Can I Receive Unemployment and Disability at the Same Time?
- Purple
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
What to know before collecting both SSDI or SSI and unemployment benefits
Introduction: Can You Be Disabled and Unemployed at the Same Time?
It’s a common question—and a tricky one:
💼 Can I collect unemployment while on disability?
💵 Will it affect my SSI or SSDI payments?
📄 What will SSA or my state unemployment office think if I apply for both?
The short answer:
⚠️ It depends on which type of disability benefits you receive.
✔️ Some SSDI recipients may qualify for unemployment, but it’s risky.
❌ Most people on SSI are disqualified from unemployment due to income and eligibility conflicts.
In this post, we’ll break it all down:
✅ How SSDI and SSI treat unemployment income
✅ Why applying for both can raise red flags
✅ What to consider before filing
✅ How Purple helps you track income and protect your benefits
1. The Core Conflict: Are You Able to Work or Not?
Here’s why this topic is confusing:
Unemployment benefits are for people who are able to work but lost their job through no fault of their own.
Disability benefits (especially SSDI) are for people who can’t work due to a medical condition.
💡 If you apply for both, you’re telling two government agencies different things.
2. Can You Receive SSDI and Unemployment at the Same Time?
Technically, yes—you can receive both in some cases.
✅ SSDI Eligibility:
Based on your work history, not financial need
You must be unable to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
In 2025, that means earning less than $1,620/month (non-blind) or $2,700/month (blind)
⚠️ Why It’s Risky:
By applying for unemployment, you're certifying that you're:
Able to work
Actively seeking work
Ready to accept a job if offered
That can conflict with what you’ve told SSA—that you’re unable to work due to disability.
💡 Some courts have ruled that you can look for work within your medical limitations, but SSA may still question your disability claim if you’re collecting unemployment.
3. Can You Receive SSI and Unemployment at the Same Time?
In almost all cases: No.
❌ SSI Eligibility:
Based on financial need
You must have very little income or resources
Unemployment benefits are counted as unearned income
📉 Even a few hundred dollars in unemployment can reduce your SSI to $0 or disqualify you completely.
4. Should You Apply for Unemployment While on Disability?
Ask yourself:
Are you truly able to work part-time or full-time within your medical limits?
Are you already receiving SSDI or SSI?
Are you applying for unemployment because your benefits were denied or delayed?
📌 If you’re waiting on a disability decision and need money to survive, applying for unemployment may be your only option. Just know it could be used against you in your disability claim.
5. What Happens If You Collect Both?
SSA may reduce your SSI or stop it altogether
SSA may investigate your claim and request a review or Continuing Disability Review (CDR)
You could be required to repay benefits if you’re found ineligible
In some cases, state unemployment agencies may claw back unemployment payments if they discover conflicting information
💡 Transparency is key: if you’re applying for both, document your medical limitations and be clear about what work you’re capable of doing.
6. How Purple Helps You Track Income and Avoid Overpayments
💜 Track All Income Sources – Whether it's SSA deposits or unemployment checks, Purple shows them clearly
💜 Tag Deposits – Keep unemployment separate from disability income
💜 Stay Under SSI Limits – Get alerts when your balance or income is getting too high
💜 Document Storage – Upload award letters, appeal notices, or income verification
💜 Ask Companion AI – “Will this unemployment check affect my SSI?” or “Am I earning more than allowed on SSDI?”
📌 Purple gives you clarity before things get complicated.
7. FAQs About Unemployment and Disability
⚠️ Can I apply for unemployment while waiting for SSDI?
Yes—but it may affect how SSA views your claim. Be honest about your medical limitations.
⚠️ What if I’m only partially disabled?
SSDI allows some part-time work. You might be able to seek limited work while applying for benefits—but it’s a gray area.
⚠️ How much unemployment can I get before it affects SSI?
Almost any amount of unemployment is counted dollar for dollar against your SSI and will reduce or eliminate your check.
⚠️ What if I’m denied for SSDI but get unemployment?
This is common. Use the unemployment income to stay afloat, but keep pursuing your appeal if you’re truly unable to work.
8. Conclusion: It’s Complicated—But You Have Options
✅ You might be able to receive SSDI and unemployment for a short time
❌ You generally can’t receive SSI and unemployment
⚠️ Applying for both can raise red flags unless you’re clear about your work limitations
✅ Use Purple to track income, stay compliant, and avoid surprises
💜 Join Purple to get disability-friendly tools that help you avoid overpayments and manage mixed income safely.