EDD benefits after IHSS caregiver job ends due to recipient's passing - eligible for unemployment?

First, I'm sorry for your loss. Yes, you should be eligible for unemployment. IHSS caregivers (even for family members) are considered employees of the state for unemployment insurance purposes. The Public Authority is technically your employer, not your stepdad. You should apply right away through UI Online at edd.ca.gov. Make sure you have your paystubs or W-2s handy when you file. In your application, indicate that your job ended due to 'lack of work' since the recipient passed away. When they ask about your ability to work, make sure you indicate you're able and available for full-time work, as that's a requirement for UI benefits.

so sorry bout ur stepdad. my mom was ihss too for my grandma who passed in 2024 and she got unemployment no problem. just be honest when u apply and u should b fine. the edd website is confusing tho ngl

I went through EXACTLY this in January when my aunt passed away after I was her IHSS provider for 3 years!!! The EDD denied my claim initially saying I was "self employed" which is TOTALLY WRONG!!!! I had to appeal and it was a NIGHTMARE getting through to anyone who understood IHSS. I spent WEEKS trying to reach someone at EDD who understood that IHSS providers are employees NOT independent contractors!!!! FINALLY got it sorted but lost almost 2 months of benefits because of their mistakes!!!

This is a common question for IHSS caregivers. Here's the accurate information: Yes, you are eligible for unemployment benefits as an IHSS provider, even when caring for a family member. The Public Authority or County is your employer of record for UI purposes. When filing: 1. List your employer as your county's IHSS Public Authority or IHSS program (not your family member) 2. Reason for separation: "Lack of work" or "Job ended" 3. You must be able and available for full-time work 4. Yes, you will need to meet work search requirements (apply for jobs weekly) Make sure you have your IHSS provider number and recent pay information ready when you file. Some EDD representatives may be confused about IHSS eligibility, so if denied, definitely appeal with documentation showing you were an IHSS provider.

I've been trying to call EDD for three days about my own IHSS-related claim and it's impossible to get through. Either "too many callers" message or 3+ hour wait times that disconnect me. If you have trouble reaching them, I found a service called Claimyr that can help you get through to an EDD representative faster. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km It helped me finally get through last month when I had issues with my claim. Worth checking out if you get stuck in the EDD phone system nightmare like I did.

My cousin's wife dealt with this same thing last year! The important thing is that IHSS providers DO qualify but sometimes the EDD staff messes up because they don't understand how IHSS works. My cousin's wife had to explain three different times that she wasn't self-employed before they got it right. Just be persistent!

Thanks everyone for the helpful responses! I applied online yesterday and listed the IHSS Public Authority as my employer. I made sure to say I'm able and available for full-time work, and I've already started my work search activities. I'll update this thread once I hear back from EDD about my claim status. Fingers crossed I don't run into the issues some of you mentioned!

ALSO MAKE SURE you print copies of EVERYTHING you submit online!!! The EDD website crashed on me TWICE during my application and I had to start over!!! And take screenshots of confirmation pages because sometimes they say they never got stuff you submitted!!!! Their system is SO BROKEN!!

One more important thing about IHSS unemployment claims - make sure you're applying for regular UI benefits, not PUA or any other program. Regular UI is what you qualify for as an IHSS provider. Also, when you start certifying for benefits every two weeks, be very careful to accurately report any income if you start working somewhere else part-time while searching for full-time work. Reporting errors, even accidental ones, can lead to overpayment notices later.