Can I collect PA UC benefits while receiving Social Security? Eligibility confusion!
Hi everyone, I'm turning 65 next month and I just found out that my company is downsizing. I've been working full-time for the past 12 years but now I'm worried about my income. I'll be eligible for Social Security but that won't be enough to cover my bills. Can I apply for unemployment benefits in PA while also collecting Social Security? Has anyone done this successfully? The HR person at my job seemed confused when I asked her about it. I need to figure this out ASAP since I only have about 4 weeks left at my current job. Thanks in advance for any help!
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Ella Lewis
yes u can get both! my dad got laid off last yr and he gets social security AND unemployment. they dont cancel each other out
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Hunter Edmunds
•Oh that's a relief to hear! Do you know if he had to report his Social Security income when he filed for unemployment? I'm worried about doing something wrong on the application.
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Andrew Pinnock
The previous comment is correct - you can receive both PA UC benefits and Social Security retirement benefits simultaneously. However, there are important things to understand: 1. You must report your Social Security income when filing for unemployment, but it will NOT be deducted from your UC benefits (unlike some other income types). 2. You still need to meet all other eligibility requirements for unemployment: - You must have been laid off through no fault of your own - You must be able and available to work - You must be actively seeking employment (job search activities) - You must have enough qualifying wages in your base year 3. Be prepared that when filing weekly claims, you'll need to report your job search activities (at least 2 per week) and continue being available for suitable work. Many people successfully collect both benefits without issues.
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Brianna Schmidt
•Sooo is this the same for disibility? I got hurt at my job and get SSD now but my wife says I should apply for unemployment too since I got laid off last month. Does anyone know???
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Alexis Renard
Had the same situation in 2022!!! was collecting SS at 62 (early retirement) then got FIRED after 15 years at the same company!!! applied for UC and got approved no problem. Just dont forget to do your work search every week or they will STOP YOUR BENEFITS!!!
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Camila Jordan
•Exactly right about the work search requirements. PA UC is incredibly strict about this now. You need to complete at least 2 work search activities each week you claim benefits. This could be applying for jobs, attending job fairs, creating profiles on job search sites, etc. Document EVERYTHING because they do random audits. If you can't prove your work search activities when they ask, you'll have to pay back benefits.
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Tyler Lefleur
The real question is whether it's worth applying for unemployment after age 65. Social Security retirement benefits are NOT deducted from your UC benefits in PA, but your UC benefits ARE taxable income and could potentially push you into a higher tax bracket when combined with Social Security. You might want to speak with a tax professional before deciding. Also, remember that UC benefits are temporary (typically 26 weeks maximum) while Social Security continues.
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Hunter Edmunds
•That's an excellent point I hadn't considered. I definitely need to think about the tax implications. My Social Security won't be that high though, so I think I'll still need the UC benefits to make ends meet until I can find another job. I'm not ready to fully retire yet.
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Madeline Blaze
I've been helping my mother with this exact situation. When you apply for UC benefits, there will be a section asking about other income. You should report your Social Security there, but it won't reduce your weekly benefit amount. The most frustrating part of this process was actually getting through to someone at UC when she had questions about her application. After days of busy signals and disconnections, we found a service called Claimyr that got us through to an actual UC representative within 45 minutes. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 The UC rep confirmed that she could receive both benefits and helped clear up an issue with her claim that would have caused delays. Well worth it when you need to speak to someone directly.
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Max Knight
•is this service legit??? sounds sketchy to me. why should we have to pay to talk to unemployment?? the system is so broken!
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Hunter Edmunds
Thank you all for the helpful information! I feel much better knowing that I can receive both benefits. I'm going to start gathering my employment information to prepare for filing when my job ends. I'll make sure to report my Social Security income properly and keep detailed records of my job search activities. Hoping the application process goes smoothly!
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Andrew Pinnock
•Good plan! One more tip: When you file your initial claim, have the following information ready: 1. Social Security number 2. Home address and phone number 3. Complete employment history for the past 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers, employment dates) 4. Your bank account information for direct deposit 5. If you aren't a US citizen, your Alien Registration Number This will make the process much smoother. Best of luck with your claim!
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Camila Jordan
Just to add some clarity on the work search requirements since you mentioned you're 65 - there are NO age exemptions for the work search requirements. Even if you're eligible for full Social Security retirement, PA UC still requires you to be actively seeking work. You must complete and document at least 2 work search activities each week, which can include applying for jobs, creating profiles on employment websites, attending networking events, etc. The key is to keep accurate records of all these activities in case you're audited.
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Hunter Edmunds
•Thanks for emphasizing this. I'm definitely willing and able to work, so the job search requirements won't be a problem for me. I'll keep detailed records of all my applications and other activities.
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Camila Castillo
One thing that might help ease your mind about the application process - Pennsylvania's UC system has actually gotten much better over the past couple years. I applied for benefits last fall at age 63 while collecting Social Security and the whole process was pretty straightforward. The online application walked me through everything step by step, including where to report my SS income. Just make sure you file your claim as soon as possible after your last day of work - you can actually file the Sunday of the week you become unemployed. Don't wait! And definitely set up direct deposit when you apply because paper checks can take much longer to arrive. The first payment usually comes about 2-3 weeks after filing if everything goes smoothly. You've got this! The combination of both benefits really helped me get through those first few months of job searching.
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