Can I qualify for EDD unemployment while caring for my elderly father? IHSS isn't enough

Unfortunately, one of the core requirements for receiving unemployment benefits in California is that you must be able and available for work. This means you need to be actively seeking employment and ready to accept suitable work when offered. Based on your description, it sounds like you wouldn't be able to meet this requirement due to your full-time caregiving responsibilities. Have you looked into other assistance programs? You might qualify for CalFresh (food stamps) or other forms of assistance. There are also respite care programs through California Caregiver Resource Centers that might give you some time to work part-time.

im pretty sure u CANT get EDD if ur not looking 4 work. thats like the whole point of it. my cousin tried something similar when she was taking care of her mom with alzheimers and got denied.

This is SO FRUSTRATING!! The system punishes people who take care of family members. I went through something similar with my mother last year - couldn't find work because I had to care for her, but couldn't get benefits because I "wasn't available for work." It's a cruel catch-22 and shows how the ENTIRE SYSTEM is broken! I ended up having to put my mom in a facility that drained her life savings because I couldn't afford to care for her at home. The EDD doesn't care about families!!

My sister was in a similar situation!! She ended up finding a work-from-home data entry job that let her make some money while still being there for our mom. It wasn't much but it helped supplement the IHSS. Maybe look into remote jobs that have flexible hours?

I work at a non-profit that assists caregivers, and I want to clarify some important points: 1. You're correct that regular unemployment benefits require being available for work, which doesn't sound compatible with your situation. 2. IHSS payments that go to another caregiver shouldn't count as your income for most assistance programs, but you'll need to clearly document this. 3. Have you explored increasing your IHSS hours? If your father's condition has worsened, you might qualify for more hours, allowing you to be paid for more of your caregiving work. 4. California has a program called the Caregiver Resource Centers (CRCs) that offer support, including possible financial assistance: https://www.caregivercalifornia.org/ 5. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for additional resources: https://www.aging.ca.gov/Find_Services_in_My_County/ Don't give up - there are resources available, just not through traditional unemployment.

When I was desperate to talk to EDD about a different issue last year, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person. They have a system that calls EDD for you and connects you when they get through. Saved me HOURS of frustration. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km Might be worth talking directly to EDD about your situation instead of just assuming you don't qualify. Sometimes there are special circumstances or other programs they can tell you about that you won't find online.

My aunt got something called PFL (paid family leave) when she was taking care of my grandma last year. Have you looked into that?

have you talked to your dads doctor? sometimes they can refer you to social services that have special programs. my moms doctor connected us with a case manager who found us a bunch of resources when we were in a similar spot. worth asking!!

Just to follow up on some of the suggestions here, I'd recommend you take these specific actions: 1. Contact your local Caregiver Resource Center immediately 2. Schedule an IHSS reassessment to potentially increase hours 3. Apply for CalFresh benefits 4. Talk to your father's doctor about a social services referral 5. Consider using Claimyr to speak directly with EDD about any special programs While traditional unemployment likely won't be available to you, this combination of resources might provide enough support to make your situation manageable. The California Department of Aging also has a helpline (1-800-510-2020) that can connect you with local senior resources.

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult situation. As a caregiver myself, I understand how isolating and financially stressful it can be. While you likely won't qualify for traditional unemployment benefits due to the availability requirement, there might be other options worth exploring. Have you looked into whether your county offers any emergency assistance programs for caregivers? Some counties have small emergency funds or grants specifically for family caregivers facing financial hardship. Also, if your father is a veteran, there are additional VA caregiver support programs that might help. Another suggestion - check if your local community college offers any online certification programs that could be completed while caregiving. Some have flexible scheduling and financial aid that might help you build skills for future remote work opportunities. Stay strong - you're doing incredibly important work caring for your father, even if the system doesn't adequately support it.

I'm a caregiver advocate and want to add a few more resources that might help your situation. First, contact 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) - they have comprehensive databases of local assistance programs that many people don't know about, including emergency utility assistance and food banks. Since your dad is a Vietnam veteran, definitely explore the VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. It can provide monthly payments, training, and respite care. The application process takes time, but it's worth starting immediately. Also consider contacting your state assembly member's office - they often have caseworkers who can help navigate benefit applications and sometimes know about emergency assistance funds that aren't widely publicized. Many offices have helped constituents in similar situations find stopgap assistance while waiting for other programs to kick in. You're not alone in this struggle, and you're doing something incredibly valuable even if it's not recognized financially by our systems.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now with my mom who has dementia. One thing that helped me was contacting my local Senior and Disability Services office - they had a caseworker who walked me through every possible assistance program I might qualify for. Some I'd never heard of, like emergency rent assistance through community action agencies. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're claiming your dad as a dependent on your taxes if possible. My tax preparer told me about the Credit for Other Dependents which can help a little at tax time. It's not immediate help but every bit counts. Have you considered reaching out to local churches or community organizations? Even if you're not religious, many have emergency assistance funds for community members facing hardship. I was embarrassed to ask at first, but the pastor at a church near me said they help caregivers regularly and connected me with their benevolence fund. Hang in there - what you're doing for your father is so important even when the system makes it feel impossible.

I'm a former EDD caseworker and want to clarify something important that might give you hope. While regular UI benefits require you to be available for work, California does have some lesser-known programs that might apply to your situation. First, there's the Disability Insurance (DI) program for caregivers who become unable to work due to their own health conditions that arise from caregiving stress - this is separate from PFL. Some caregivers qualify if they develop anxiety, depression, or physical ailments from the stress of caregiving. Second, and this is crucial - if you can demonstrate that you're able to do ANY work (even just a few hours per week of remote work), you might qualify for partial unemployment benefits under the "work sharing" provisions. The key is showing you're available for SOME work, not necessarily full-time work. I'd strongly recommend calling EDD directly and specifically asking about these scenarios. Don't let the first representative dismiss you - ask to speak with a specialist about caregiver situations. Document everything in writing. Also check if your county has a "Caregiver Support Specialist" - it's a newer position some counties created specifically to help people navigate exactly this type of situation.