Can IHSS caregivers qualify for EDD unemployment benefits after client passes away?

Yes, IHSS providers CAN qualify for unemployment benefits! I went through this exact situation last year when my client moved to a nursing facility. Since IHSS caregivers have payroll taxes withheld (including unemployment insurance), you're generally eligible if you meet the other standard requirements. You'll need your last IHSS pay stub, your provider number, and possibly the termination notice from the county. When you file, make sure to list your employer as the "State of California - IHSS" not your relative. Some EDD reps get confused about IHSS employment.

sry bout ur grandma :( my cousin did ihss n got unemployment after her client went 2 hospital. she said make sure u say ur employed by the STATE not by the person u cared for. good luck!

I tried getting UI after my IHSS client passed and got DENIED initially!! EDD said I was self-employed (WRONG) and didn't qualify. Had to appeal and send in tons of paperwork proving I was actually employed by the State through IHSS program. Eventually got approved but took MONTHS. KEEP ALL YOUR PAYSTUBS and timesheets!!! You might need to prove your employment history.

IHSS providers are considered employees of the state for unemployment insurance purposes. You qualify for UI benefits if: 1. You earned enough wages during your base period 2. You're able and available for work 3. You're actively seeking employment 4. Your job loss wasn't your fault When filing, use "State of California - IHSS" as your employer with the address of your county IHSS office. Have your provider number, SSN, and all pay documentation ready. If you get stuck in pending status (common for IHSS providers due to employer verification issues), be prepared to follow up. If you're having trouble reaching EDD to resolve issues, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They helped me get through to an actual EDD rep when my claim was stuck in verification. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km

My aunt does IHSS and said something about needing enough "quarters" of work to qualify. Its not just about if you were an employee, but if you earned enough money during the "base period" which is like a year before you apply. If you only worked part-time for IHSS you might not have enough earnings to qualify even if you are technically eligible as an employee type.

When I lost my IHSS client, it took me 11 WEEKS to actually get my first payment!!! The system is BROKEN for IHSS workers!! Called EDD literally 37 times before getting through. Had to contact my Assembly member's office to get help. They kept saying my employer wasn't responding to verification (duh, because it's a system not a person). If I could do it again, I would've demanded the IHSS office give me a specific contact person at the state level who handles UI verification.

To answer your follow-up question - yes, there are some things you can do proactively: 1. Contact your county IHSS office NOW and request a letter confirming your employment dates and that services ended due to client death (not your fault) 2. When filing, be very clear that you were a W2 employee of "State of California - IHSS" (some IHSS workers are under Public Authorities in certain counties - check your paystub) 3. Call EDD after filing to confirm they've properly classified you (don't wait for problems) 4. If you get stuck in pending, remember you can request a determination interview to speak directly with a claim specialist The key issue most IHSS workers face is the employer verification step, since there's no traditional HR department to respond to EDD inquiries.

Just wanted to add - if your IHSS hours were for caring for a family member, EDD might question if you were truly "available for work" during that time (a requirement for benefits). Be prepared to explain how you were able to work those hours while being available for other employment. This comes up more often with family caregivers than with IHSS workers caring for non-relatives.

I'm so sorry for your loss. Going through unemployment issues while grieving is incredibly stressful. Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like you definitely qualify since you've been paying into the system for 2.5 years. One thing I'd add - make sure you apply as soon as possible since there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start, and with the potential delays others mentioned for IHSS workers, you want to get the process started right away. Also, when they ask about your reason for separation, be very clear that it was due to "client death" - that's considered involuntary termination and shouldn't hurt your claim. The fact that you had a flexible schedule working evenings/weekends actually works in your favor for showing you were available for other work. Hang in there!

