When collecting benefits the state will send you out on referal to prospective employers for an interview for employment opportunities that they deem you are most qualified for . You must go ... and the interviewer will report your attendance to the state . The only thing you can do is try to blow the interview so you do not get hired and can keep collecting benefits( this is fraud ) . But you must go to the interview . So you will have to juggle training schedules with interview schedules . Back in the day ... it was easier to bend the rules when collecting benefits . Because all you had to do was recieve the state questionaire in the mail every week ... check off the answers ... yes I looked for work , etc ... mail it in ... then recieve your check . Great way to take a 5mo. paid vacation before getting serious about work . However , because of the abuse , they have cracked down on fraud . Now , in some states , they stay in control of your job hunting ... interviewing ... etc.
I would contact my nearest unemployment office and inform them of my future scenario then ask them what the %26quot;process%26quot; is for collecting benefits ... this will tell you what you probably can/cannot do without divulging your personal aspirations .
Remember , they are not your friends ... be careful about what you say... their job is to get you back to work asap .... while saving the state $$$ ... Also , the first week you claim is considered the waiting week .... you will not get paid for that week ... so it could be 2-3 weeks before you get a check ... minus the first week ... stay on top of the initial paperwork ...Will I lose my unemployment benefits if I take a training course to change careers?I don't think you can lose your benefits by going to school. You do however have to actively look for a job while on unemployment benefits. Will I lose my unemployment benefits if I take a training course to change careers?In most states, a person must be 'able or eligible to work' to qualify for unemployment. If a person is a student, the policy is often that you are not able and eligible because a portion of your day/week is spent in the classroom and not looking for work and/or are restricting your availability. An alternative might be a reduction in the amount of your UC weekly check.
Your state UC agency will be able to answer your question.
good luck
