Unemployment benefits and their affect on SSDI and SSI benefits.

The Unemployment insurance program was established under the Social security Act of 1935. it provides temporary and partial replacement of income to individuals who have lost their jobs due to no fault of their own.

A person receiving  SSDI benefits , can file for unemployment benefits, and have no impact on their cash benefit amount, because it is considered unearned income, according to SSA. Therefore, unearened income generally does not have an affect on SSDI benefits, but earned income is counted.

However, disabled individuals receiving SSI benefits will have an impact on their cash benefit payment , as a result of receiving unemployment benefits. Unemployment is counted as unearned income. SSA counts earned, and unearned income when calculating the SSI monthly payment amount.

 It is important to report  all changes affecting income to the Social Security Administration , including the loss of earnings.