Can I collect PA unemployment and Social Security at the same time after being laid off?

Thank you so much! That's a huge relief. Do I need to report the Social Security amount somewhere specific on my weekly claims once I start receiving it?

Actually, Social Security is sometimes taxable too, depending on your total income. If your combined income (adjusted gross income + nontaxable interest + half of SS benefits) exceeds $25,000 for individuals or $32,000 for married filing jointly, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable. The OP should consider this when planning finances.

This is incorrect information. Social Security retirement benefits are not affected by unemployment compensation. You must report accurate information to both agencies. What your brother experienced was likely related to SSDI (disability) which has different rules than retirement benefits, or perhaps involved underreporting income for SSI (Supplemental Security Income). Regular Social Security retirement benefits and unemployment can be collected simultaneously in Pennsylvania.

That's a really good point. I'm definitely still able and willing to work! I was only considering Social Security now because I'm eligible for the early option and thought it would supplement my income.

did that actually work?? ive been trying to get through for 2 weeks about my open issue

You've given me a lot to think about. I hadn't fully considered the long-term impact of taking Social Security early. Maybe I should focus on finding another job while on unemployment rather than rushing into Social Security.

They don't talk to each other because they're completely separate systems with different funding sources and rules. But for retirement benefits specifically, the rules are actually pretty clear in PA: you can collect both without reduction. It's disability benefits where things get more complicated and can affect each other.

Thank you so much for summarizing everything! This is extremely helpful. Based on all the advice here, I think I'll apply for unemployment right away but hold off on Social Security while I look for another job. If I can't find something in a few months, I'll reconsider the Social Security option.

That sounds like a smart approach! Just wanted to add that when you do apply for UC, make sure to file your initial claim as soon as possible since there's usually a one-week waiting period before benefits start. Also, if you worked in other states in the past 18 months, you might need to file an interstate claim. The PA UC system will walk you through this during the application process. Good luck with your job search!

This is really helpful advice about being transparent from the start! I'm planning to file my UC claim this week and will definitely mention that I'm considering Social Security. One quick question - do you know if there's a specific timeframe I need to report changes to my UC claim if I do decide to apply for Social Security later? I want to make sure I stay compliant with all the reporting requirements.

@Caleb Stone You should report any changes to your income status when you file your weekly claim certification. In PA, you re'required to report changes immediately - so if you start receiving Social Security, you d'report it on your very next weekly claim after you receive your first payment. The online system will ask about other "income each" week, and that s'where you d'include it. Don t'wait until the following week or you could face issues with overpayments that you d'have to pay back later. The good news is that since SS retirement doesn t'reduce your UC benefits in PA, it s'more about compliance and record-keeping than affecting your actual benefit amount.

This is such an important point that I hadn't considered! So if I understand correctly, if I take Social Security now at 62 and then find a job that pays more than $22,320 annually, my Social Security benefits would be reduced but my unemployment wouldn't be affected by the Social Security (since I'd no longer be on UC once employed)? That's definitely another reason to wait on Social Security until I see what kind of job opportunities are out there. Thanks for bringing up the earnings test - it's these kinds of details that make navigating this whole system so complicated!

Exactly right! Once you're employed, you'd stop collecting unemployment but the Social Security earnings test would still apply to your SS benefits if you're under full retirement age. It's a tricky balance - you want income security but also don't want to lock yourself into permanently reduced benefits or hit earnings limits that further reduce them. Given your warehouse experience, if you can find another position in that field or similar work, you might be better off waiting on SS and just using UC as a bridge. The job market for experienced warehouse workers is actually pretty good right now with all the distribution centers expanding. Have you started looking at what's available in your area?

That's great advice about CareerLink! I actually hadn't thought about them having specific resources for older workers. Do you know if they help with resume updates too? I've been in the same job for 7 years so my resume probably needs some work to highlight transferable skills. It sounds like using their counseling services to think through the Social Security timing could be really valuable - having someone look at my specific financial picture rather than trying to figure it out on my own. Thanks for mentioning this resource!

Yes, CareerLink definitely helps with resume updates! They have workshops and one-on-one sessions specifically for resume writing and interview skills. I went through their "mature worker" program which was really helpful for translating long-term experience into modern resume language. They also helped me understand how to address potential age discrimination in applications - like focusing on recent accomplishments and keeping the resume to 10-15 years of experience rather than going back to the beginning of your career. The counselors there are used to working with people in our situation and can definitely help you think through both the job search strategy and the Social Security timing question. Definitely worth taking advantage of since you have to register with them anyway for UC benefits.

This is incredibly helpful to hear from someone who actually went through the same situation! I had no idea you could suspend Social Security benefits after starting them - that's good to know as a potential safety net. Your point about documenting everything is well taken too. Can I ask what made you realize the early reduction would be too costly? Was it just running the numbers on the lifetime difference, or did you have other factors that influenced your decision to suspend? I'm leaning toward focusing on the job search first like you suggest, especially hearing that the warehouse job market might be better than I expected.

What really opened my eyes was when I calculated the lifetime difference - taking benefits at 62 versus waiting until my full retirement age of 66 would have cost me about $180,000 over my expected lifetime. That's assuming I live to average life expectancy. The monthly difference was around $400, which seemed manageable at first, but multiplied out over 20+ years it was staggering. Plus, I got lucky and found a great position at a logistics company after 4 months on unemployment - turned out my warehouse experience was exactly what they needed for a supervisory role. The job market really is better than expected for people with our background, especially with e-commerce driving demand for distribution workers. I'm now planning to work until 66 and get my full benefits, which will give me a much more comfortable retirement. Sometimes the temporary financial stress is worth avoiding the permanent reduction!

I'm so glad this thread has been helpful for you! It's amazing how much practical knowledge gets shared when people who've actually been through these situations take the time to explain what worked (and what didn't). One thing I'd add for your future planning is to start familiarizing yourself with the PA UC online system and CareerLink even before you might need them - just so you know how they work. I wish I had done that before I got laid off because there's definitely a learning curve with all the weekly certifications and work search documentation. Also, if you're 58 now, you might want to request your Social Security statement online to see exactly what your benefits would be at different ages - it really helps with planning when you can see the actual dollar amounts rather than just percentages. Hope you never need this information, but it's great to be prepared!