Santa Clara Home Care Employer Accused of Underpaying Caregivers: What Workers Should Know About Wage Theft

A recent lawsuit in Santa Clara County targets a Milpitas home care business. Happy Trip Home Care allegedly paid caregivers far below minimum wage, denied them rest and meal breaks, and misused their personal information. 

According to SC County, Happy Trip Home Care recruited primarily Filipino immigrants through word-of-mouth networks.

• Workers were reportedly paid as little as $4.17 per hour for 24-hour shifts.
• Clients were charged $300 to $500 per day for the same care. 
• The caregivers’ duties included assisting with showering, eating, administering medications, and performing other daily activities. 
• In at least one instance, the owners allegedly took a worker’s passport and bank account information, then used it to make unauthorized transactions.

Under California law, employees must be paid at least the minimum hourly rate and receive overtime pay for all hours worked exceeding eight in a day or 40 in a workweek. Additionally, employers must provide meal and rest breaks and issue accurate wage statements showing hours worked, pay rate, and deductions. The law allows workers to recover waiting time penalties if their wages are delayed.

Wage theft is a prevalent issue in the caregiving sector. A 2021 study by the Santa Clara County Wage Theft Coalition identified:

• 1,628 wage theft cases in the residential care industry.
• It affected 3,474 workers and resulted in over $15 million in unpaid wages. 

Many workers are immigrants who may feel hesitant to speak up for fear of losing their jobs or facing other consequences. California law protects all workers, regardless of immigration status, and prohibits retaliation against employees who assert their rights.

Recent state legislation further strengthens protections. SB 261, a law passed in October 2025, imposes triple penalties on employers who fail to pay wages after a judgment. California laws empower workers to recover unpaid wages and hold employers accountable for violations.

Erlich Law Firm helps workers understand their rights and pursue remedies for wage theft and other employment violations. If you believe you have been underpaid or treated unfairly at work, our Oakland employment lawyers can explain your options under California law. We are dedicated to ensuring you recover what you’re owed. Contact Erlich Law Firm today for a free initial consultation.