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) 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