I'm really sorry for your loss, Oliver. Losing a family member while worrying about finances is incredibly difficult. Based on everyone's shared experiences here, you definitely seem to qualify for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider. One additional tip I haven't seen mentioned - when you file your claim, make sure to save screenshots of every step in the process and keep detailed records of all phone calls (dates, times, rep names if you get them). The IHSS-to-EDD process can be confusing for their system, so having a paper trail helps if you need to escalate issues later. Also, don't be discouraged if your first call to EDD doesn't go smoothly - their phone reps sometimes aren't familiar with IHSS employment specifics. Stay persistent and remember that you've been paying into unemployment insurance for 2.5 years, so you've earned these benefits. Wishing you the best during this tough transition.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Oliver. Losing your grandmother while also facing financial uncertainty must be incredibly overwhelming. From all the helpful responses here, it's clear that you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider - you've been paying into the system for 2.5 years, so these benefits are rightfully yours. A few additional thoughts based on everyone's experiences: Consider reaching out to your local DPSS/IHSS office before filing to get that employment verification letter in hand. Also, if you encounter any delays or confusing responses from EDD reps, remember that you can request to speak with a supervisor who may be more familiar with IHSS employment situations. One thing that might help during this transition - many counties have emergency assistance programs for former IHSS providers who lose clients. It might be worth asking your IHSS social worker about any temporary support programs while you're waiting for unemployment benefits to kick in. You've got a whole community here rooting for you. Take care of yourself during this difficult time, and don't hesitate to come back with updates or if you run into any roadblocks with the process.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Oliver. Losing a loved one while facing financial uncertainty is incredibly difficult. Based on everyone's shared experiences here, you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider - you've been paying unemployment insurance taxes for 2.5 years, so these benefits are rightfully yours. Here's what I'd recommend based on the great advice already shared: 1. Apply online ASAP to start the clock ticking on your waiting period 2. Get that employment verification letter from your IHSS office before filing 3. Use "State of California - IHSS" as your employer with your county IHSS office address 4. Keep detailed records of everything (screenshots, call logs, etc.) 5. Be very clear that separation was due to "client death" - involuntary termination The system has quirks for IHSS workers, but you're definitely eligible. Many people here have successfully navigated this process, even if it took some persistence. Don't let initial confusion from EDD reps discourage you - some aren't familiar with IHSS employment specifics. Also consider asking about emergency assistance programs while you're waiting for benefits to process. Take care of yourself during this transition, and please update us on how it goes!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Oliver. Losing your grandmother and facing financial uncertainty at the same time must be incredibly overwhelming. From everyone's responses here, it's crystal clear that you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider - you've been paying into the system for 2.5 years, so these benefits are yours by right. What strikes me most from reading all these experiences is how common the initial confusion is with EDD reps who aren't familiar with IHSS employment. Don't let that discourage you - you ARE an employee of the State of California through the IHSS program, not self-employed or an independent contractor. One thing I'd add to all the excellent advice here: when you file your claim, you might also want to have your Social Security statement handy (you can get it online at ssa.gov) to verify your earnings history if EDD has any questions. Since IHSS wages are reported to Social Security, this can serve as additional proof of your employment status. The fact that you worked consistent hours over 2.5 years and had taxes withheld puts you in a strong position. Yes, the system has quirks for IHSS workers, but you have every right to these benefits. Stay persistent, document everything, and don't hesitate to escalate if you hit roadblocks. Wishing you strength during this difficult transition. Please keep us posted on how it goes - your experience could really help other IHSS caregivers facing similar situations.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Oliver. Losing your grandmother while dealing with financial stress must be incredibly difficult. Reading through all these responses, I want to emphasize something important - you absolutely deserve these unemployment benefits. You've been paying unemployment insurance taxes for 2.5 years as a legitimate IHSS employee, so don't let anyone make you feel like you're asking for something you haven't earned. From what everyone has shared, the key seems to be preparation and persistence. Make sure you have all your documentation ready before filing, especially that employment verification letter from IHSS. And don't be surprised if the first EDD rep you talk to seems confused about IHSS employment - it's unfortunately common, but it doesn't mean you don't qualify. One thing that might help psychologically during this process: remember that your work as an IHSS caregiver was real employment providing essential services. The state recognized this by withholding unemployment taxes from your paychecks. You're not gaming the system - you're using benefits you've legitimately earned. Take care of yourself during this transition, and please don't hesitate to advocate firmly for yourself if you encounter any pushback from EDD. This community clearly has your back, and we'd love to hear how things progress.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Oliver. Going through the death of a loved one while worrying about finances is incredibly stressful, and I can only imagine how overwhelming this must feel right now. Based on all the experiences shared here, you definitely qualify for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider. The fact that you've been paying unemployment insurance taxes for 2.5 years is proof that the state considers you a legitimate employee entitled to these benefits. A few practical tips to add to the excellent advice already given: 1. When you call your IHSS office tomorrow, ask specifically for a "verification of employment" letter that includes your start date, end date, and reason for termination (client death). Having this official document can prevent delays. 2. If you get stuck during the online application, don't give up. Many IHSS providers have to make multiple attempts or call for help because the system isn't well-designed for our employment situation. 3. Consider filing early in the morning (around 6-7 AM) when EDD's system tends to be less busy and more responsive. The most important thing to remember is that you're not asking for a handout - you've earned these benefits through 2.5 years of contributions. Even if you encounter initial confusion from EDD staff, stay persistent and polite. Your employment history and tax records speak for themselves. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Please keep us updated on how the process goes!

