Is SSI the same as unemployment benefits from NYS Department of Labor?
I'm really confused about the difference between SSI and regular unemployment benefits. My neighbor told me they're basically the same thing but I don't think that's right? I've been getting unemployment from NYS Department of Labor for 2 months now but my doctor is saying I might qualify for SSI too because of my back problems. Can you get both at the same time? Are they handled by the same office? I'm worried about messing up my current unemployment claim if I apply for the other one.
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Giovanni Greco
No, SSI and unemployment are completely different programs run by different agencies. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a federal disability program through Social Security Administration for people who can't work due to disability. NYS Department of Labor unemployment is for people who are able and available to work but temporarily unemployed. You generally can't get both because unemployment requires you to be ready and willing to work, while SSI is for people who can't work.
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Amara Eze
•Oh wow, that makes so much more sense! So if I apply for SSI I'd have to stop my weekly unemployment claims?
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Fatima Al-Farsi
Your neighbor is wrong - they're totally different things. I had to deal with this exact situation last year. If you're getting unemployment benefits you're certifying every week that you're able and available for work. SSI is for people who are disabled and can't work. The requirements are opposite of each other. You need to decide which applies to your situation.
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Dylan Wright
•This is confusing me too. What if someone's disability gets worse while they're on unemployment? Do you have to pay back the unemployment money?
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Sofia Torres
I was in a similar spot trying to reach someone at NYS Department of Labor about this exact question. Couldn't get through on the phone for weeks. Finally used claimyr.com and got connected to an agent in like 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/qyftW-mnTNI that shows how it works. The agent explained the whole thing clearly - definitely worth it when you need actual answers about your specific situation.
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Amara Eze
•Thanks for the tip! I really do need to talk to someone official about this before I make any decisions.
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GalacticGuardian
wait so if i'm on unemployment but then get hurt at my part time job can i switch to the disability one?? this is so confusing why do they make it so complicated
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Giovanni Greco
•If you get hurt at work that would be workers' compensation, which is different from both unemployment and SSI. You'd need to report the work injury to your employer and file a workers' comp claim.
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Dmitry Smirnov
Been dealing with the system for years and it's always a mess. They don't make it clear that these are separate programs with different rules. Had a friend who got in trouble because they didn't understand you can't collect both. The whole system is designed to confuse people if you ask me.
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Ava Rodriguez
Just went through this myself. Had to stop my unemployment when my disability got approved. Make sure you understand the timeline because there can be gaps in payments when you're switching between programs.
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Mason Lopez
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now. My advice is to be really careful about the timing if you're thinking about applying for SSI while on unemployment. When you apply for SSI, you're essentially saying you can't work due to disability, but with unemployment you're certifying weekly that you're able and available for work. These statements contradict each other. I'd recommend talking to someone at the Social Security office first to understand how an SSI application might affect your current unemployment benefits before you file anything. Don't want you to lose your current income while waiting months for an SSI decision.
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