New Reductions to IHSS proposed by Governor call for action on the part of all IHSS providers and their clients.
Governor Schwarzenegger is planning to cut IHSS Domestic hours by 18% and administrative funding for IHSS by 10%.  If passed, these cuts would be permanent.  His proposal must by passed by legislative process.  Now is the time to write your representatives.  Please help all other homecare providers and their clients by taking action and letting your elected officials know how these cuts will affect you. 
Read UDW's response to the proposed cuts.
How to write your elected representatives

"Share of Cost" deductions to your pay check.
Some consumers (clients/recipients) of IHSS must pay a "Share of Cost" for their IHSS services.  Not all consumers have this situation, however if the consumer you work for pays a "Share of Cost," then it is important you understand the following.   Due to new rules the consumer's Share of Cost is presently being deducted from the provider's pay check.  It is the responsibility of the consumer to reimburse their home care provider for this deduction. 
If you need help communicating about this with your consumer contact your local IHSS Public Authority for help explaining the new rules.

Name matching problems causing stopped paychecks.
In some counties IHSS has begun computer matching to make sure the name on your paycheck is exactly the same as the name on your social security card. We have had several complaints from providers where IHSS determined the names did not match, and stopped their paycheck from being processed.  Please make sure that this doesn't happen to you.  If the name on your paycheck is different from the name on your social security card, (different middle initial, new married name, etc) then make sure to contact the IHSS office and get it changed to be the same as your social security card. This should be done in writing.

Hours being reduced due to "Quality Assurance."
It happened to this provider and his client: Read Story Watch Video

Many clients are having hours reduced with the new "statewide standardization" of IHSS hours, introduced as "Quality Assurance."  Although the stated intent of this policy is to "improve quality" in the IHSS program, this initiative has actually been projected to reduce costs associated with IHSS ($50.4 million in 06-07) and many clients are getting their hours reduced.
It is particularly important right now that consumers of the IHSS program understand their rights during the assessment process. As an IHSS provider you also have the right to advocate for your client, and be present at the client's assessment with the social worker.  You or your client also have the right to have a union representative present.  It will help your client in the assessment process if you keep an accurate written record of each thing you do for them in the course of a day.
If your client's hours have been reduced, here is what you need to know right away:  The consumer (client) should get an official "Notice of Action" in the mail within 30 days of their assessment.  The consumer must fill out the portion on the back and file for a hearing.  Additionally, they must ask in writing for "Aid Paid Pending," and they must do this within 10 days of the date on the Notice of Action.  What this accomplishes is it requires IHSS to give your client the same hours they were receiving before the assessment, until their case is seen by an impartial administrative law judge. Even though it says on the Notice of Action that the consumer has 90 days to ask for a hearing, in fact there is often a 10 day deadline to file for Aid Paid Pending so that the consumers hours will remain the same until a hearing is completed.  Sometimes the hearing process can take several months so it is important to know about Aid Paid Pending.  The consumer can still file for a hearing at any time during the 90 days, however the assessment will take effect and their hours will be reduced until their case is heard.
Make sure you have copies of all correspondence.
More information on your rights
Contact your local UDW office for help finding representation
Update on IHSS Quality Assurance Initiative in the state budget
Revised Quality Assurance regulations regarding IHSS Employer of Record. 
You may also visit the government website for Quality Assurance.
Please send any questions or comments to UDW Legislative Office