IHSSPlanner

IHSS SOC Forms Glossary: Every Form Explained in Plain English

SOC forms are the official CDSS documents used for IHSS enrollment, overtime exemptions, sick leave claims, tax exclusions, and account changes. This glossary explains what each form does, who files it, and links to the official CDSS source.

Last updated: June 20265 min read

Published Jun 11, 2026

Share:

“SOC” stands for State of California — these are official forms issued by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) for the IHSS program. Every form listed here is verified against CDSS.ca.gov. Forms marked with a guide link have a dedicated plain-English guide on this site.

Enrollment

IHSS Program Provider Enrollment

The primary enrollment form — authorizes the criminal background check (Live Scan) and formally registers you as an IHSS provider.

Filed by: New providers at county orientation

IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Agreement

The agreement you sign at orientation acknowledging the program rules, responsibilities, and terms of employment.

Filed by: New providers at county orientation

Important Information for Prospective Providers

An informational handout covering the enrollment process, eligibility rules, and what to expect as an IHSS provider.

Filed by: Prospective providers before orientation
SOC 863

Applicant Provider Request for General Exception

Request form for applicants whose background check results would otherwise disqualify them from enrollment — used to request an exception based on individual circumstances.

Filed by: Applicants with a background check issue

Overtime & Exemptions

IHSS Program Provider Workweek and Travel Time Agreement

Confirms that you understand the workweek overtime rules, the weekly hour cap, and paid travel time rules. Required before travel time can be authorized in some counties.

Filed by: All providers — required at enrollment in some counties
SOC 2271ASee guide →

Notification of Maximum Weekly Hours

A notice from your county showing your calculated weekly maximum hours (monthly authorized ÷ 4). Not filed by the provider — sent by the county.

Filed by: Sent by county to provider

Live-In Family Care Provider Overtime Exemption (Exemption 1)

Application for Exemption 1 — allows grandfathered live-in family providers serving two or more recipients to work up to 90 hours per week. Not available to new providers.

Filed by: Eligible live-in family providers (grandfathered)

Extraordinary Circumstances Overtime Exemption (Exemption 2)

Application for Exemption 2 — allows providers caring for two or more recipients with extraordinary needs to work up to 90 hours per week and 360 hours per month. County approval required.

Filed by: Eligible providers serving 2+ recipients with complex needs

Ready to plan your hours?

Use the free IHSS Planner to build a compliant day-by-day schedule and see your estimated monthly earnings — in under 2 minutes.

Use the Free IHSS Planner →

Pay & Taxes

IHSS and WPCS Live-In Self-Certification (Income Tax Wage Exclusion)

Filed by live-in family providers to certify they live with their recipient and qualify for the IRS Notice 2014-7 wage exclusion — potentially excluding all IHSS income from federal and state taxable income.

Filed by: Live-in family providers who qualify for the tax exemption

IHSS and WPCS Live-In Self-Certification Cancellation

Cancels a previously filed SOC 2298 — used when a live-in provider moves out or no longer qualifies for the wage exclusion.

Filed by: Live-in providers cancelling their SOC 2298 exemption

IHSS Program Provider Sick Leave Request

Paper form used to claim your 40 annual paid sick leave hours when not submitting through ESP. Mail in a separate envelope — not with your regular timesheet. No reason required; only your signature.

Filed by: Eligible providers claiming sick leave via paper (not ESP)

Account Changes

SOC 840

Provider/Recipient Change of Address and/or Telephone

Used to update your mailing address or phone number on file with your county IHSS office. Keep this current so your warrants (checks) and W-2 reach you.

Filed by: Providers or recipients with a change of address or phone

Source: CDSS Forms — Alphabetic List (Q–T). Additional forms may exist; verify against CDSS.ca.gov before relying on this list for official program decisions.

📅 Free 2026–2027 IHSS Provider Calendar

Never miss a timesheet deadline or pay date.

Get Free Calendar →

📋 Does your recipient qualify for more hours?

Protective Supervision can authorize up to 283 hours/month. Read our plain-language guide.

Learn More →

Build your compliant IHSS schedule free

Apply what you just learned — generate a day-by-day plan in under 2 minutes.

Launch Planner