Can you get unemployment while getting disability benefits in New York?

I'm on SSDI, not SSI. So you're saying it might be possible? Do I need to get documentation from my doctor about what work I can do?

Did she end up getting approved? What kind of documentation did they ask for?

That's exactly what I'm worried about - triggering a review of my disability case. Is there a way to find out beforehand if it's worth the risk?

Thanks for the tip! I've been dreading having to call and wait on hold forever. Did the agent give you clear guidance about the documentation needed?

I understand the frustration, but there are protections in place. The Ticket to Work program specifically helps people transition back to employment without immediately losing benefits. It's worth looking into if you're considering returning to work.

Not necessarily! Disability benefits have different standards than unemployment. You can be disabled from your previous job but still able to do other types of work. Many disabilities are partial or have good days/bad days. The 'able and available' requirement for unemployment can be met even with work restrictions.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! It's really encouraging to hear from someone who actually went through this process successfully. Can I ask what specific medical documentation you provided to NYS DOL? I have my doctor's records showing my limitations and progress, but I want to make sure I'm including everything they'll need. Also, how long did the whole process take from application to approval? I'm trying to prepare myself for what might be a lengthy wait.

@18d44134dd88 This is incredibly helpful to hear from someone who actually succeeded with this! I'm the original poster and have been feeling pretty overwhelmed by all the conflicting information. Could you share more details about the medical documentation process? My doctor has been supportive about my progress, but I want to make sure I frame everything correctly when I apply. Also, did you work with any advocates or disability attorneys during the process, or were you able to navigate it on your own? I'm trying to decide if I need professional help or if I can handle this myself with the right preparation.

@18d44134dd88 This gives me so much hope! I'm the original poster and your success story is exactly what I needed to hear. Could you tell me more about how you handled the timing? Did you apply for unemployment while already on SSDI, or did you wait until you felt more ready to work? I'm worried about the coordination between the two systems - like, do you report your unemployment benefits to Social Security monthly, or how does that work? Also, did NYS DOL require any specific forms from your doctor, or was it more general medical records? I have a follow-up appointment next week and want to ask for the right documentation. Thanks so much for sharing your experience - it's really helping me feel less scared about this whole process.

@18d44134dd88 Your story is really encouraging! I'm dealing with a chronic condition that has good and bad days, so I've been hesitant to even consider this option. When you say you were "completely transparent," did you mention your disability status upfront in your unemployment application, or did it come up during the eligibility interview? I'm worried about being automatically disqualified if I check the wrong box or phrase something incorrectly. Also, how did you handle job search requirements while having work limitations? Did NYS DOL modify your work search obligations based on your restrictions? I want to make sure I understand the full picture before I take this step. Thanks for giving those of us in similar situations some real hope that this is actually possible!

@18d44134dd88 This is such a relief to hear! I'm actually the original poster (Ravi) and your experience gives me real hope. I've been so worried about making the wrong move and jeopardizing my SSDI benefits. Can you tell me more about how you presented your case to NYS DOL? Did you emphasize that you were looking for specific types of work that fit your limitations, or did you apply more generally and then explain during the process? I'm also curious about timing - how soon after getting your medical documentation together did you apply? My doctor has been documenting my progress, but I want to make sure the paperwork clearly shows I can work within certain parameters. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your success story - it's exactly what I needed to hear!

@18d44134dd88 This is so helpful to read! I'm actually in a very similar boat - I've been on SSDI for about 6 months due to a back injury, but my physical therapy has been going really well and my doctor thinks I could handle desk work or other sedentary jobs. I've been terrified to even explore unemployment because I was worried it would automatically trigger a review of my disability case. Your success story gives me courage to at least look into it more seriously. Quick question - when you were approved for unemployment, did you have to commit to a specific number of job applications per week like regular claimants? I'm wondering if they adjust those requirements when you have documented work restrictions. Also, did Social Security give you any pushback when you reported the unemployment income? Thanks for being so open about your experience!

@18d44134dd88 Thank you so much for sharing your experience! As someone new to this community, I've been researching this exact situation for a family member who's on SSDI but making progress with their condition. Your success story is incredibly encouraging. I'm curious about one specific aspect - when you mentioned being "completely transparent" with both agencies, did you find that NYS DOL workers were generally knowledgeable about disability/unemployment overlap cases, or did you have to educate them about the possibility? I've heard mixed things about whether local unemployment offices understand these nuanced situations. Also, did you end up needing to provide ongoing medical updates to maintain your unemployment eligibility, or was the initial documentation sufficient? Really appreciate you taking the time to help others navigate this complex process!

@18d44134dd88 This is incredibly reassuring to hear! I'm the original poster and have been going through all these responses feeling pretty overwhelmed. Your actual success with this process gives me so much hope. I'm particularly interested in how you handled the medical documentation piece - did your doctor need to use specific language about your work capabilities, or were general medical records sufficient? I have my next appointment with my doctor in two weeks and want to make sure I ask for the right documentation. Also, when you say you were transparent with both agencies, did you proactively reach out to Social Security to let them know you were applying for unemployment, or did you wait until you were approved? I'm trying to figure out the best order of operations here. Thanks so much for sharing your story - it's exactly what I needed to hear to feel confident about moving forward!

This is such valuable insight! As someone new to this community and dealing with this situation for the first time, the distinction between different definitions of "disability" really clarifies things. I hadn't thought about requesting a functional capacity evaluation specifically - that sounds like exactly what I need to bridge the gap between the two systems. When you mention getting documentation about what I CAN do rather than what I can't, that really resonates. My current medical records focus mostly on limitations and restrictions, but I can see how positive capability statements would be much more helpful for unemployment eligibility. Do you know if most doctors are familiar with functional capacity evaluations for this purpose, or is this something I might need to specifically request or explain? Also, would this type of evaluation typically be covered by insurance when it's for employment/benefits purposes rather than treatment? Thanks for sharing this professional perspective - it's helping me understand how to approach this strategically rather than just hoping for the best!