Last reviewed: September 28, 2026
You can apply for Social Security Disability benefits while receiving unemployment benefits, but this is a tricky situation.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) doesn’t have an explicit rule saying that you can’t collect both benefits, but the two programs have seemingly contradictory qualifications.
When you apply for unemployment, you’re saying that you are able and available to work. When you apply for disability, you’re saying that your health prevents you from working.
Trying to receive disability while collecting unemployment can be difficult. You should talk to the Detroit disability lawyers of the Levine Benjamin Law Firm about your specific circumstances.
We’ve helped more than 100,000 people in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and across the country secure disability benefits and get back on the path to financial stability and independence.
Our team can tell you more about how the SSA treats situations like yours and how this could complicate your disability claim and the benefits you can receive.
From applying to appealing, we help you every step of the way.
When Can I Receive Both Disability and Unemployment Benefits?
Having a health problem won’t be enough to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits.
You need to show that your health will prevent you from working any job for 12 months or longer.
This is a high standard to meet. Even if you can’t do any of your recent jobs, Social Security wants to find some way for you to work and support yourself without the need for disability benefits.
If you’re also applying for or receiving unemployment benefits, that indicates that you can work and that you’re actively looking for a job.
You could understand how a claims examiner or the judge at your disability hearing might see a conflict there when they evaluate your application for benefits.
Still, there are some circumstances where claiming both benefits is possible.
If your state doesn’t require you to seek full-time work while on unemployment, you could look for part-time work. As long as you don’t plan to work more than what Social Security considers to be substantial gainful activity, you could qualify for both benefits until your unemployment runs out.
You may also be able to apply for disability if you’re on unemployment, but your health has gotten worse since you lost your job.
These types of situations can quickly get complex, though. Not reporting the right information to Social Security or your state employment agency can cause additional headaches, possibly even overpayment issues.
This is exactly why you should meet with a Michigan and Ohio disability attorney if you’re trying to collect both types of benefits at once.
Start with a FREE case consultation.
How Do I Win My Social Security Disability Case?
You can’t assume that your health problem will be obvious to Social Security when you apply for disability benefits. A claims examiner won’t simply take your word for it when you say you can’t work.
This is especially true if you’re receiving unemployment benefits. Any confusion that this creates just means more hoops to jump through, and more time and effort you need to spend trying to build your case.
You’ll need to have medical evidence supporting your case, like a diagnosis from your doctor, treatment records, medical imaging and results from lab tests.
If you are suffering from a mental health condition, results of psychological and psychiatric evaluations can be used to support your claim.
All of this information can help you build a stronger case, but it’s also important to avoid mistakes that often sink disability claims. Leaving parts of application forms blank or giving incomplete or contradictory information can make Social Security doubt you.
You also need to be careful about what kind of work you do when you’re applying.
Working a small amount is often fine for SSD applicants, but if you work too much or work a particularly taxing job, that can make it tough for a claims examiner to see your health condition as a serious one.
Collecting unemployment while trying to win disability benefits can complicate your claim in the same way. If you’re trying to get work in the same field that you worked in before, the SSA might not think that you should qualify for disability.
A Michigan and Ohio disability lawyer can help you build your case and avoid some of these common pitfalls that often result in denials.
Our assistance can be especially useful if you’re worried that your unemployment benefits will make you ineligible for disability. There are ways to claim both benefits, and our team will do our best to help you find your road toward financial stability.
And you won’t pay an attorney fee unless you win disability benefits.
Get Help With Disability Benefits in Michigan, Ohio or Indiana
Winning disability benefits is difficult in the best of circumstances, and trying to receive both unemployment and SSD is particularly challenging.
It takes persistence to get your disability claim approved. You may get denied disability benefits multiple times before you end up persevering.
The disability lawyers at the Levine Benjamin Law Firm will be with you at every step of the way.
Yes, trying to receive both disability and unemployment at the same time presents unique obstacles, but we’re ready to help if we think that you’re eligible to claim both benefits.
Monthly payments and medical coverage through Social Security Disability can make a big difference in your life. Don’t give up on a disability claim because you’re confused about which benefits you can qualify for.
Schedule a free consultation to talk to our team about your situation.
