for increased wages and benefits. Counties depend on state and federal funding for your wages.

Your union cannot bargain for higher wages and benefits without the help of home care workers. Because home care workers can not strike (and your union would never ask you to strike), your power comes from your collective voices (as voters) being heard and represented to the elected officials that make the funding decisions - both in Sacramento, and at the County level.

To get higher wages you must be a member, and support your union in the bargaining process. You can contribute a lot or a little. Everything helps - even writing a letter.
Contact your local UDW office

Also see:
Your County Board of Supervisors
Understanding UDW's work in Sacramento

How can I get medical benefits if my county doesn't provide them?

In order to get medical benefits through the IHSS program, you must support your union in the bargaining process. Counties with union representation get medical benefits when they win a contract through collective bargaining. See Higher Wage

If you can't get health benefits through IHSS go to this website for information on alternative sources of coverage: Foundation for Health Coverage Education

My county has medical coverage, but I didn't enroll when I got the forms in the mail. Can I still get medical coverage?

Yes, you can usually still get medical coverage, but sometimes you must wait for the next "enrollment period." There are a minimum number of hours you must work each month to qualify. Sometimes there is a waiting list. To find out the exact requirement for your county and to get the forms, contact your local UDW office or your local IHSS office. Find those offices on Your County page.

I am short of the minimum hourly requirement for medical benefits. What can I do?

To get coverage through IHSS you must increase the number of hours you work. Do this by adding another client (How do I find a client?) or increasing the hours you care for your present client (How can my client get more hours?)

If you can't get health benefits through IHSS go to this website for information on alternative sources of coverage: Foundation for Health Coverage Education

"I'm confused about recent events. I've been contacted by two different unions. Who is representing me?"

That depends on which county you live in.  Go to Your County, which shows the jurisdiction for every county in California.  Click on the name of your county to find out which union represents you.

The United Domestic Workers' national union, AFSCME, was managing the
day-to-day operations of UDW until the union's financial health was
restored (called an "administratorship").  UDW has now become financially solvent and is managed by their own democratically elected E-board.

Should you have any questions or would like to get involved, please do
not hesitate to call us at 800-621-5016.  Together we'll make UDW better
than ever.  And we'll win the pay, benefits and respect we deserve.

More information:
Union Membership
Press Releases
In the Media

Why do I need a union, anyway?

Counties that do not have union representation have lower wages and do not get medical benefits. Even more important, without a union to represent workers job security is at stake. Home care workers are vulnerable to having their jobs eliminated if the programs that support them are cut.

As individuals, IHSS workers would not be able to represent themselves the way that UDW does when they speak for thousands and thousands of home care workers, and thousands and thousands of their clients. As a group we can have a lot of influence because many of us are going to vote at election time. Do you feel your tax dollars should support the IHSS program? How do you ensure that your opinion is heard by the people who make these decisions? Without your union representing home care workers in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., politicians could cancel this program overnight, and UDW works hard to make sure that doesn't happen.

Home care is work, not welfare, but unfortunately many policy makers do not recognize this. Without union representation, home care workers are treated like welfare recipients instead of like workers. UDW meets with your representatives in Sacramento - Democrats, Republicans and Independents - to convince them this is a good program and they should continue to pay for it with federal and state tax dollars, in good times and in bad times.

Also see:
Bush vs Workers - 5 years and counting (Why we need unions)
Understanding UDW's work in Sacramento
One on One with Barbara Ehrenreich (On the historical role of unions)

Is UDW similar to other unions?

