I was "let go" at my job of 13 years, not being directly told because of the RSD, but I know it was (I was replaced with 2 people to do my job). I filed for disability AND collected Unemployment. I'm glad I did! I was the breadwinner in my family and had 2 toddlers to care for.... there was no way I could've waited for the Disability hearing with no income! As it was, it took 18 months for my hearing (and that was with an emergency push from my lawyer). I went ahead and collected the Unemployment, not knowing whether I'd have to re-pay it, but I figured I could re-pay it when I received my Disability back-pay.

Anyhow, the judge did ask me about my collecting the unemployment and I told him that at the time I filed (I filed for both Diasbility and Unemployment within days apart), I figured there MIGHT be SOME kind of work I could do, and tried looking.... but followed with the Disability claim just incase it would end up that I couldn't. And that really was the truth!

As it turned out, I was rewarded my Disability, complete with back-pay, and did NOT have to return any of my Unemployment! I think if you are completely HONEST the whole way through, because you DO in fact, have a terrible situation, you will be okay in the long-run. So, my advice to you is file for BOTH ASAP!!

Good Luck Vanna