Never received unemployment benefits. But if I knew I did not plan to go back to work after being laid off, I would have a tough time going through the motions of pretending to look for a job just to collect the benefits. Now if I thought I might want to work a few more months.....sure I would take the benefits and search for a job, even though it may be just short term job.
Man, you people are lazier than me!
From what I gather, you just send out 2 resumes a week. Respond to phone calls and emails in a reasonable time. Probably something that could be done in roughly an hour per week. For me it would be a touch over $500/week pay, or $500 an hour with favorable tax treatment. That's more than I earn at the ole day job (per hour).
Here's an excerpt from a "friend" (crazy former semi-stalkerish co-worker):
"Anything new?? I got the job offer at Megacorp. $10/hr. Hell yeah I turned it down.
Doesn't make sense.
...
I am going to Chicago tomorrow ...on your tax dollars."
Ahhh, unemployment benefits. Why work if you can make virtually the same doing nothing and traveling? Although I did confront this individual about whether she could legally turn down a valid job offer and continue to collect unemployment.
Although I told this same person I would be doing the same thing she was doing - "diligently" searching for a new job, while enjoying one's self and taking it easy. If DW and I were somehow simultaneously right-sized, we would probably pick somewhere nice and tropical and relocate for 99 weeks while "diligently" searching for a job pursuant to the requirements necessary to remain a valid dole-collector.
Regarding morality of collecting benefits, if you can situate yourself such that you comply with the terms of the program, I don't see a problem with collecting benefits. There is no notion of "fairness" when it comes to dole-collecting. No one would voluntarily refrain from claiming a proper tax deduction or credit if they legally complied with the requirements to take the credit or deduction. No different than collecting unemployment benefits I don't think. Just my opinion though, and everyone must act in accordance with their own views of the world.