Can you get Unemployment and SS benefits at the same time?

JonF56081 — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 23:16:53 GMT

I'm planning to retire at the end of May. If I let my employer know now, to give them time to restructure or find a new employee, they just might choose to let me go early. I could then apply for unemployment benefits, presumably. Should I then put off applying for retirement benefits from SS until after unemployment has run out? But if I do, wouldn't I be required to "look for work" to qualify for unemployment benefits, even though I'm still planning to retire in a couple of months? Presumably I can't apply for unemployment while also receiving SS retirement benefits?

I should mention that I'm in California, since the rules may be different here than elsewhere. It's been about 20 years since I've had to deal with the EDD, but I recall them pretty adamant about the "looking for work" clause to qualify for benefits. If I'm taking retirement benefits I'm presumably not looking for work. Even if I don't take my retirement benefits, I'm really not going to be wasting time looking for a job I'm not going to accept or keep.

Re: Can you get Unemployment and SS benefits at the same time?

GailL1 — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 22:25:38 GMT

SSA.gov FAQ - WillUnemployment Benefits Affect My Social Sedurity Benefits?

from the link ~

Social Security does not count unemployment benefits as earnings. They do not affect retirement benefits.

However, income from Social Security may reduce your unemployment compensation. Contact your state unemployment office for information on how your state applies the reduction.

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Can you get Unemployment and SS benefits at the same time?

Re: Can you get Unemployment and SS benefits at the same time?