Can I collect unemployment or other disability payments if I am not collecting workers’ compensation and I cannot work?

Sometimes, this is on a case by case basis.  The worker must be deemed as too injured to perform the tasks at work that are expected at their job.  If they can perform lighter duty tasks, but there aren’t any available, then you can file for unemployment.  The injured worker can also file for workers’ compensation while on unemployment and should file for the state of New York’s disability benefits as well.