Can You Get Unemployment While on Social Security?
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If you are collecting Social Security benefits and have also recently lost your job, you may be wondering if you can collect unemployment benefits on top of your Social Security benefits. The good news is that you can collect both types of benefits at once. These two types of benefits come from completely different sources, and receiving one of them does not disqualify you from applying for the other one as well.
Written by Mark P. Cussen, CMFC. Legally reviewed by Jonathan Petts
Updated October 10, 2025
Can You Get Unemployment Benefits and Social Security at the Same Time?
Usually, yes. In most states*, workers can collect unemployment insurance benefits while also drawing Social Security.
Keep in mind that you don’t have to wait to begin receiving one benefit before filing for the other. You can file for both benefits at the same time. Also, remember that because each benefit is provided by a different agency, the time frame for receiving payments after you file will vary.
*Minnesota is an exception. Some workers in Minnesota may need to reduce their unemployment insurance benefits by up to 50% of their Social Security benefits. This requirement depends on when they started receiving Social Security and the time between that date and when they began collecting unemployment benefits. For more details, visit the Minnesota Department of Revenue website.
How Do You Apply for Unemployment Compensation?
Each state has its own rules and processes for unemployment insurance. You can find information for your state by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor online.
The online application process is typically straightforward and allows you to file from the comfort of your home. Some states also allow people to apply by phone or in person at local unemployment offices.
After applying, you will need to file weekly or bi-weekly claims to continue receiving benefits, and you may be required to attend job search workshops or counseling sessions as part of your eligibility.
📌 Be sure to check your state's specific requirements and guidelines to ensure a smooth application process.
Who Is Eligible for Unemployment Benefits?
To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you generally need to have lost your job through no fault of your own. You must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking employment.
If you're working part time while looking for a full-time job, you may still qualify for partial benefits. The number of hours you work and your earnings will affect the amount of benefits you receive.
Your work history also affects your benefit amount and duration. Those with longer, higher-paying job histories typically receive more benefits.
You can apply for both unemployment and Social Security benefits at the same time. Each program is managed by a different agency, so the processing times may vary.
How Do You Apply for Social Security?
Social Security is a federally funded program operated by the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). You can apply for benefits online, which is the fastest and most convenient method.
To start your application, visit the SSA website and follow the prompts to create an account. You'll need to provide personal information, such as your Social Security number, birth certificate, and detailed work history. The application process will also require you to choose the type of benefits you’re applying for, whether it’s retirement, disability, or survivors benefits.
Once you submit your application, the SSA will review your information and may contact you for additional documentation or clarification. You can track the status of your application online through your SSA account.
Who Is Eligible for Social Security Benefits?
If you want to apply for Social Security benefits, you need to meet certain conditions.
First, you must have worked for at least 40 quarters, which is equivalent to 10 years. A quarter is a three-month period during which you must have earned at least $1,810 (amount as of 2025). Meeting this requirement makes you eligible to apply for Social Security benefits.
Second, you must have reached the appropriate retirement age, which varies depending on the year you were born. If you wait until your full retirement age to collect benefits, you'll receive the full amount.
You can choose to start collecting benefits as early as age 62, but your monthly benefit will be reduced by about 25% for the rest of your life. Conversely, if you delay collecting benefits past your full retirement age, you can earn delayed retirement credits, which will increase the amount you receive each month when you do start collecting.
For more detailed information and to begin your application, visit the Social Security Administration online.
How Do Unemployment Benefits Affect Social Security & Vice Versa?
Collecting unemployment benefits doesn't typically affect the amount of Social Security you receive. If you take Social Security at age 62 and are still working, then your earned income can reduce your Social Security benefit. However, because unemployment benefits are considered to be unearned income, there is no impact.
As mentioned previously, the state of Minnesota is the only state that currently offsets the unemployment benefits of those who are already receiving Social Security income. If you live in this state, your unemployment benefits may be reduced by an amount equal to half of your Social Security benefits.
How Do Other Retirement Payments Affect Unemployment Compensation?
Income that is drawn from a qualified retirement plan, annuity, or IRA can reduce your unemployment compensation in many states. If you are taking distributions from your 401(k) plan or receive a pension every month, this amount may be used to offset your unemployment benefits.
You’ll need to contact your state’s unemployment office to find out what the rules are for where you live. In some states, your unemployment benefits may be reduced if you have a pension or retirement income. In other states, such as California, retirement income is exempted.
Also, note that you can't make IRA contributions using your unemployment benefits because this isn't considered earned income by the IRS.
How Will Going Back To Work Affect Your Social Security Benefits?
If you're able to find a job and start working again after filing early for Social Security benefits, your earnings may reduce your Social Security retirement benefits until you reach full retirement age.
If you start working after filing for Social Security benefits before reaching full retirement age, your benefits may be reduced based on your earnings. For 2025, if you are under full retirement age for the entire year, your benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn over the annual limit of $23,400.
In the year you reach full retirement age, the limit is higher, at $62,160, and the reduction is $1 for every $3 earned over this amount. Once you reach full retirement age, there is no limit on your earnings, and your benefits will no longer be reduced regardless of how much you earn.
For more detailed information on how your earnings affect your Social Security benefits and to calculate specifics, you can visit the Social Security Administration's page on receiving benefits while working.
What You Need To Know About Collecting Unemployment and Social Security Disability Benefits at the Same Time
It might seem like you can’t collect both Social Security disability benefits and unemployment benefits at the same time, but in some cases, it is possible. Still, qualifying for both programs at once is rare because the eligibility rules are very different.
To get unemployment benefits, you usually have to be able to work and be actively looking for a job. On the other hand, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who can’t work because of a long-term or permanent disability. Because of this, most people don’t qualify for both programs at the same time.
If you apply for SSDI while receiving unemployment, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will likely take a close look at your application. You’ll need to show that there’s no conflict between your disability claim and your job search. This can be difficult, but not impossible in every case. For example, some people may be able to work part time in a different type of job but still qualify as disabled under SSA rules.
The same general idea applies to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which also provides disability benefits. However, because SSI is a need-based program, and getting unemployment income could lower your SSI benefit or disqualify you completely — even if you're medically eligible. That’s because SSI has strict income and resource limits.
If you’re trying to qualify for both types of benefits, or aren’t sure how one might affect the other, consider reaching out to a qualified disability attorney or local legal aid organization. They can help explain your options based on your specific situation.
