Public Authority

The Public Authority works as a partner with In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) in San Mateo County to serve providers and consumers in the program. Public Authorities were established by State mandate to act as the Employer of Record and to operate a Registry of providers to serve IHSS consumers. The Public Authority is a separate agency from the County and is governed by the Board of Supervisors with input from an advisory committee. ​

The Public Authority provides the following services in San Mateo County:

• Provides lists of screened providers to IHSS recipients/consumers.
• Provides assistance to IHSS recipients/consumers who require additional help in hiring a provider or in establishing a positive working relationship with their Registry provider.
• Free educational workshops to providers and consumers.
• Personnel services/benefits for IHSS providers.

UPDATE: Due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we have had to make the following changes to our operations in order to protect the health and safety of you, our staff and our community.

IHSS Providers: If you are a current IHSS Provider in San Mateo County and need to speak to your Payroll Specialist, Benefits Specialist, or about another IHSS Provider matter, please click here for our contact information directory.

IHSS Recipients/Consumers: If you have a loss of a provider due COVID-19 related reasons, please contact your IHSS Social Worker. As an IHSS recipient, you may qualify for a short-term emergency backup provider to be dispatched based on your available authorized IHSS hours.

Back-Up Providers are not a replacement for emergency medical assistance. Therefore, please call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency. 

Essential Protective Gear (EPG) for IHSS Providers and IHSS Recipients during COVID-19 

Starting June 9th, 2020, a limited number of EPG (i.e., gloves and masks) are available for IHSS providers and IHSS recipients who meet the following criteria:

• Are an active and eligible IHSS provider or IHSS recipient in San Mateo County; 

• Are willing to pick up the EPG at the 225 37th Avenue campus by appointment only. 

• Please note: if you are unable to pick up the EPG packet in-person, arrangements can be made for the EPG to be mailed.

IHSS providers and IHSS recipients may request for COVID-19 related EPG by calling the Public Authority at (833) 650-2272.