Can you collect unemployment benefits while on social security disability with NYS Department of Labor?
I've been receiving SSDI for about 8 months now due to a back injury, but my doctor recently cleared me to work part-time or light duty. I applied for a few jobs but haven't found anything yet. My neighbor said I might be able to get unemployment benefits since I'm actively looking for work now, but I'm not sure if having SSDI disqualifies me. Has anyone dealt with this situation with NYS Department of Labor? I don't want to mess up my disability benefits but I could really use the extra income while job searching.
12 comments
Join the conversation
Amina Diallo
this is tricky because unemployment requires you to be able and available for full time work but disability means you cant work full time... seems like a contradiction to me
0 coins
Paolo Conti
•That's what I was worried about. But my doctor did clear me for part-time work, so I thought maybe that would count?
0 coins
Oliver Schulz
Actually, you CAN receive both SSDI and unemployment benefits in New York, but there are specific requirements you need to meet. The key is that you must be genuinely able and available for work that accommodates your disability. Since your doctor cleared you for light duty, you'd need to demonstrate to NYS Department of Labor that you're actively seeking work within those limitations. You'll need medical documentation supporting your ability to work part-time and a job search log showing you're applying for appropriate positions.
0 coins
Paolo Conti
•Thank you! Do I need to report my SSDI when I file the unemployment claim? And will this affect my disability benefits at all?
0 coins
Oliver Schulz
•Yes, you must report all income including SSDI when filing your weekly claims. The unemployment benefits might be reduced dollar-for-dollar depending on the amounts. As for your SSDI, receiving unemployment won't automatically disqualify you, but Social Security may review your case since you're claiming ability to work.
0 coins
Natasha Kuznetsova
I went through this exact situation last year! Had to deal with so much red tape between Social Security and NYS Department of Labor. The worst part was trying to get through to someone who actually understood the rules. I spent weeks calling both agencies and getting transferred around. Finally found this service called Claimyr that helped me reach an actual NYS Department of Labor agent who walked me through the process. Check out claimyr.com - they have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that explains how it works. Made such a difference to talk to someone who knew the specific requirements for people on disability applying for UI.
0 coins
AstroAdventurer
•How long did it take to get your claim approved? I'm worried they'll just deny it automatically when they see I'm on SSDI.
0 coins
Natasha Kuznetsova
•It took about 3 weeks once I provided all the medical documentation. The agent explained that as long as you can prove you're able to work within your limitations and actively job searching, they'll process it. Just make sure you have your doctor's clearance letter ready.
0 coins
Javier Mendoza
The whole system is so confusing!! I've been on disability for 2 years and never knew I could potentially get unemployment too. Why don't they tell us these things? I've been struggling financially this whole time thinking I had no other options. Does anyone know if there's a time limit on how long you can collect both?
0 coins
Oliver Schulz
•Regular unemployment benefits in New York last up to 26 weeks, same as anyone else. The key is maintaining your job search requirements and continuing to meet the able and available criteria throughout the benefit period.
0 coins
Emma Wilson
Just wanted to say good luck with this! It's not easy navigating both systems but it sounds like you're taking the right steps by getting medical clearance first.
0 coins
Zara Khan
I'm in a similar boat - been on SSDI for a year due to chronic fatigue but my condition has improved enough that I could handle remote work. Reading through these responses is really helpful! @Oliver Schulz, when you mention needing medical documentation, does it have to be from the same doctor who originally supported my SSDI claim, or can it be from any treating physician? Also wondering if anyone knows how strict they are about the "actively seeking work" requirement - like do I need to apply to a certain number of jobs per week?
0 coins