About Kyla Kelim Expertise All social security/disability cases
Experience I have practiced law in Alabama and Florida for fifteen years. Our firm serves primarily the elderly and disabled, and we have more than 60 years of collective experience with handling social security disability cases.
Organizations
Organizations Alabama State Bar
Florida State Bar
Education/Credentials
Experience in the area I have practiced law in Florida and Alabama for 15 years. My firm has over 60 years collective experience in disability and elder law issues including hearing and appeals for social security/disability cases
Education/Credentials Cumberland School of Law, Samford University, J.D. 1993
University of New Orleans, B.S. Business Administration 1990
Disability Law - Unemployment Compensation and Social Security Disability
Expert: Kyla Kelim - 12/9/2008
Question I was laid off from my job in August of 2007 and have not yet found a new position. I am collecting unemployment benefits in Massachusetts under the extended unemployment benefits plan. To do this, I have to verify each week to the unemployment office that I am willing and able to work. I have been actively searching but have found nothiing. In the meantime, I am seeking psychiatric help for bipolar disorder which I have had for years but which is worsening because of the stressors related to my finances. My therapist recommends that I apply for social security disability. She believes that this will not cause a problem with my unemployment insurance. She says that by the time I am approved for disability I will no longer be receiving unemployment. My concern is that I would be claiming that I am able to work on my unemployment form and then telling social security that I am unable to work.
What can you tell me about this?
Answer You can't have it both ways, either you are able and willing to work or you aren't. If you are collecting unemployment, then social security will not count your disability as starting until it ends.
There is a five month period of waiting from the time your disability starts to the time that social security will start paying you so you will have at least 5 months with no check from any source.
