| commentator
Two different horses of two entirely different colors here. Unemployment insurance is administered by the state through a taxed program on employers. You get it because you are laid off through no fault of your own and have not yet found another job. You get it for a certain number of weeks, at a certain amount, and then it ends with a thud, regardless of your economic circumstances.
Social security retirement benefits, which are what I assume you are talking about drawing early, are a federal program, administered by the Social Security administration. They have been taking deductions from your paychecks throughout your work history, and will administer these proceeds back to you when you become eligible. Again, strictly set up by policy, not based on need, economic status, etc. You can call the Social Security office, and ask, but I wouldn't expect to get a positive answer.
Social Security disability is another aspect of the federal, not state, administered program, in which you must prove you are not able to work any more due to health reasons. At the time you are approved for social security disability benefits, you can not draw any more unemployment insurance, even if you have weeks of benefits left, because you are no longer able and available for work.
SSI, which confuses many people, is administered by the states, is a supplimental income based assistance program for the indigent who are also disabled or old enough to be receiving their social security retirement benefits. It is based on your income and other factors, usually includes or goes along with eligibility for Medicaid and food coupon assistance.
Are there any programs for older workers that you can connect with through the career center system in your state? True, it is hard to find jobs when one is over a certain age, but there are jobs out there. Sixty is very young to want to go out to pasture totally! | 
07-31-2009, 02:57 PM
Linear Mode
