EDD denied my benefits when school started - can they do this with my IHSS job loss?

I went through almost the exact same situation last year! The EDD rep you spoke with is NOT correct. You don't need to be totally unemployed to qualify for UI benefits. The correct term is "partially employed" or "underemployed" and you CAN receive benefits when you lose one job but still work another. What you need to do is make sure you're correctly reporting your school income when you certify each week. As long as you're accurate with your earnings, the system will automatically adjust your weekly benefit amount. If they're still giving you trouble, try calling and speaking with a tier 2 specialist who understands partial unemployment better.

wait i though you cant get unemployment if you still have a job at all??? thats what my cousin said when i lost my part time gig last year but kept my weekend job

The rep gave you incorrect information. EDD allows for partial unemployment when you lose one job but maintain another. However, there are some special rules that might apply to school employees during school breaks - this might be what confused the rep. If you work for a school district, there are specific provisions about summer/winter/spring breaks where you may not qualify during scheduled recess periods if you have reasonable assurance of returning to work. But that's completely separate from your IHSS job loss situation. I'd recommend calling EDD again and specifically asking to speak with a tier 2 specialist about partial unemployment benefits for multiple job situations. Explain clearly that you lost your IHSS income but still maintain school employment.

I was in your exact situation - had a school job and lost my second job. When I called EDD the first time, I got the same wrong answer! Then I tried for DAYS to get through again. Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes instead of calling for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km The second rep I spoke with was much more knowledgeable and confirmed I could get partial unemployment. You just need to report your school earnings accurately when certifying. Your weekly benefit will be reduced based on your earnings, but you'll still get something if your total earnings are below a certain threshold.

THE EDD IS FULL OF INCOMPETENT PEOPLE WHO DON'T KNOW THEIR OWN RULES!!! I had THREE different answers to the same question when I called. It's ridiculous!! They should train their staff properly instead of giving people wrong information that causes stress and financial problems!!! Don't trust what one person tells you - keep calling until you get someone who actually knows what they're talking about!!!

my sister works for the school district and had this happen. they kept telling her different things until finally someone explained that what matters is how much you earn each week compared to your weekly benefit amount. if you earn too much from your school job in a given week, you might not get anything for that week. but you should still certify anyway! good luck

Here's the official explanation: When you have multiple jobs and lose one, you may qualify for UI benefits as long as: 1. You lost the job through no fault of your own (which is true in your case since your client passed away) 2. You meet the minimum earnings requirement during your base period 3. You're able and available for work When you certify, you report your school wages. EDD will reduce your weekly benefit amount using this formula: - First $25 or 25% of your wages (whichever is greater) doesn't count against you - The remainder is subtracted from your weekly benefit amount The confusion about school employees typically relates to summer/holiday periods when school is not in session. That's a separate issue from losing your IHSS job. I recommend documenting everything - when your IHSS client passed, your last day of work, and all your communications with EDD. This will help if you need to appeal any decisions.

this happened to my friend and she had to appeal because they denied her claim at first. dont give up if they say no!

Since you mentioned your client passed away, just to give you another option: have you looked into whether there are other IHSS clients you could work with to replace those hours? Sometimes the IHSS office can help match providers with clients in need. That way you wouldn't have to worry about the unemployment situation at all.