Will Unemployment Affect My SSD Benefits?

Q: Can I collect unemployment benefits while applying for Social Security disability benefits?
A: Unemployment benefits are not included in the Social Security Administrations annual earnings test. However, your Social Security disability benefits may have a direct impact on the amount of unemployment benefits you receive. You would be wise to check with your state unemployment office for more information.
In general, you are allowed to earn up to $1,000 per month before you begin to see an impact on your Social Security disability benefits. Social Security disability generally allows you a nine month trial work period in which you can test your ability to work. Under this trial period, a trial work month is defined as one in which your earnings reach at least $720 (or $720 after expenses if you are self employed or work at least 80 hours at your own business). The Social Security Administration imposes no income restrictions for you to receive Social Security disability during this time period. This Social Security disability trial work period terminates after you have worked a total of nine months during a 60 month time period. Following expiration of this trial period, you may, for an additional 36 months, continue to work and to receive Social Security disability benefits during any month in which you earn $1,000 or less (or $1,640 or less if you are blind).
Your Social Security disability benefits are not affected if you lose your job during the trial work period. If you lose your job during the 36 month extended period, Social Security disability benefits may be reinstated as long as you remain disabled. Contact Social Security to request a reinstatement.
Q: Can I receive partial Social Security disability benefits through the Social Security Administration?
A: No, there is no such thing as partial Social Security disability benefits. The Social Security Administration does not allow Social Security disability benefits for temporary medical conditions, such as pregnancy. In order to receive Social Security disability benefits, you must be unable, due to your medical condition, to either continue to perform your usual work or adjust to any other type of work. Your doctor must also expect your medical condition to last for at least one year or lead to your death.