Can I collect NYS Department of Labor unemployment benefits while receiving SSI disability payments?
I've been getting SSI for a partial disability but my doctor says I can work part-time now. I lost my part-time job last month and wondering if I can file for unemployment with NYS Department of Labor while still getting my SSI checks? I'm really confused about whether this is allowed or if it will mess up my disability benefits. Has anyone been in this situation before?
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NebulaNinja
Yes, you can potentially receive both but there are some important rules to know. For NYS Department of Labor unemployment, you have to be able and available for work, which means you can work and are actively seeking employment. The key thing is that your SSI payments might get reduced based on your unemployment benefits since SSI has income limits. You'll need to report your UI payments to Social Security.
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Zara Mirza
•Thank you! Do I need to tell NYS Department of Labor about my SSI when I file my weekly claims?
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Luca Russo
i think you can get both but ssi might go down
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Nia Wilson
The biggest thing is proving you're able and available for work to NYS Department of Labor. If you're getting SSI for a disability, they might question whether you can actually work. You'll need medical documentation showing you can work part-time. Also, keep detailed records of your job search activities because NYS Department of Labor requires you to search for work each week.
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Zara Mirza
•I have a letter from my doctor saying I can work up to 20 hours per week. Would that be enough for the able and available requirement?
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Nia Wilson
•That should help a lot. Make sure to mention that in your initial unemployment application and keep a copy of the letter. NYS Department of Labor may still require additional verification during adjudication.
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Mateo Sanchez
This is so confusing!!! I've been trying to figure out the same thing but can't get through to anyone at NYS Department of Labor to ask questions. The phone lines are always busy and when I do get through they just hang up on me. How are we supposed to get answers about these complicated situations?
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Aisha Mahmood
•I had the same problem trying to reach NYS Department of Labor about a different issue. Someone on here told me about Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it actually worked. They have this system that gets you connected to an actual agent instead of waiting on hold forever. There's a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. Might be worth trying if you need to talk to someone about the SSI and unemployment question.
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Ethan Clark
Just be careful because if you mess this up you could lose your SSI permanently. The system is designed to trip people up and once they find an excuse to cut you off they will. I've seen people lose everything trying to work while on disability.
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NebulaNinja
•That's not accurate. SSI has work incentives specifically to help people transition to employment. As long as you report your income properly, you won't lose SSI permanently just for working or collecting unemployment.
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AstroAce
my cousin did this last year and it worked out fine but she had to report everything to both agencies every week which was a pain
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