What is IHSS Public Authority?

The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Public Authority was established by state law and local ordinance in 2001 by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. The IHSS Public Authority is responsible for specific tasks to help eligible recipients and providers of IHSS in our county.

What does the IHSS Public Authority do?

• Manages enrollment of IHSS providers.
• Provides and maintains a registry of IHSS providers.
• Helps match consumers with screened providers and assists both parties in this relationship.
• Provides information about available trainings.
• Assists both recipient and providers to problem solve.
• Acts as employer of record for all IHSS providers for collective bargaining purposes (for wages and benefits).
  • View the IHSS Provider MOU (PDF, 484 KB)
• Provides gloves, facemasks and antibacterial gel to IHSS Providers.
  • Starting September 2025, the distribution of gloves, facemasks, and antibacterial gel will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays only at both the Santa Cruz and Watsonville IHSS office locations. This change was made in agreement with SEIU 2015 and the IHSS Public Authority of the County of Santa Cruz. CLICK HERE to access a PDF flyer (12.2 MB), in English and Spanish, for more details.
  • Supplies are limited! There may be times when the Public Authority cannot provide all requested items. Please call the Public Authority at (831)454-4036 to confirm availability of these items.