UDW Member Donal Jones (Left) and his client Joseph Clarke (Right).

By Donal Jones, IHSS provider in San Diego County

I’ve been a caregiver for 23 years, and I’ve always enjoyed being there for others. But recently I got shocking news: I had accrued four IHSS timesheet violations for making accidental mistakes on my timesheets, and I was facing removal from the IHSS program for a year! I knew I needed someone to be there for me, so I called my union.

I have three clients with a variety of needs who depend on me. But I was having issues with filling out my timesheet correctly and figuring out how to record my travel time to doctor’s appointments. Before I knew it I was being told I might lose my job.

I love being an IHSS caregiver. When I found out I might be kicked out of the IHSS program, I was scared. Who would care for my three clients? How would I support my ten-year-old son?

Thankfully, I remembered that I had a union that would help me in times like this. I called my local office and found out that, as members of UDW, we have access to free help navigating IHSS—something outside organizations have charged up to $7,000 for. The union helped me fill out the paperwork to appeal my violations and suspension from IHSS. With their help, I had the violations removed and am able to continue to care for my clients.

UDW helped me make sure I could still be there for my clients and continue to support my family. I don’t know what I would have done without them. If you need help with IHSS, reach out to UDW! They’ll do whatever they can to help.