UDW is a uniquely different union for several reasons:

• UDW exclusively represents home care workers. UDW was the first union to represent home care workers, even when other unions thought is wasn't possible.
• Home care workers are paid through government programs, not private companies. UDW must therefore be able to negotiate with the legislators that fund these programs - federal, state, and county - not just one employer.
• While many traditional unions only support Democrats, UDW is unique in the ability to build bridges, develop relationships, and work with any politician that will help home care workers whether Republican or Democrat. This is important because home care workers are a broad-based and diverse group of people, and the funding of their work must come from many different sources.
• Other unions use the threat of strike to get better wages. UDW is a non-striking union. We are concerned about the client/recipients of home care and would never ask home care workers to strike, which would put their clients in jeopardy. Instead of striking, UDW communicates with political leaders, hires budget consultants, and even writes legislation to help home care workers.
• Most union members go to work at a central location -- at UDW our members mostly work at their client's home. This isolation inherent to home care work, is one of the unique challenges UDW faces in communicating with their members and representing them.

Will the union ever ask me to go on strike?

No. UDW would never ask home care workers to strike for more money – in fact, it is outlawed in our constitution. UDW works very hard to get home care workers the recognition they deserve, and a wage that reflects that value, but they are also concerned with the needs of the client (the recipient of home-care). UDW must, and does find other ways to represent workers – never by calling for a strike.

Instead of striking, UDW communicates with political leaders, hires budget consultants, and even writes legislation to help home care workers. Then UDW goes out and finds politicians who will sponsor that legislation and get it passed . Sometimes it is necessary to demonstrate in order to get the attention of government leaders, but we never call for a strike.

How do I know if I am a union member?

You need to sign a membership card. Paying union dues does NOT automatically make you a member. Contact your local UDW Office to find out if you are a member or to get a card. You can also print out a card and mail it in.

Being a member costs no more than not being a member. Being a union member also has many benefits.  It means:

• You can participate in contract ratifications (voting on contracts negotiated for your county)
• Vote in National Executive Board elections (the people who administrate your union)
• Nominate someone for office in the union, or run for office
• Vote on a dues referendum (deciding on dues rate)
• Receive special member benefits from our affiliate union, AFSCME

What if I don't want to be a union member?

You may choose not to be a union member.

Workers who choose not to become union members still must pay the same dues and fees for the cost of representation but may not participate in the running of the Union, including voting on union contracts (see above).

Workers who do not support the Union's political and organizing activities (conscientious objectors), must still pay their "fair share" of the Union's expenses in representing them. This option may only be exercised once a year, when you get your Hudson Notification in the mail.

Why are my union fees different this month than last month?

Dues are based on hours paid - not hours worked. Dues are deducted by the state payroll computers, and the process is usually about three months behind your actual paid hours. If you had an increase or decrease in your paid hours which will effect your dues, that dues change will not show for several paychecks.

Other reasons that may cause your dues to vary, are when initiation fees are being deducted. For a complete explanation of dues see:
Current Rates
Initiation fee
Itemized Pay Stubs

Also see: Time Cards

• To pay for the cost of representing thousands of home care workers spread out in many counties; UDW pays about $7.40 a month for every union member, (even those members who only pay UDW dues of $8.50 or $13.50 a month) to be part of bigger unions who represent millions and millions of workers. These national unions have offices in Washington D.C., right where the federal government goes to work every day. The big unions we are affiliated with (AFSCME and NUHHCE) represent a lot of voters so they have a lot of influence with the federal government. They work hard to make sure the federal politicians keep sending money to California to pay for the wages we get for providing in home supportive services.
• To secure better wages and benefits in new contracts and re-negotiated contracts; UDW pays for negotiators and support staff to bargain for new and better contracts.
• For organizing new members to grow and remain strong; without an active membership UDW would not have the "clout" with county, state, and federal politicians to represent home care workers effectively. We have to keep informing our membership about current issues, send out mailers, call members on the phone, and hold meetings to recruit new members and ask current workers to participate. It is the fact that we represent thousands of registered voters, that gives UDW power with legislators.
• For representing workers at Fair Hearings to get their hours increased or re-instated.

Also see:
How your dues are spent; Who Pays for the IHSS Program
How an IHSS recipient feels about union dues

My client doesn't get enough hours for his/her care. How can my client get more hours?

