{"id":353909,"date":"2023-09-08T14:22:09","date_gmt":"2023-09-08T19:22:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/socialsecurity\/disability\/social-security-disability-and-unemployment.html"},"modified":"2026-02-24T16:41:27","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T21:41:27","slug":"social-security-disability-and-unemployment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/socialsecurity\/disability\/social-security-disability-and-unemployment.html","title":{"rendered":"Social Security Disability and Unemployment"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Social Security Disability and Unemployment<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Jennifer Steinberg, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jennifer Steinberg, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The disability program assists those who can’t work due to a disabling medical condition. The unemployment insurance program helps people during an employment transition. These people can work, are willing and able to do so, and actively seek employment. Each program serves a distinct purpose.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Social Security Disability<\/span> and Unemployment Insurance<\/span> programs both help people facing difficulties. But the circumstances are different.<\/p>\n

Social Security Administration<\/span> (SSA<\/span>) decision-makers often see a contradiction. After all, it seems like you\u2019d be claiming you both can and can\u2019t work. But these are separate programs. And if you have a disability, you might see how both things might be true for different reasons.<\/p>\n

This article discusses what to know about filing for disability<\/a> while collecting unemployment. If you do collect under both programs, you\u2019ll want to learn how to avoid losing disability benefits<\/span>. Get advice from a Social Security D<\/span>isability<\/span> lawyer<\/span><\/a> to protect your benefits.<\/p>\n

Eligibility<\/span> for Social Security Disability<\/span> vs. Unemployment<\/h2>\n

SSA<\/span> decision-makers consider program\u00a0eligibility<\/span> requirements<\/a>\u00a0when making disability determinations. They also consider the eligibility<\/span> requirements of the unemployment insurance<\/span><\/a> program.<\/p>\n

When you look at each program, you can see why many SSA<\/span> decision-makers find them in conflict:<\/p>\n