Quitting IHSS job for out-of-state move - can I qualify for EDD benefits?
Hey everyone, I'm in a complicated situation and hoping someone here has some advice. I currently work full-time as an IHSS caregiver for my grandmother in California. We've been living in hotels for several months due to housing issues, but my uncle in Arizona is finishing up building a house where we can both live starting next month. The problem is, I know IHSS is only available in California, so I'll have to quit my job when we move. Does anyone know if I would qualify for unemployment benefits in this situation? Do I need to notify EDD in a specific way since this is technically quitting but due to relocation? I'm worried about income during the transition period and not sure what my options are. Any help would be seriously appreciated!
25 comments


Diego Castillo
i moved from cali 2 nevada last year & had to quit my job. EDD denied me bc they said quitting to move out of state is considered voluntarily quitting without good cause!!! they dont care about ur housing situation. its BS if u ask me!!!
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Ruby Knight
•Oh no, that's really concerning. Did you try appealing the decision? I'm wondering if my situation might be different since I'm a caregiver for a family member, not just moving for personal reasons.
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Logan Stewart
Sorry to hear about your situation. Moving out of state is typically considered a voluntary quit, which usually doesn't qualify for unemployment. However, there are some exceptions that might apply in your case: 1. If you're moving with your employer (your grandmother), this could potentially be considered good cause 2. If you can prove the move is medically necessary for either you or your grandmother 3. If you have documentation showing you're experiencing homelessness When you notify EDD, be very specific about these factors. Don't just say you're quitting to move - emphasize that you're currently homeless, that you're moving with your care recipient, and that you would continue IHSS work if it were available interstate. You should also look into Arizona's caregiver programs immediately. They have something similar to IHSS called "Agency with Choice" that might allow you to continue caring for your grandmother with payment.
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Ruby Knight
•Thank you so much! This is really helpful information. I didn't know Arizona had a similar program - I'll definitely look into the "Agency with Choice" option right away. When I notify EDD, should I do it through UI Online or call them directly?
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Mikayla Brown
Just adding to the conversation - I've been through something kinda similar with EDD. The key is DOCUMENTATION. EDD is really strict about voluntary quits, but if you can prove hardship (like being homeless) or medical necessity, you have a better chance. Make sure you keep hotel receipts, any medical documentation, and definitely something from your grandmother showing she needs your continued care. Good luck!!
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Sean Matthews
Have you considered whether your grandmother might qualify for Arizona's version of in-home care services? Each state has their own program, though they work differently and have different eligibility requirements. If you could transition directly from California IHSS to Arizona's program, you might avoid needing unemployment altogether. Just a thought!
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Ruby Knight
•That's a great point. I need to research Arizona's requirements ASAP. Do you know if there's usually a waiting period for approval in a new state? I'm worried about the gap between programs.
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Ali Anderson
You need to call EDD directly about this rather than just applying online. Getting through to an actual person who can understand your specific circumstances is CRITICAL. I spent 3 weeks trying to get through to EDD when I had a unique situation last year and it was impossible until I tried Claimyr. They got me connected to an EDD rep in under 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days. Check out their demo video here: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km and their website at claimyr.com - totally worth it for complicated cases like yours where you need to explain the nuances of your situation to a real person.
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Zadie Patel
•is that service legit?? seems sketchy to me
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A Man D Mortal
IMPORTANT: Make sure you're still certifying for your IHSS hours right up until you leave the state! And when you quit, get something in writing from your grandmother (the employer in IHSS) stating that you're relocating together due to housing necessity. The EDD interviewer will be looking for ANY reason to deny your claim as a voluntary quit, so documentation is everything. Also, don't mention that you have housing lined up with your uncle - focus on the fact that you're currently homeless and HAVE to move. If they think you have other options, they'll use that against you.
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Ruby Knight
•Great advice, thank you! I'll definitely get something in writing from my grandmother. Should I also get documentation from the hotels we've been staying at to prove the homelessness situation?
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Logan Stewart
To answer your earlier question about notification - you should both call EDD AND document everything in UI Online. When you apply for unemployment after leaving your job, you'll be asked for the reason for separation. Select "Quit" and then be prepared for them to schedule an eligibility interview (phone call) where you'll need to explain your situation in detail. On the day of your interview, have all your documentation ready and be very clear that: 1) You were homeless, 2) You're moving with your care recipient, and 3) You would continue IHSS work if it were available across state lines. Also, regarding Arizona's program - yes, there is typically a processing time, so apply the moment you arrive in Arizona. In the meantime, your unemployment claim would be for that gap period.
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Ruby Knight
•Thank you for such detailed information! I'll definitely make sure to document everything properly and prepare for the eligibility interview. This is all so stressful, but having a clear plan helps a lot.
