Can IHSS caregivers qualify for EDD unemployment benefits after client passes away?
I've been working as an IHSS caregiver for my grandmother for the past 2.5 years (about 65 hours a month). She recently passed away, and I'm wondering if I qualify for unemployment benefits since I no longer have those hours. I've had payroll taxes taken out of every check, but when I mentioned filing for unemployment to my IHSS social worker, she seemed unsure if I'd qualify. Has anyone here successfully filed for unemployment after losing an IHSS client? What documentation did you need to provide to EDD? I'm really stressed about making ends meet while I look for a new job.
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Natasha Romanova
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.
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Oliver Weber
•Thank you so much! That's a huge relief. Did you file online or by phone? I tried the online system but got stuck when it asked for employer information - wasn't sure exactly what to put for the address since technically it was work done in my grandmother's home.
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NebulaNinja
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!
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Oliver Weber
•Thanks for the condolences. That's helpful to know about listing the state as employer - I was definitely confused about that part.
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Javier Gomez
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.
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Oliver Weber
•Oh no, that sounds stressful! I think I have most of my paystubs but not all of them. Did they tell you exactly what documents you needed for the appeal?
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Javier Gomez
•They wanted my provider number, NOA (Notice of Action) showing when services ended, past 18 months of paystubs (which I didn't have all of), and my W-2. I had to get the IHSS office to write a letter confirming my employment dates. Be SUPER persistent!!! The EDD system is NOT set up well for IHSS workers even though we're eligible.
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Emma Wilson
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
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Oliver Weber
•This is incredibly helpful information, thank you! I wasn't aware of the base period requirement - is that why some people might get denied? I've been working pretty consistently for 2.5 years, so hopefully that's enough time. I'll check out that service if I run into problems reaching EDD.
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Malik Thomas
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.
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Natasha Romanova
•Your aunt is talking about the base period earnings requirement. For 2025, you generally need to have earned at least $1,600 in your highest quarter during your base period AND total base period earnings of at least 1.25 times your highest quarter. So if OP worked 65 hours monthly at current IHSS rates (around $17-19/hour depending on county), they should easily meet the minimum requirements even as a part-time provider.
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Isabella Oliveira
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.
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Ravi Kapoor
•Same experience here. EDD's system doesn't handle IHSS workers well. I found that going to an in-person EDD office with all my documentation was what finally fixed things after weeks of phone tag. Bring EVERYTHING - paystubs, W2s, provider agreement, even the original IHSS approval letter if you have it. The more documentation the better.
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Oliver Weber
•This is really concerning to hear. I'm already struggling financially and can't wait 11 weeks for benefits. Is there anything I can do proactively to prevent these issues?
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Natasha Romanova
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.
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Oliver Weber
•I'm going to call my IHSS office first thing tomorrow. Do you think I should also bring documentation to an in-person EDD office like someone else suggested, or is starting online still the best way?
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Natasha Romanova
•Start online, but gather all documentation now. The in-person visit is more of a backup plan if you run into issues. One more tip: when you certify for benefits every two weeks, make sure you're consistently showing you're looking for work by documenting your job search efforts. That's often overlooked and can cause payment delays.
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Ravi Kapoor
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.
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Oliver Weber
•That's an excellent point I hadn't considered. My caregiving schedule was very flexible - I usually split the hours across evenings and weekends so I could still work a regular job if needed. I'll make sure to explain that clearly.
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