Connecticut Caregiver Travel Time Between Work Locations
This guide explains the basic difference between an ordinary commute and travel that occurs after the workday has begun.
Quick answer: Federal guidance states that travel from job site to job site during the workday is generally hours worked. Ordinary travel from home to the first work location and from the last work location home is generally commuting, but individual facts and exceptions matter.
A simple example
A worker finishes an assigned visit for one client and is then required to travel directly to another assigned client during the same workday. U.S. Department of Labor guidance for home-care and health-care work says that job-site-to-job-site travel during the workday is compensable time.
This is different from an ordinary trip from home to the first work location or from the last work location home. Other facts—such as whether the worker is relieved from duty, accompanying a client, waiting, traveling overnight, or covered by an exemption—can change the analysis.
Facts to review on your own records
The date and the start and end time of each work assignment.
Whether an employer required the second assignment or destination.
The time the first assignment ended and the next assignment began.
Whether any work was performed, or the worker was required to assist a client, during travel.
What the pay statement and employer time record show.
Any written policy that applies to travel time or mileage.
Do not enter these details on this website. Keep lawful records you already possess and follow the official agency’s secure instructions.
What is not decided by this page
This page does not determine employee or contractor status, coverage, exemptions, reimbursement rights, damages, deadlines, or whether a violation occurred. Mileage reimbursement and payment for travel time are different questions. A union agreement, employment agreement, state rule, or other law may also matter.
Official next steps
Read the federal home-care and health-care fact sheets below.
Compare the guidance with your own pay and time records.
For general questions, contact the U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division or Connecticut Department of Labor.
If you are considering a claim, confirm the current deadline and jurisdiction directly with the agency or qualified counsel.
Official sources and review date
U.S. Department of Labor — Fact Sheet #79D, domestic-service hours worked
Official source reviewed September 20, 2026. Confirm current instructions on the agency page.
U.S. Department of Labor — Fact Sheet #53, health care industry and hours worked
Official source reviewed September 20, 2026. Confirm current instructions on the agency page.
U.S. Department of Labor — Fact Sheet #22, hours worked
Official source reviewed September 20, 2026. Confirm current instructions on the agency page.
Connecticut Department of Labor — Wage & Workplace Standards complaint information
Official source reviewed September 20, 2026. Confirm current instructions on the agency page.
Last reviewed: September 20, 2026. A source page may change after review.
Limits and corrections
This page provides general educational information, not legal advice, a government determination, or a promise of confidentiality, employment protection, investigation, enforcement, payment, or another outcome.
To suggest a source correction, email ABI@CTBRAININJURY.com with only the page title and the newer official source URL. Do not include a name, telephone number, medical information, Medicaid identifier, schedule, screenshot, personnel record, complaint evidence, or other confidential information.




