When you file for unemployment benefits you are stating that you can work but that you are unable to locate employment. When filing for Social Security disability benefits, you are stating that you are not capable of working due to your severe medical impairments. It is easy to see how these two statements contradict each other. When applying for both Social Security disability benefits and unemployment benefits, there is a chance you could be punished for unemployment fraud. Likewise, if Social Security learns that you either applied for or drew unemployment benefits, they may hold it against you in deciding your disability claim. Therefore, you must decide whether you intend to pursue either unemployment benefits or Social Security disability benefits. We strongly caution you from pursuing both.