Able to Work Requirement

• Regardless of what state you live in, unemployment benefits require you to be physically able to work. The idea behind this eligibility requirement is that unemployment benefits are temporary payments. They end when you find new employment or run out of benefits to collect. If you could never find new work because you are physically unable to perform work, it’s against the intent of the program.
  
  

Automatic Disqualification?

• Many disabled workers think that they can’t collect unemployment when they hear there’s an ability requirement to benefits. However, there’s no automatic disqualification for having a physical disability. Many disabled Americans find employment with the help of minor adjustments to the work area or in types of work unaffected by their disabilities. As long as you can perform some sort of work and meet the other eligibility requirements in your state, you can collect unemployment benefits.
  
  

Application Process

• The application process for a disabled worker is the same for one who isn’t. You fill out an application on paper at local unemployment office, over the phone through the claims line or on your state’s labor office website. You must provide your Social Security number, contact information and work history for the past two years. You also have to provide the reason for your job separation. The state verifies this information and reviews your claim for the eligibility standards according to its unemployment insurance code.
  
  

Documentation

• If your health becomes an issue with your state during your application process, you may have to provide documentation that you have the physical ability to perform some type of work. You can provide health records to the state relevant to your health limitations. You can also present a notarized statement from your primary physician about your ability to work and what, if any limitations, your disability may have on performing work.