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Zadie Patel
my cousin had to move to Oregon for her husbands job and EDD denied her claim even tho she had no choice!! the system is rigged against us!! good luck but dont get your hopes up honestly
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Mikayla Brown
Somewhat off-topic but I just wanted to mention that when you get to Arizona, check if you're eligible for emergency assistance while waiting for the caregiver program to be approved. When I moved states I discovered there were temporary aid programs I qualified for that helped during the transition. Just google "Arizona emergency assistance programs" when you arrive. Every little bit helps!
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Ruby Knight
•That's really helpful, thank you! I'll definitely look into emergency assistance options too.
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Sean Matthews
One final thought - if your unemployment claim is denied, remember you have the right to appeal! Many initial denials get overturned in the appeals process, especially in complex situations like yours where there are multiple factors involved. The appeal hearing gives you a chance to present your case more thoroughly to a judge who can consider all the nuances of your situation.
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Ruby Knight
•Thank you for reminding me about the appeals process. If I do get denied initially, I'll definitely appeal. I really appreciate everyone's advice and support - it's given me a much clearer path forward!
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Chloe Robinson
I work in disability services and wanted to add that you should also look into whether your grandmother qualifies for Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) in addition to the Agency with Choice program. ALTCS is Arizona's Medicaid waiver program that covers in-home care services. The application process can take 60-90 days, so definitely start that paperwork before you move if possible. You might also want to contact Arizona's Area Agency on Aging once you know which county you'll be living in - they can help navigate all the different programs and might have emergency respite services available during your transition period.
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Isabella Costa
•This is incredibly helpful information, thank you @Chloe Robinson! I had no idea about ALTCS - that sounds like it could be exactly what my grandmother needs. Do you know if there's a way to start the application process while we're still in California, or do we need to wait until we're Arizona residents? Also, which county office should I contact - the one where we'll be living or is there a statewide number? I want to get this process started as soon as possible to minimize any gap in care.
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Miguel Castro
•You'll need to wait until you're an Arizona resident to apply for ALTCS, but you can definitely start gathering all the required documentation now - things like medical records, income statements, etc. Each county has its own Area Agency on Aging, so you'll want to contact the one where you'll be living. If you're not sure which county yet, the Arizona Department of Economic Security has a statewide number that can direct you to the right local office. I'd also suggest calling ahead to ask what specific documents they'll need so you can have everything ready the moment you establish residency. The faster you can submit a complete application, the sooner the 60-90 day clock starts ticking.
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CaptainAwesome
I'm in a similar situation where I had to navigate state programs for my elderly mother. One thing I learned is to also check if your grandmother has any VA benefits if she's a veteran or spouse of a veteran - those can sometimes bridge the gap during transitions between state programs. Also, make sure to request copies of ALL her medical records from her current California doctors before you move, not just recent ones. Arizona's programs often require extensive medical documentation going back years to establish ongoing care needs. The more complete your documentation package, the smoother the approval process will be. Wishing you the best with this challenging transition!
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GalacticGuru
•That's such a good point about VA benefits - I hadn't even thought to check if my grandmother might qualify for anything through that route. And you're absolutely right about getting ALL the medical records before we leave California. I've been so focused on the immediate move that I wasn't thinking about how much documentation Arizona might need going back in time. I'll start requesting comprehensive records from all her doctors this week. Thanks for sharing what you learned from your own experience - it really helps to hear from someone who's been through this process!
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Aria Washington
Ruby, I went through something very similar when I had to relocate with my disabled father last year. One thing that really helped my case was getting a letter from my grandmother's doctor stating that my continued care was medically necessary and that the move was in her best interest due to our housing instability. EDD seemed to take medical documentation more seriously than just personal statements. Also, when you file your claim, make sure to mention that you're actively seeking similar employment in Arizona - it shows you're not just quitting to stop working. I'd start gathering medical letters and housing documentation (hotel receipts, etc.) now while you're still in CA. The whole process is stressful but having everything organized ahead of time made a huge difference for me. Sending you both good vibes for this transition!
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Ethan Wilson
•@Aria Washington This is exactly the kind of advice I needed to hear! Getting a medical letter from my grandmother s'doctor stating that my continued care is medically necessary is brilliant - I hadn t'thought about approaching it from that angle. That makes so much more sense than just explaining the housing situation. I m'definitely going to request that letter this week along with all the other documentation everyone has mentioned. It s'so reassuring to hear from someone who actually went through this process successfully. Did you end up getting approved for unemployment benefits, or did you have to go through an appeal? Also, when you mentioned actively seeking similar employment in Arizona, did you actually have to show proof of job searching there while still in California?
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