Can I Receive Social Security Benefits and Unemployment Compensation Benefits at the Same Time in Pennsylvania?

SOCIAL SECURITY & UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Yes, in Pennsylvania you can receive both Social Security and Unemployment Compensation Benefits at the same time if you meet the eligibility criteria for each program.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT UNEMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

Here are some of the most common questions we receive about receiving Social Security and unemployment benefits:

CAN YOU GET UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND SOCIAL SECURITY AT THE SAME TIME?

Many people wonder, “can you get unemployment benefits and Social Security” at the same time. The answer is “Yes.” You can receive retirement benefits or survivor benefits without it affecting your unemployment benefits or vice versa.

CAN YOU COLLECT UNEMPLOYMENT WHILE ON SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY?

Yes. If you are already on Social Security Disability, you might still be able to receive unemployment income. One situation where this scenario may arise is through the Ticket to Work Program (TWP). The government has incentive programs like the TWP so that you can make attempts to work again without losing your Social Security benefits. If you work a job through the TWP but if you are laid off or lose your job through no fault of your own, you may be able to collect unemployment benefits while still receiving your Social Security Disability benefits.

ARE THERE ANY DOWNSIDES TO RECEIVING UNEMPLOYMENT AND SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS AT THE SAME TIME?

Yes. There is an inherent conflict of receiving unemployment and Social Security Disability benefits at the same time because the eligibility criteria for these programs are at odds:

  • To remain eligible for unemployment benefits, you must be willing and able to work.
  • To remain eligible for Social Security Disability benefits, you must be largely unable to work.

Social Security Administration representatives can take into account the receipt or application for unemployment benefits. It will be up to you to show why these applications do not contradict.

If you are receiving one of these benefits and considering applying for the other, a Social Security Disability lawyer can discuss your situation during a free consultation.

CONTACT CALHOON AND KAMINSKY P.C., TODAY

If you have additional questions about collecting Social Security benefits and unemployment benefits at the same time or would like a free case evaluation, give us a call at (717) 695-4722 or fill out our contact form, and one of our lawyers will reach out to you!