told by the IL unemployment office that I couldn’t collect benefits, because of getting social security benefits
Q) I owned and managed a retail pet store in Illinois for more than 30 years. I was also an employee, and was paid as such. I paid into unemployment almost my entire working career. I had to start collecting social security early, as I didn’t make much money, and needed the income. I was forced to close the business due to poor sales. I was told by the ILLINOIS unemployment office that I couldn’t collect any benefits, because I was getting social security benefits. This didn’t seem fair, and I really needed those benefits. Would I be eligible for any benefits here in Florida?
A) I understand that you are in a difficult situation. You were forced to close your business due to poor sales, and you are now collecting Social Security benefits. You were told by the Illinois unemployment office that you are not eligible for unemployment benefits because you are collecting Social Security benefits.
I can understand why you are frustrated. It seems unfair that you are not eligible for unemployment benefits, even though you paid into the system for your entire working career.
I am not an attorney, so I cannot give you legal advice. However, I can provide you with some information about unemployment benefits in Florida.
In Florida, you are eligible for unemployment benefits if you are unemployed through no fault of your own, you are able to work, and you are actively looking for work. You must also have earned enough wages in the past year to qualify.
The amount of unemployment benefits you receive will depend on your previous earnings. You can find more information about unemployment benefits in Florida on the website of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
According to Social Security Administration: 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. https://faq.ssa.gov/link/portal/34011/34019/Article/3741/Will-unemployment-benefits-affect-my-Social-Security-benefits