Unemployment is based on a % of your average pay for a certain period (I don't remember exactly what that is tho). You should collect unemployment for only as long as you need to, or for six months, which is the max. Some employers look at unemployment as being for people that are lazy, but they will tell you in the office that you are not required to take "any" job. You need something that will be close to your previous pay rate, or at least help you pay your bills. Be prepared though, as you have to apply for 2 job s a week minimum that you have to keep track of for the state (company name, address, date applied, etc), and the maximum is $275 a week. Hope that helps a little...