Can I get unemployment while I am applying for disability?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

Can I get unemployment while I am applying for disability?

I am currently under a doctor’s care for a bad back. I have degenerating discs and have been advised not to do any heavy lifting which is the main requirement of my job. I plan to apply for disability but know it is a long drawn out process. Can I apply for and hope to get unemployment in the meantime? I still work there but anticipate being let go since there is little that I can do anymore. I also need to know if I should wait to be let go before pursuing any of this.

Asked on December 20, 2011 under Employment Labor Law, Florida

Answers:

SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 12 years ago | Contributor

1) You cannot get unemployment, or even apply for, while you are still employed--as the term implies, unemployment compensation is available only when you are unemployed (through no fault of your own).

2) If you voluntarily leave or quit your job, you can't get unemployment.

3) It is doubtful whether you may simultaneously apply for  unemployment and disability: you get the first because you can work, but don't have work; you get the second because you can't work. It does not appear you can fulfill the criteria of both at the same time; however, becaues the specific facts/situation is so critical to cases like this, you should consult with an employment attorney to evaluate your options.


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption