Frequently Asked Questions
Weekly caps: 70:45/week when serving one recipient; 66:00/week when serving two or more recipients. Daily maximum is 16:00 per provider. If you also provide Exemption hours, they count toward the same weekly cap. Exemptions (if approved) may allow up to 90:00/week and 360:00/month.
What is IHSS?
A California program that helps eligible people remain safely in their homes by paying providers to deliver approved services.
Who can be an IHSS provider?
Generally adults who complete enrollment steps, pass a background check, and are hired by an IHSS recipient.
How are monthly hours set?
Your county determines authorized monthly hours for each recipient based on assessed needs.
What’s the default weekly cap?
66 hours/week across all recipients, unless you have an approved exemption (up to 90).
What is an exemption?
A county‑approved allowance to work beyond 66 hours/week, up to limits set by CDSS.
Do I get overtime?
Yes. Hours above 40 per week are overtime, subject to IHSS rules and caps.
What is Exemption?
Waiver Personal Care Services. Some providers serve IHSS and Exemption; special limits may apply.
What is the 70:45 cap?
A weekly cap (70 hours 45 minutes) used in some Exemption contexts. Use only if it applies to you.
Does travel time count toward weekly cap?
Travel time is a separate bucket (max 7 hours/week) and doesn’t reduce recipient monthly hours.
Can I plan for two recipients?
Yes. The planner supports 1–2 providers and 1–2 recipients with authorization controls.
How do I split hours between providers?
In Quick Intake, set ‘Who can serve?’ for each recipient to P1, P2, or both.
What are ‘days off’?
Dates when a provider won’t work. The planner marks them OFF and won’t assign minutes.
How does the planner keep me compliant?
It enforces weekly caps and never exceeds monthly authorized totals.
Why does the total fall short sometimes?
Weekly caps or OFF days can block some leftover minutes from being placed.
What is the top‑up pass?
A final sweep that redistributes leftover minutes into weeks with headroom.
Can I override my weekly cap?
Yes—use the Advanced override if your county gave you a different written limit.
Does the planner store my data?
No. Everything stays in your browser.
Do I need an account?
No account required.
Can I print the schedule?
Yes—use the Print button on the Planner page.
What time formats are accepted?
HH:MM or decimals with .25/.50/.75. The planner computes in minutes.
How are weeks defined?
Sunday through Saturday, matching IHSS workweeks.
What happens across months?
The first week can include minutes worked before the month; enter them in ‘Hours worked before this month.’
Can I plan partial months?
Yes—select the month; the calendar renders the in‑month days and surrounding week context.
Does ‘live‑in’ change anything?
Not by itself. Use Exemption/Exemption/Override to set the correct weekly cap.
What if I exceed the cap?
The planner won’t schedule over your cap. If you need to exceed it, contact your county for approval.
Where do I submit timesheets?
Use the state Electronic Services Portal (eTimesheets).
Who do I call for timesheet help?
IHSS Service Desk: 1‑866‑376‑7066.
Where can I find forms?
See the CDSS Forms index on the Resources page.
Can I change authorization mid‑month?
You can regenerate the plan anytime; the tool will recalc from your new inputs.
Is this affiliated with CDSS?
No. This is an independent, educational tool.
Is this legal advice?
No. For official guidance, contact your county IHSS office or CDSS resources.
Does the planner do EVV (Electronic Visit Verification)?
No. Use your official timesheet/EVV system for submission.
Do I need internet to use it?
Only to load the page initially. After that, most browsers can render offline once cached.
Will this calculate pay?
No—this tool plans hours only.
Can I export to CSV?
Not in this build.
Does the tool support more than 2 recipients/providers?
Not yet.
What browsers are supported?
Recent Chrome, Edge, Safari, Firefox.
Can I enter seconds?
No, the smallest unit is minutes.
Can I set daily caps?
Daily caps are not enforced unless Exemption mode is expanded in a future release.
What is ‘carry‑in’?
Minutes already worked in the first week before the month—these count toward the weekly cap.
Does the planner handle holidays?
Holidays are treated like any other day; enter OFF dates if you won’t work.
How do I save my plan?
Use your browser’s Print to PDF or save the page as needed.
Is there a dark mode?
Not yet.
How can I report a bug?
Use the contact information in the footer (if present) or open an issue on the project site if available.
Can I share with my county worker?
Yes—print or PDF the schedule to share.
What if I work for two agencies?
This planner doesn’t handle agency‑specific rules; use IHSS limits for planning.
Can I track travel time here?
Not yet—refer to the Travel Time resources on the Resources page.
Can I back up my inputs?
Copy/paste your inputs or keep a printed/PDF schedule.
Will you add new features?
Possibly—check the About page for updates.