Everything specific to Monterey County — current provider wages, your Public Authority, and how to appeal a Notice of Action.
📩 Get occasional IHSS policy updates & new county guides:
$21.04
Hourly Wage
Effective Jul 1, 2026 · CDSS
Monterey Co. PA
Public Authority
Central Coast
Region
Overview
Monterey County's IHSS program is administered by the County Department of Social Services, with the Monterey County Public Authority operating a provider registry that matches consumer needs to individual provider experience and task preference across the Salinas Valley and coastal areas.
Monterey County recently ratified a new SEIU Local 2015 contract delivering some of the largest wage gains on the Central Coast, with scheduled increases continuing through 2027.
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Questions about IHSS in Monterey County?
Clara has Monterey County’s contacts and current wage, and can explain how hours are decided.
Monterey County by the Numbers
Official CDSS figuresCDSS program data · July 2026
7,717
Recipients Served
111.0
Avg Monthly Hours Authorized
8.0 below state avg
7,090
Active Providers
775
Receiving Protective Supervision
10% of recipients
Average authorized hours vs. California
111.0 hrs
state avg 119
Provider wage vs. California average
$21.04/hr
CA county avg $18.95
Wage rank #5 of 58Hours rank #46 of 58
Communities served: Salinas, Monterey, Seaside, King City and more
Statewide, 925,481 Californians received IHSS in July 2026, averaging 119 authorized hours a month.
Source: CDSS IHSS Program Data.
Where should you start?
Pick the path that matches where you are right now.
Monterey's wage is on a scheduled step increase through 2027 under its current union contract. Confirm your current rate directly with the Monterey County Public Authority before relying on this figure.
Local Notes & Quirks
Major recent wage gains: Monterey's newest SEIU 2015 contract raises pay from $20.64 in January 2026 to $21.04 in July 2026 and $21.39 by July 2027 — one of the more significant recent increases on the Central Coast.
Two office locations: Monterey County IHSS maintains offices in both Salinas and King City, reflecting the county's large geographic footprint from the coast to the Salinas Valley.
Fax and mail both accepted: Applications can be faxed directly to (831) 796-8667 or mailed, in addition to calling — useful if you don't have reliable internet access.
Appealing a Notice of Action in Monterey County
If Monterey County reduces, denies, or terminates your IHSS hours, the appeal process is governed by state regulation — the same 90-day deadline applies regardless of county:
You have 90 days from the date on your Notice of Action to request a State Hearing
Call the State Hearings Division at 1-800-952-5253 to request a hearing
Or mail a written request to: California Department of Social Services, State Hearings Division, P.O. Box 944243, Sacramento, CA 94244
Requesting your hearing before the Notice of Action's effective date preserves Aid Paid Pending — meaning you keep your current hours while the appeal is decided
For free legal help with a Monterey County IHSS appeal, Disability Rights California can be reached at 1-800-776-5746.
Heading into your Monterey County assessment?
The Clarity Report gives you a personalized estimate of the hours you may qualify for, built on California's official Hourly Task Guidelines — before you sit down with your county social worker.