IHSS Sick Leave: 40 Hours Per Year — Earn It, Claim It Before June 30

Every active IHSS provider in California is entitled to 40 hours of paid sick leave per fiscal year (July 1–June 30). You do not need to apply for this benefit — it is part of your IHSS employment. What you need to know: when you become eligible to earn it, when you can use it, and how to claim it before the June 30 expiration. Source: CDSS — IHSS Provider Sick Leave.

How many sick leave hours do you get?

Up to 40 hours per fiscal year. The fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. For FY 2025–26 that is July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026.

Unused hours expire on June 30. There is no carryover and no cash-out option. The entitlement resets each July 1 as long as you remain an active provider.

How do you become eligible to earn sick leave? (100-hour threshold)

To be eligible to earn your 40 sick leave hours, you must have worked at least 100 hours in the fiscal year. This is the earn threshold — once you cross 100 hours worked, your full 40-hour sick leave balance is available to you (subject to the use waiting period below). You do not earn hours incrementally; you earn the full entitlement after crossing the 100-hour mark.

Hours worked across all recipients count toward this total. If you serve two recipients and have worked a combined 100+ hours in the fiscal year, you have met the earn threshold.

When can you use sick leave? (200-hour or 60-day waiting period)

After you earn your sick leave, there is a one-time waiting period before you can use it. You can use your sick leave once you have worked an additional 200 hours beyond the 100-hour earn threshold, OR after 60 active days as a provider — whichever comes first.

This is a one-time requirement. Once met, you never need to meet it again. In subsequent fiscal years you can use sick leave as soon as you have earned it. For most providers who have been active for more than a few months, this threshold is already satisfied.

How do you claim sick leave?

You have two options:

• ESP (recommended): Log in at etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov. There is a dedicated sick leave section separate from your service hours. Enter the date(s) and hours used.
• SOC 2302 (paper form): Complete the IHSS Program Provider Sick Leave Request form and mail it in a separate envelope — do not include it with your regular timesheet. The deadline is the end of the month following the month in which you used the sick leave (for example, sick leave used in May must be claimed by June 30).

You are not required to give a reason.On the SOC 2302, only your signature is required. There is no requirement for a doctor's note or any explanation.

How do you get paid?

Sick leave pay is issued as a separate warrant (check) or separate direct deposit — it is not added to your regular IHSS paycheck. The pay rate is your regular county hourly rate. For example, at $20.00/hour, 40 hours of sick leave means a separate payment of $800.00 (40 × $20.00). Your own payment uses your county's current rate.

Does sick leave count toward your weekly cap or overtime threshold?

No — on both counts. Sick leave hours do not count toward your weekly authorized hour limit (70:45 or 66:00) and do not count toward your 40-hour weekly overtime threshold. Sick leave is a standalone paid benefit. See our overtime rules guide for how the 40-hour OT threshold works.

Can sick leave be used for a family member?

Yes. Under California law, paid sick leave can be used when you are ill, injured, or need to care for a qualifying family member: child, parent, spouse, registered domestic partner, grandparent, grandchild, or sibling. It cannot be used as general vacation or personal time.

What happens to unused sick leave?

Any unused hours expire on June 30. No carryover, no cash-out. Your balance resets to zero on July 1 and you must earn a new 40 hours in the next fiscal year.

Check your ESP balance in May or early June. If you have hours remaining and a legitimate qualifying need, use your balance before the deadline.

How to check your balance and get help

Log into ESP at etimesheets.ihss.ca.gov. Your available sick leave balance is shown in your provider dashboard. If your balance appears incorrect or you need help with a claim, call the IHSS Service Desk at (866) 376-7066.

Source: CDSS — IHSS Provider Sick Leave.