When you file for unemployment in South Carolina, you state that you are able and available for full-time work, and are actively seeking employment. To remain eligible for benefits, you must make at least four job contacts each week that you are unemployed.

Collecting Unemployment Benefits and Filing for Disability at the Same Time

Collecting unemployment while applying for disability at the same time is a controversial issue because certifying that you are able and available for full-time work is inconsistent with a claim for disability.

There are a few situations where receiving unemployment is not inconsistent with a claim for benefits. An older individual could be entitled to disability benefits due to a “medical-vocational” allowance but still be able to work. For instance, a 50 year-old claimant limited to sedentary work is “able to work,” yet because of his age, past job skills, and education level, may still be approved for disability benefits. Further, individuals receiving unemployment who are authorized to seek only part-time work may be found disabled since Social Security considers an individual’s ability to work 8 hours a day for 5 days a week, or an equivalent work schedule.

The Social Security Administration’s official stance is that receiving unemployment benefits does not prevent an individual from receiving Social Security disability benefits. However, it is a factor that many Administrative Law Judges take into account when considering a claim and the receipt of unemployment may result in a later disability onset date, reducing the amount an individual may receive in back benefits.

If you have questions about seeking Social Security disability benefits while drawing employment, contact a disability benefits attorney at Joye Law Firm at (877) 941-2615 or use our online contact form.

About the Author

Since 1968, the South Carolina personal injury and workers’ compensation attorneys of Joye Law Firm have been committed to securing compensation for accident and injury victims. Our compassionate and dedicated lawyers have over 300 years of combined litigation experience, and many of them have been recognized as South Carolina Super Lawyers. For many years, our South Carolina personal injury law firm has been listed with an AV rating in the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell legal directory.

Recent Blog Post
2026 Best Lawyers in America Joye Law Firm attorneys included for selection
Multiple Attorneys at Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers Included in The Best Lawyers in America

We are proud to share that 19 attorneys from Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers have been selected for inclusion in the 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®. Additionally, the firm’s Managing Partner,…

Intersection Accidents and Injuries in South Carolina
How Our Attorneys Handle a Liberty Mutual Claim

After an accident, getting the insurance company to pay what’s fair can be more frustrating than the crash itself. That’s especially true when dealing with a Liberty Mutual claim. Liberty Mutual is one of the country’s largest auto insurance companies,…

A car crash on the street with visibly damaged vehicles.
How Our Attorneys Handle a Progressive Claim

Progressive is one of the largest auto insurers in the country, known for quick claim turnarounds. But that speed doesn’t always work in your favor. Their adjusters are trained to limit payouts and close files fast. If you’re dealing with…

Scenes from Joye Law Firm's Columbia office in May of 2024.
How Our Attorneys Handle GEICO Car Accident Claims

That friendly gecko on GEICO’s commercials? He isn’t on your side after a car crash, but we are. With over 11% of market share, GEICO, or the Government Employees Insurance Company, handles thousands of accident claims each year. But that…

Awards & Recognition
Media
ABC
NBC
Fox
CBS News
ESPN Radio logo