SSDI and Unemployment
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, and unemployment benefits are two financial safety nets for out-of-work individuals. Unemployment benefits are a temporary solution for those who have lost their job due to economic circumstances, while SSDI provides long-term assistance for those who have a disability preventing them from earning a sufficient income. SSDI is often better suited for individuals with permanent disabilities, but not everyone is aware they’re eligible for it.
- SSDI and unemployment benefits serve different purposes but can sometimes be collected simultaneously, depending on state laws.
- Applying for both SSDI and unemployment involves conflicting claims, which may lead to increased scrutiny of your disability status.
- While receiving unemployment benefits does not automatically disqualify you from SSDI, it can affect the evaluation of your SSDI application.
- SSDI generally provides higher financial support compared to unemployment benefits, but eligibility criteria are stricter.
If you have a disability and have recently lost your job, it pays to be aware of your options. Although both programs have different eligibility criteria and core purposes, some people may qualify to collect both SSDI and unemployment simultaneously. Receiving unemployment will not automatically disqualify you from receiving SSDI, but the judge may scrutinize your claim more carefully.
Can I Receive Unemployment and SSDI?
Technically, the Social Security Administration does not prohibit receiving SSDI while also receiving unemployment benefits. However, the main distinction between unemployment and SSDI makes this a more complicated question. Unemployment benefits are intended to help temporarily unemployed workers while they search for a new job, meaning recipients are capable of working. On the other hand, SSDI is for people who cannot work due to a disability.
The SSA will likely consider an application for unemployment benefits when determining whether you have a qualifying disability that prevents you from working. This may also result in actions such as changing your disability onset date.
Each state has its own criteria for awarding unemployment benefits. Some states do not allow you to receive both types of benefits simultaneously. Most states require that you be ready, willing, and able to work to receive unemployment compensation. By filing for SSDI, you are claiming that you are unable to work. Thus, applying for both benefits involves conflicting claims. Filing for benefits from both programs may even be considered fraudulent in some jurisdictions. It’s best to talk with an experienced and knowledgeable disability attorney to ensure you don’t jeopardize your claim for benefits or run afoul of the law in your state.
Working as an SSDI Recipient
Some people continue to work while receiving SSDI benefits. You may continue to work and still be eligible for SSDI if your earnings do not exceed the SSA’s substantial gainful activity limit. This amount changes annually, but for 2025, it is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind recipients. Thus, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits while receiving SSDI if you’re looking for a job that pays below this limit. However, Georgia and Texas only pay unemployment benefits to those seeking full-time work, so you would not be eligible in those states.
If you receive unemployment benefits while also getting SSDI, the SSA will not consider your unemployment benefits as income. Therefore, receiving unemployment will not count against your SSDI eligibility or reduce your monthly SSDI payment amount. However, collecting SSDI can affect your unemployment compensation, depending on state laws.
Will Social Security Know About My Unemployment Benefits?
Yes, the SSA will have access to your unemployment benefits information through the National Directory of New Hires. The SSA will see this if you apply for SSDI benefits while already receiving unemployment. The same applies if you start collecting unemployment benefits while already getting SSDI.
Differences Between SSDI and Unemployment
The biggest differences between SSDI and unemployment are their intended purposes and the government bodies that administer them.
State governments provide unemployment benefits, while the federal government administers SSDI benefits. That means your state determines whether you qualify for unemployment and how much you receive, and the SSA determines your SSDI eligibility.
When you apply for unemployment benefits, you are stating that you’re actively looking for work and can perform work if offered. In many states, you must assert that you are ready, willing, and able to work. When you apply for disability benefits, you are claiming that you cannot perform any substantial gainful activity due to a disability.
Does Unemployment or SSDI Pay More?
Your exact benefits amounts will depend on your specific circumstances, but SSDI typically pays more than unemployment. For example, Florida pays only $275 per week in unemployment benefits, while some SSDI recipients receive up to $4,018 in 2025.
Applying for SSDI With Unemployment
Many strategies are available to improve your likelihood of success when applying for both SSDI and unemployment. For example, you may benefit from waiting for your unemployment benefits to end before applying for SSDI. You may also greatly affect the amount of money you can get if you change the onset date of your disability.
Get Help Navigating and Applying for SSDI
Each SSDI case is different, so your strategy for maximizing your benefits should be tailored to your circumstances. Given the competing purposes of the two programs, you need professional advice to navigate the processes. Disability lawyers like those we work with can guide you through your options and help you make the best decisions for your situation.
If you have a disability affecting your ability to work, contact us today. We’ll connect you with a skilled and knowledgeable lawyer who can help you seek the benefits you need and deserve.
- Free case evaluation
- Assist with denied claims
- Ensure you have all documents
- Make the process easy for you
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