When you’re working as a nanny, babysitter, senior caregiver or housekeeper, you know life is unpredictable. Families move, children grow older and families face financial hardships — all of which can result in you losing your job through no fault of your own.
Luckily, many household employees can fall back onto unemployment benefits — so long as:
- Your employer has been paying you legally with taxes withheld and paid.
- You were not dismissed for a serious infraction (i.e., showing up late after several warnings).
- You didn’t just quit because you were sick of working.
Applying for unemployment isn’t complicated, but it requires your close attention. Here’s the step-by-step process for filing for unemployment if you find yourself out of a job.
1. Begin the process for your state
First, find your state’s unemployment department and see what steps are involved to get the benefits. Some but not all part-time workers are eligible, and each state has guidelines about required length of service.
“In most states, you can file electronically,” says Nina Targovnik, a senior staff attorney with Community Legal Services in Arizona.
2. Start the process right away
Make sure you apply during your first week of unemployment, so you don’t lose any benefits. Some states have a one-week waiting period before benefits kick in, but severance or vacation time could extend that time. For example, if you have a four-week severance package, your benefits probably wouldn’t take effect until that’s done.
3. Gather employment information
You’ll be asked for your dates of employment, your salary and if you have any documentation as to why you’re no longer employed. For example, you can explain that you’re a professional nanny and the family no longer needs your services as both kids are in school full time.
4. Explain your unemployment
The state may look closely at the reason you’re now unemployed, as this helps determine your eligibility for benefits. Both you and your employer will be contacted to tell your side of the story. If your employer laid you off because they no longer needed your services, you should be able to receive unemployment. However, if you’re a housekeeper who was fired for repeatedly not following cleaning instructions, you might have a tougher time getting approved.
5. Be ready for round two, if necessary
You or your employer might also need to provide additional clarification or documentation to the state. If that happens, it doesn’t mean your claim was denied. “It just means they are investigating it further,” says Targovnik.
For instance, if you quit because of health problems, you’ll need to supply doctors’ notes. The department needs to be able to distinguish between employees who quit with or without cause.
6. If you’re approved …
If you’re approved, your employer can still appeal the decision if they feel you shouldn’t be eligible for unemployment. Unemployment claims can increase the employer’s future unemployment tax rate, so they are vested in an accurate outcome. If there was any misunderstanding about why you were let go from your job or if it ended with tension, employers might appeal to have the case examined more closely.
If that happens, you’ll be notified of a hearing (which is done mostly on the phone). “If you get a notice, pay attention,” says Richard Klauer, an attorney with Klauer and Curdie in Phoenix, Arizona, because you must call in.
A second appeal can also be called. If that happens, the appeal is based entirely on the previous hearing’s transcript, so be sure you present your case thoroughly in the first hearing. “A hearing is simple,” says Klauer, “but you have to fight for it.”
7. If you’re denied …
If you’re denied benefits that you feel you’re eligible for, talk to the department again and ask to appeal the decision. Another hearing will likely be called (usually a phone event).
8. Look for work
While you’re on unemployment, the government expects you to look for work and apply to new job openings each week. Unemployment offices can help you look for work or you can do it on your own by applying to new caregiver jobs or new housekeeping jobs.
Keep a work search log and document every sent resume, networking event, job hunt or interview for audit purposes.
9. In the future
When employment ends, you don’t always have access to your employment records. For this reason, it’s a good idea to keep a notebook of times worked, copies of positive comments or awards, copies of any negative incidents or correspondence and copies of your reviews and pay stubs, says Klauer. If you’re let go, ask for a reference letter (you’ll need to explain your work history).
