If Receiving Unemployment, Put Serious Thought Into Filing For Supplemental Security Income
If you have recently lost your job and are currently collecting unemployment, you might have considered filing for Supplemental Security Income as well. If you have a disability, it is understandable that you would need the extra income.
Some careful thought should go into this before you file. The Social Security Administration does not work hand in hand with the Employment Security Commission. Social Security Income is only available to those who are disabled and cannot work. When filing, you are claiming that you can’t perform work for twelve months or that you can’t participate in work activity because of mental or physical illness. If you are already receiving unemployment benefits, you show that you are trying to obtain a new job.
However, it is possible to file for Social Security if you are receiving income while unemployed.
- If you become disabled after you lose a job due to an illness or injury not caused by the job, it could be feasible for you to apply for Social Security Income.
- If you don’t know if you can keep a job once you receive it, you can apply for both of the programs but cease the unemployment checks once your Social Security case is approved.
- If you are able to participate in part time, sheltered or accommodated work that is less than what Social Security deems gainful.
Remember that if you are filing for both, it can take a while for Social Security Income payments to begin. Also Social Security claims may have to go through appeals, so the process could take even longer.
Before you file for Social Security Income, please consider what could happen as issues could begin if Employment Security Commission learns that you have applied for Social Security disability. If caught, one would have to repay all unemployment benefits that they received and could possibly be charged with fraud. For more information, contact the unemployment department in your area and ask them for your options and more information on your particular situation.