I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandmother, Oliver. What a heartbreaking situation to deal with while also worrying about your financial security. From everything shared here, you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider. The key things that stand out from everyone's experiences: 1. You've been paying unemployment insurance taxes for 2.5 years - these benefits are rightfully yours 2. IHSS providers are employees of the State of California, not independent contractors 3. Client death is considered involuntary termination, which won't hurt your claim I'd recommend calling your IHSS office first thing tomorrow to request that employment verification letter before you file online. Having that documentation upfront could save you weeks of delays that others have experienced. One thing I haven't seen mentioned - if you do run into verification issues with EDD, you can also contact your county's Public Authority (if your county has one) as they sometimes handle the employer verification process for IHSS providers instead of the state directly. It's worth asking your IHSS office about this when you call. Your 65 hours per month over 2.5 years should easily meet the earnings requirements for benefits. Don't let any initial confusion from EDD discourage you - you've earned these benefits through your dedicated service. Hang in there, and please keep us posted on how the process goes. Your experience will definitely help other IHSS caregivers facing similar transitions.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Oliver. Losing your grandmother while also facing financial uncertainty must be incredibly overwhelming. Based on all the detailed experiences shared here, you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider. The fact that you've been consistently paying unemployment insurance taxes for 2.5 years proves you're a legitimate state employee entitled to these benefits. Here's my recommended action plan based on everyone's advice: **Tomorrow morning:** - Call IHSS office early to request "verification of employment" letter (include start date, end date, reason: client death) - Ask about Public Authority involvement in employer verification if applicable in your county - Inquire about any emergency assistance programs for former IHSS providers **When filing online:** - Use "State of California - IHSS" as employer with county IHSS office address - Have your provider number, recent paystubs, W-2, and Social Security statement ready - File early morning (6-7 AM) when system is less busy - Screenshot everything and keep detailed records **If you encounter issues:** - Remember many EDD reps aren't familiar with IHSS employment - ask for supervisors if needed - Your 65 hours/month over 2.5 years easily meets earning requirements - Don't be discouraged by initial confusion - you've earned these benefits The consistent message from everyone here is clear: IHSS providers DO qualify, but the system has quirks. Stay persistent, document everything, and advocate for yourself confidently. You've provided essential care services as a professional employee - you deserve these benefits you've paid into. Please keep us updated on your progress!

I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandmother, Oliver. What you're going through - grieving while facing financial uncertainty - is incredibly difficult, and my heart goes out to you. Based on all the comprehensive advice shared here, you're absolutely entitled to unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider. You've been paying unemployment insurance taxes for 2.5 years, which makes you a legitimate state employee with earned rights to these benefits. I wanted to add one more practical tip that might help: when you call the IHSS office tomorrow, also ask if they can email you a copy of your original provider enrollment/agreement documents. Sometimes EDD asks for these during the verification process, and having them ready can prevent additional delays. Also, don't forget to take care of your emotional well-being during this transition. Navigating bureaucracy while grieving is exhausting, so be patient with yourself if the process feels overwhelming at times. The community here has given you such detailed, actionable advice. You're going into this process well-prepared and with the knowledge that many others have successfully navigated the same path. Your grandmother would be proud of how thoughtfully you're handling this difficult situation. Wishing you strength and hoping for a smooth process ahead. Please do keep us updated - your experience will surely help other IHSS caregivers who may face similar transitions.

I'm so deeply sorry for the loss of your grandmother, Oliver. Losing a loved one while simultaneously facing financial uncertainty is one of life's most challenging situations, and I can only imagine how overwhelming this must feel right now. After reading through all the incredibly detailed and supportive responses here, it's absolutely clear that you qualify for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider. You've been faithfully paying unemployment insurance taxes for 2.5 years - these aren't charity benefits, they're compensation you've legitimately earned through your dedicated service. What really stands out to me from everyone's experiences is how prepared you now are for this process. You have a comprehensive roadmap: get that employment verification letter from IHSS first thing tomorrow, file online with "State of California - IHSS" as your employer, keep detailed documentation of everything, and don't let any initial confusion from EDD reps discourage you. Your consistent 65 hours per month over 2.5 years puts you in a strong position earnings-wise, and the fact that your employment ended due to client death (involuntary termination) works in your favor. Yes, the system has quirks for IHSS workers, but as everyone here has proven, persistence pays off. One final thought: your work as an IHSS caregiver provided essential, dignified care for your grandmother. The state recognized this as legitimate employment by withholding taxes from every paycheck. You deserve these benefits with zero shame or hesitation. Sending you strength during this difficult transition. Please keep us posted - your journey will undoubtedly help other IHSS caregivers facing similar circumstances.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your grandmother, Oliver. What you're experiencing - grieving while facing financial uncertainty - is incredibly difficult, and I want you to know that this community is here to support you. After reading through all these detailed responses, it's crystal clear that you absolutely qualify for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider. You've been paying unemployment insurance taxes for 2.5 years, which makes you a legitimate state employee with full rights to these benefits. Everyone here has given you such comprehensive advice that I feel confident you're going into this well-prepared. The key takeaways seem to be: • Get that employment verification letter from IHSS before filing • Use "State of California - IHSS" as your employer when applying • Don't be discouraged if EDD reps seem confused initially - it's unfortunately common • Keep detailed records of everything • Remember that your 2.5 years of consistent work easily meets the earnings requirements What really strikes me is how your fellow IHSS providers have rallied around you with practical, experience-based advice. That speaks volumes about both this community and the legitimate nature of IHSS employment. You provided essential, professional care for your grandmother, and the state recognized this by treating you as an employee and withholding unemployment taxes. These benefits aren't a favor - they're compensation you've earned. Take care of yourself during this transition, and please don't hesitate to come back with updates. Your experience navigating this process will surely help other IHSS caregivers who may face similar situations in the future. Wishing you strength and hoping for a smooth process ahead.