Kentucky Unemployment & Social Security: Cannot Collect Both Simultaneously

No. In Kentucky, you cannot collect unemployment insurance (UI) benefits while receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

Legal Basis

Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 341.350(3) explicitly disqualifies individuals from UI eligibility for any week they receive:

• Social Security retirement benefits
• Social Security disability benefits (SSDI)
• Railroad Retirement Board benefits
• Other governmental retirement/disability pensions

Rationale

UI is designed for involuntary job loss with ability and availability to work. Social Security retirement/disability implies either:

• Voluntary workforce exit (retirement), or
• Inability to work due to disability (SSDI)

Both contradict UI's core eligibility requirement: able, available, and actively seeking work.

Nuances & Exceptions

• SSI (Supplemental Security Income): Needs-based, not work-history-based. Does not automatically disqualify from UI, but income limits may reduce UI benefit.
• Partial retirement: If drawing early SS retirement (age 62+) but still working/seeking work, UI may be reduced dollar-for-dollar by SS amount.
• Appeal rights: Denials can be appealed through Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance.

Practical Advice

1. Report all income (including SS) when filing weekly UI claims — failure = fraud.
2. If denied, request hearing; present evidence of active job search and ability to work.
3. Consult Kentucky Career Center or legal aid for case-specific guidance.

Rules vary by state. Some states (e.g., Illinois, Louisiana) allow concurrent SS retirement + UI with offset. Kentucky does not.