Your county social worker makes an assessment of your client's hours (usually during a yearly evaluation). You may appeal this evaluation when it is made, or ask for an increase in hours even when there has been no recent evaluation by the county. In order to ask for more hours you usually keep a diary of your activities (every thing you do for your client and how long it takes) for a period of a week to ten days. You also get documentation from the client's doctor confirming their medical condition and the requirement for services (help). For complete information on this process see the IHSS Fair Hearing and Self-Assessment Package (pdf file) assembled by Protection and Advocacy Inc. Their website also has this document posted in many other languages including Spanish and Vietnamese.

If your client can not be left alone safely (without supervision) then he/she may be entitled to more hours for "protective supervision." Refer to the above information package for rules about this.

If you or your client have tried to request more hours and the county has denied the request, you may ask for a Fair Hearing. You may also contact your local UDW office and ask for someone to help you.

Also see "How can I get hours reinstated that were taken away from my client?" below.

How can I get hours reinstated that were taken away from my client?

IF YOUR CLIENT RECEIVES A NOTICE REDUCING YOUR HOURS And you think it’s wrong . . . Ask for a Fair Hearing! It’s your client’s right. Here’s how:

1. Turn the notice over, and on the right-hand side at the top is a phone number and an address to ask for a hearing. Have your client call or write within 10 days. Do not send in your client’s only copy of the Notice. The address is:

IHSS Fair Hearing
State Hearings Division
Department of Social Services
744 P Street, Mail Stop 37-19
Sacramento, CA 95814

Your client needs to include his/her name and state identification number and say that she/he wants a fair hearing. Your client must ask for " Aid Paid Pending" which means their hours will remain at their present level until the hearing has taken place. With Aid Paid Pending even if the judge decides your client's hours should be reduced, the hours assigned while waiting for the case to be heard will not be considered an overpayment (the client keeps those hours).  Aid Paid pending is usually not automatically granted when you ask for a hearing so the client must be sure to request it in writing.

2. Call your local UDW office and ask for help.

How do I find a client? Can I get a second client?

Providers may have more than one client. Often clients are found through word of mouth, through family, friends, or neighbors who know someone that needs help. However many Counties also have a "Registry" and can help you find a client. This is a list of workers and clients set up by your IHSS Public Authority. To get the contact information for your local IHSS office, go to the page for Your County. At the top of the page for your county there is an index of links for your county page; choose "find a client," or scroll to the section that talks about the "Registry."

My home care worker is not available anymore. How do I find another worker?

Your local IHSS office usually has a "Registry" for home care workers and clients. This is a list of screened workers and also of clients. You should contact your IHSS office and tell them you need a new worker. To find out the address or phone number for your local IHSS office, go to the page for Your County. At the top of the page for your county there is an index of links for your county page; choose "find a client," or scroll to the section that talks about the "Registry."

You may also hire someone that you know like a friend or a relative, or by advertising in your local paper. Once you find someone that person must fill out the qualification paperwork with IHSS. The requirements for providers are a little different in different counties. You should contact your local IHSS office to know what paperwork is needed (see above).

My last timecard was delayed/lost. Is there some way to get things back on schedule?

Yes. If your time card was delayed or lost you can phone your IHSS payroll department and ask them to send out a replacement timecard. This way you don't have to wait for your delayed timecard to be processed before the following timecard is sent to you. To find out the address or phone number for your local IHSS payroll/timecard department, go to the page for Your County.

Also see: Time Cards

My paycheck didn't come.  What can I do?

When a paycheck is lost or stolen, you would first inquire through IHSS payroll about whether your check was issued.  Wait for 10 working days from when the check should have come before you inquire, otherwise the information will not yet be in the system.  If the check was issued but you did not get it, first ask for a replacement timecard so your future checks aren't delayed.  Then you need to report the missing check to the local IHSS office that handles your case  They will help you fill out an affidavit for a replacement to be issued.  Because this process takes time, it is important to get your replacement timecard as soon as possible (see above).

To find the numbers for your local IHSS office, or IHSS payroll, go to your individual County Page