I was wondering whether it was possible for stay-at-home moms to get unemployment benefits since they would have had to leave their job to stay home in the first place. I did a lot of research and asked a few financial experts in the field to get their take on things. Below is what I learned
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Can Stay-at-Home Moms get Unemployment?
Jennifer Weber, a certified financial planner™ and the Vice President of Financial Planning for Weber Asset Management, had this to say “ Unfortunately I do not believe stay-at-home moms can collect unemployment benefits or disability benefits just because they’re home with their children.
To collect unemployment, you needed to have previously worked, paid wages, and lost your job. If you were working, and your employer contributed to federal and state unemployment programs, you might be eligible for benefits”
Claudia Gonzalez, a financial advisor at Kovar Capital had a similar explanation. Here’s what she had to say “A stay-at-home mom MAY be able to receive unemployment benefits.
This varies by state and we also have to consider how she transitioned to being a stay-at-home mom in the first place. i.e laid off. If a stay-at-home mom chooses to become a SAHM she will more than likely not qualify to receive unemployment benefits”.
Let’s break down what Ms. Gonzalez and Ms. Weber mean by their statements.
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Stay-at-home moms are only entitled to unemployment benefits if they previously worked for a company that paid into the federal and state unemployment program. That means their employee must have filed a W-2 or W-4 form on their behalf.
So if you were not previously employed by anyone, and have been a stay-at-home mom all your life, then you are not qualified to receive unemployment benefits.
What if you owned your own business and were self-employed? Are you still qualified for unemployment benefits? Keep reading to learn the answer below
Can a self-employed stay-at-home mom get unemployment benefits?
If you owned your own business and were self-employed, you may not be qualified for unemployment. That is because you are considered to be an independent contractor by the government.
You would have filed a W-9 form instead of a W-2. Independent contractors may qualify for other government benefits, but they don’t qualify for unemployment benefits.
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Can a stay-at-home mom get social security disability benefits?
Claudia Gonzalez, a financial advisor at Kovar Capital had this to say “In order to receive social security disability benefits, either the mom or the children have to meet Social Security’s definition of disabled.
From SSA.gov, “To meet our definition of disability, you must not be able to engage in any substantial gainful activity (SGA) because of a medically determinable physical or mental impairment(s) that is either:
Expected to result in death.
Has lasted or is expected to last for a continuous period of at least 12 months.
One other reason a SAHM may be able to receive disability benefits is based on her spouse’s work. If the spouse has a work history and becomes disabled, the SAHM may receive a portion of their benefits.
There are various life situations that can qualify a SAHM to receive unemployment benefits or social security disability benefits. It is always best to speak to a financial professional about your specific situation!
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Conclusion
Disclaimer – All information on this page is for educational purposes only. I am not a financial professional. Just a stay-at-home mom dedicated to providing useful information to help you balance life and motherhood.
As the financial professionals above have stated, it is best to speak to a financial professional and contact the unemployment department of your state directly to get a more concrete answer.
If you need help determining your eligibility for social security disability benefits, contact the social security administration directly as well. I hope I have helped you understand whether or not a stay-at-home mom can get unemployment or social security disability benefits.
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