I'm not sure exactly how unemployment works, but if it's based on your recent pay cycle, could you be harmed by this "layoff" when you actually go have to get benefits??
> For the purposes of this discussion, "layoff" = "told to stay at home and not being paid for the privilege of doing so".
Well now that sounds more like a "furlough" than a temp layoff. I have no clue if there is any legal difference. I'm sure the unemployment office might think otherwise.
Unemployment regulations change quickly, so check it out, I would not know where to start today.
My understanding is that if you know that you are going to be sitting at home for awhile, that is the time to go and sign up.
Most everything can be done over the phone.
When you get called back into work, you cut it off.
I spent 2 1/2 years on it one time and drew from three different companies I worked for.
During that time I did a little work here and there and it never was over the amount I could earn without cutting into the aid.
It is your money in a big fund. If you don't get some benefit from it, the next guy will.
When I started earning above the cut line and dropped the aid, I left over $6k of benefits sitting there. That was 26yr ago.
I am sure it is gone to someone else by now because to qualify, they go back so many quarters on your present work situations.
😉
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I remember my temporary layoff from 3 years ago.....still waiting for that call back. The only obligations you have are the same as you have to any former employer.
I believe that you're actually required to look for work in order to collect.
Not doing so is unethical.
In Maryland there are two classifications of unemployment; individuals who are temporarily or seasonally laid off and have call back dates within a certain time frame (used to be eight weeks I think) do not have to seek employment to collect.
A couple of slow years in the early 90's when I was a party chief I was temporarily laid off from around new years to later February or so. Spent my time painting the house, putting new cabinets in the kitchen and betting the ponies at the track 😀
For non-temp lay off in Louisiana you used to have to look for work (at least one application per week) in order to get your check. The unemployment office would spot check you every 6 months. At the time on-line applications did not count (this may have changed since then).
Yes to collect unemployment you have to be out there looking for work.