>>>>I think this is a problem (at least in my state). The unemployment in Massachusetts is about $600 a week (if I am not mistaken) and you can collect up to 2 years. So many don't even look for a job (seriously). I think it is bad.
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>>>600 a week, I think I should take some 2 years "vacation" in Massachusetts! :)
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>>I am thinking of myself to lay me off from my own company :) True story. A friend of mine - lives in NJ - sold his business and got on the unemployment. Cool :)
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>30 weeks on the site I am looking at
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>http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=elwdterminal&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Claimants&L2=Unemployment+Insurance+(UI)&sid=Elwd&b=terminalcontent&f=dua_initial_claim_benefits_overview&

Federal and then state - one drops off and the other picks up. 99 weeks:

This information provides you with alternative assistance options if you have already received or will soon receive your final unemployment insurance extension payment. As a reminder, claimants are currently eligible for up to 99 weeks of benefits, which includes up to 26 weeks of regular unemployment insurance, up to 53 weeks of federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation, and up to 20 weeks of federal-state Extended Benefits. If additional benefits become available, you will receive notification and instructions from the Department of Unemployment Assistance

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=elwdterminal&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Claimants&L2=Unemployment+Insurance+%28UI%29&L3=Information+on+Unemployment+Insurance+Extensions&sid=Elwd&b=terminalcontent&f=dua_extensions_extension_lastcheck&csid=Elwd

It depends on each state and what the unemployment rate is for that state as to when the federal emergency unemployment compensation applies and for how long...not all states get the extended periods - my state ends at 26 weeks because the unemployment rate is lower. So, if you are going to lose your job, only do it when there are a lot of other people out of work -- it will triple the duration of unemployment.