Unemployment and Social Security Disability

Can you collect unemployment and Social Security Disability at the same time? Yes, you can apply for and be awarded Social Security Disability benefits while collecting unemployment insurance.

How can collecting both be a benefit to you:

1. Maximum unemployment benefit in 2020 is $1100 per month in the state of Florida ($275 x 12 weeks).
2. Maximum SSDi payment for 2020 is $2,788 per month.
3. Total potential combined monthly income is $3,788.

The history and facts of collecting unemployment and SSDi:

1. The Social Security Administration (SSA) does not deny Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims by those already receiving unemployment benefits.
2. A 1999 U.S. Supreme Court case held that Social Security Disability claims “did not inherently conflict” with other types of benefits.
3. There are numerous case law examples, regulations and Florida statute demonstrating that receipt of unemployment compensation benefits does not prevent the receipt of Social Security Disability benefits.

If you are currently collecting unemployment and feel you are eligible for disability benefits, contact our office to discuss your options. Our attorneys can help guide you through the process of applying for and obtaining SSD benefits.