When facing financial challenges due to unemployment and social security disability, understanding what you qualify for and how these benefits interact with one another is crucial. One common question that arises is whether an individual can receive both unemployment benefits and Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits at the same time. Let’s review what both are intended for.
Unemployment Benefits: A Temporary Lifeline
Unemployment benefits are designed to provide financial support to individuals who have lost their jobs involuntarily and are actively seeking new employment. The state government typically administers these benefits and has eligibility criteria, such as having worked a certain number of weeks or earned a minimum amount of pay during a set amount of time.
Social Security Disability: Support for Long-Term Disabilities
SSD is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It provides income to individuals who are unable to work due to a severe disability that is expected to last at least one year or, sadly, result in death. Eligibility for SSD is based on an individual’s work history and their contribution to the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
To qualify for unemployment benefits, you must be able and available to work. You are expected to actively seek employment and accept any suitable job offers. This requirement conflicts with the fundamental premise of SSD, which is that you are unable to work due to a severe disability.
The short answer is yes; you may be able to receive unemployment benefits while pursuing disability benefits. The long answer is more complicated to understand. When an individual files for disability, s/he alleges that they are unable to perform any work in our economy on a full-time basis. When that same person files for unemployment, s/he certifies that they are willing and able to work…these two positions contradict one another.
Exceptions and Considerations
While you generally cannot receive both benefits simultaneously, there are a few important considerations:
- Transition Periods: Some individuals may receive unemployment benefits before their disability worsens to the point of qualifying for SSD. In such cases, transitioning from one benefit to another may be possible, but it requires careful coordination and documentation.
- Part-Time Work: If you are receiving SSD benefits, you may still be able to work part-time without jeopardizing your SSD eligibility, as long as your earnings do not exceed the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit set by the SSA.
Navigating unemployment and disability benefits can be challenging, and it’s important to understand the specific rules and regulations that apply to each program. If you find yourself in a situation where you believe you qualify for both unemployment benefits and SSD, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a knowledgeable professional, such as the legal team at Parmele Law Firm. With over 135 years of combined social security disability experience, our team has the knowledge and experience to guide you through what can be a long, confusing, possibly discouraging process.
In summary, while receiving both unemployment benefits and SSD simultaneously is generally not feasible due to conflicting eligibility criteria, exceptions may apply depending on individual circumstances. Contact Parmele Law Firm at 866-889-2570 to schedule your no-cost consultation so that you can accurately determine the best course of action for your situation.
Parmele Law Firm. Guiding you with integrity, competency, and experience.