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.
“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. For the Protective Supervision forms, see the SOC 821 medical assessment guide.
Enrollment
ProviderSOC 426 — IHSS Program Provider Enrollment
See guide →SOC 426 is the primary IHSS provider enrollment form — it authorizes your criminal background check (Live Scan) and formally registers you as an IHSS provider.
ProviderSOC 846 — IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Agreement
See guide →SOC 846 is the IHSS Program Provider Enrollment Agreement you sign at orientation, acknowledging the program rules, responsibilities, and terms of employment.
ProviderSOC 847 — Important Information for Prospective Providers
See guide →SOC 847 is an informational handout for prospective providers, covering the enrollment process, eligibility rules, and what to expect as an IHSS provider.
ProviderSOC 863 — Applicant Provider Request for General Exception
SOC 863 is the form applicants use to request a general exception when their background-check results would otherwise disqualify them from enrollment — an exception based on individual circumstances.
Overtime & Exemptions
ProviderSOC 2255 — IHSS Program Provider Workweek and Travel Time Agreement
See guide →SOC 2255 is the IHSS Provider Workweek and Travel Time Agreement — it confirms 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.
ProviderSOC 2271 — Provider Notification of Recipient Authorized Hours and Services and Maximum Weekly Hours
See guide →SOC 2271 is the county’s written notification to the provider of the recipient’s authorized hours and services and your calculated maximum weekly hours (monthly authorized ÷ 4). It is sent by the county — not filed by you. The matching notice sent to the recipient is SOC 2271A.
RecipientSOC 2271A — Recipient Notice of Maximum Weekly Hours
See guide →SOC 2271A is the county’s notice to the recipient — not the provider — confirming the recipient’s authorized maximum weekly hours. If you are a provider, the notice addressed to you is SOC 2271. Recipients often hand this letter to their provider, which is why the two are easy to mix up.
ProviderSOC 2279 — Live-In Family Care Provider Overtime Exemption (Exemption 1)
See guide →SOC 2279 is the application for Exemption 1 — it lets grandfathered live-in family providers serving two or more recipients work up to 90 hours per week. Not available to new providers.
ProviderSOC 2305 — Extraordinary Circumstances Overtime Exemption (Exemption 2)
See guide →SOC 2305 is the application for Exemption 2 — it lets providers caring for two or more recipients with extraordinary needs work up to 90 hours per week and 360 hours per month, with county approval.
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ProviderSOC 2298 — IHSS and WPCS Live-In Self-Certification (Income Tax Wage Exclusion)
See guide →SOC 2298 is the IHSS/WPCS Live-In Self-Certification form — live-in family providers file it 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.
ProviderSOC 2299 — IHSS and WPCS Live-In Self-Certification Cancellation
See guide →SOC 2299 is the form that cancels a previously filed SOC 2298 — used when a live-in provider moves out or no longer qualifies for the wage exclusion.
ProviderSOC 2302 — IHSS Program Provider Sick Leave Request
See guide →SOC 2302 is the paper form used to claim your 40 annual paid sick-leave hours when you are not submitting through ESP. Mail it in a separate envelope — not with your regular timesheet. No reason required; only your signature.
Account Changes
Provider & RecipientSOC 840 — Provider/Recipient Change of Address and/or Telephone
SOC 840 is the form used to update your mailing address or phone number on file with your county IHSS office. Keep it current so your warrants (checks) and W-2 reach you.
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.
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Related Guides
How to Become an IHSS Provider
Orientation, Live Scan, enrollment paperwork, and your first paycheck — the full process, start to finish.
Is IHSS Income Taxable?
When IHSS wages are taxable, the income-tax exclusion for live-in providers, and what to do if taxes were withheld by mistake.
IHSS Sick Leave
How paid sick leave is earned, when you can start using it, and when unused hours expire.
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