Can I collect unemployment benefits while I am waiting for Social Security disability?
Question Details:
Yes you can.
To learn more, go to my site for a free case analysis.
www.greaterphiladelphialawyer.com
Yes you can.
To learn more, go to my site for a free case analysis.
www.greaterphiladelphialawyer.com
In order to collect unemployment you need to be able to show that you are able to work. if you are not able to work due to a disability then you cannot collect unemployment. However, if you are able to obtain employment notwithstanding your disability then you may be entitled to seek unemployment benefits. Were you let go from a job? Did you get fired for disobedience? I would need to know the basis for your losing of the job that you now see unemployment benefits from to further advise you. However, I suggest that you hire a lawyer if you can afford it to talk tot he unemployment department. If you are waiting for the disability application to be granted you may be able to obtain unemployment as you have not been determined "unable to work."
Yes, you can collect both Unemployment and SS disability at the same time. Unemployment benefits are not counted as wages under the SS annual earnings test, so it won’t affect your SS benefits. However, the amount of your unemployment benefit could be reduced if you receive SS benefits (or other pension or retirement income). I have provided links to 2 sites that will explain further:
www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html.
http://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/progdesc/sspus/unemploy.pdf
However, while the receipt of unemployment insurance benefits does not preclude the receipt of Social Security disability benefits, it a factor that must be considered in determining whether a claimant is disabled. Therefore, it is the Social Security Administration's (SSA) position that individuals need not choose between applying for unemployment insurance and Social Security disability benefits. But application for unemployment benefits is evidence that the administrative law judge (ALJ) must consider together with all of the medical and other evidence. Sometimes ALJ's react badly when an individual is claiming unemployment benefits and Social Security disability at the same time. So filing for both is not generally a good idea. However, if unemployment benefits are the only way you have to make ends meet, it is not necessarily the end of your Social Security case.
