I was about to be kicked out of IHSS for timesheet violations… so I turned to my union for help

August 7, 2018

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.

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