Question: I am working part time and getting Social Security. If I get laid off, will I be able to collect unemployment? - Fred
Answer from Makebra Bridges, Beehive Producer
One thing to keep in mind about collecting unemployment is that you must be in a position to return to work. That means that you cannot have a mental or physical disability that prevents you from working.
If you are collecting Social Security for a full-term disability, then you are probably not eligible for unemployment. If you are collecting Social Security for a partial disability, then you can probably collect unemployment.
When it comes to unemployment, every state is different, so you must check with your local unemployment agency to confirm the rules in your area.
Learn How to Collect Unemployment
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First, find out if you are eligible for unemployment. Although each state has different eligibility requirements, there are some general requirements to qualify for unemployment, including:
- You must be ready, able and willing to go back to work.
- You must meet the state requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period of time referred to as a "base period."
- You must be unemployed through no fault of your own (determined under State law), and meet other eligibility requirements of State law.
If you are thinking about applying for unemployment, here are a few tips:
- Find out the best way to apply. You can file online or at your local unemployment office. In some states, you can even file by phone. Contacting your local office is the best way to get the correct information and answers to your questions.
- Get extra help and know your rights. Because each state is different, it can be difficult to find all the answers to your questions. There are several legal help organizations that can provide free or very affordable information, resources, and advice to people with low incomes.
- Don’t lose your benefits. There are some factors that may reduce, or cost you your unemployment. Learn more about losing your benefits.
- Your benefits may be reduced if (but check with your state to be sure):
- You collect a pension, including Social Security.
- You still receive severance pay from your employer.
- You owe child support.
- You get wages from another job. (You can still get unemployment benefits if you have a part-time job, but the amount will be reduced based on income.)
- You may lose your benefits if you don’t:
- Register as directed with a job service
- Report to your case worker each week, or as often as you're told to
- Actively look for a job and have proof that you're looking
- Attend a job training course, if you’re told to
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Boston, MA
