Will I lose my unemployment benefits if I take a training course to change careers?

Question

I will lose my corporate job in October. I will be eligible for severance pay, unused vacation time and unemployment benefits. I want to study culinary arts and make a career change. Will I lose my unemployment benefits if I study part-time?

Answer 1

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  

Answer 2

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.  

Answer 3

I would not collect unemployment benefits and disclose to the state what career changes I want to make ... The State is fickle ... when it comes to these issues ...

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 "process" 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 ...