Collecting unemployment benefits while attending school, including state approved training, you hope will help you find a new job, raises questions about your conditional eligibility to collect benefits.
When/ if it becomes an issue for you and state rules don’t automatically forbid an unemployed person from going to school .. while they continue to look for suitable work, another eligibility interview is usually scheduled. The questions you’re asked now by the unemployment department are geared to find out if going to school may be interfering with the work search requirements and your ability to accept suitable work if offered a job.
Of course you can also find more questions and even answers on this topic at the bottom of the page .. but before you do that, let me show you the chart I still have to check to get some idea about how a specific state may treat an unemployed person who decides they should go to school.
The basic problem is perception with your continuing eligibility .. which is all about your efforts, availability and readiness to find another job.
If your state doesn’t automatically disqualify you from further benefits if you answered the question specific to going to school on a continuing claim .. under penalty of perjury, you still will like have to deal with the issue I often refer to as A&A .. or able and available, in addition, you will likely be asked what you would do if offered suitable work.
Question is, how do people answer simple questions .. when they don’t understand the consequence of how they answer simple questions.
If you were offered a suitable job, would you quit school to accept the job?
Unemployment Benefits and The Treatment of Students
Because it’s often a provision in law, that varies how one state treats those that decide going to school while unemployed might be a good idea, from another state, I would like to direct your attention to the USDOL Comparison Charts.
In the non-monetary eligibility chart, there is a specific table that explains state by state .. the treatment of students.
When I answered the questions below, I frequently referred to the table to know what, or how to explain how/when I would deal with the issue .. if it were my own.
What Other Visitors Have Asked About Unemployment and Going to School
Click below to read the questions and answers.
I Was Fired Because of Going to School
I was working as a CNA and my job told me I had 6 months to go to school and bring my certification in. But while going to school my job always magically, …
California EDD Revoked My Benefits Because of My Tattoo Apprenticeship
So I had my EDD benefits revoked because after my phone interview. They said my training (tattoo apprenticeship) is not approved for CTB and is preventing …
If you’re going to school, taking online courses, how long can you recieve unemployment?
And are there any stipulations when going to school and collecting unemployment benefits? Yes Stephen, there are stipulations when going to …
What do I do? I haven’t received any benefits despite having sent forms with instructor’s signature.
I have been approved for unemployment while going to school, but I have not received any money. My unemployment is used for my rent and I am now 2 …
Denied benefits, school is during customary work hours.
The thing i am studying for is not available in night school. Solar technology does not really lend its hand to night school students. In Florida we have …
Taking one online class and one face to face class once a week, while collecting benefits.
I have been laid off since last July. I have an Associate’s Degree in Nursing and the market in South Florida is tough for nurses with no experience. …
I live in NYC and i applied for unemployment due to lack of work and now attending school.
Do I have to accept a job offer from the current employer if i am attending school which was approved for the 599 program? I have been out of work …
Just got laid off while I was going to school
Been working for a medical office for over 20 years. In the last 6 years I was working full time while going to school part-time to become an RN. I graduated …
Student in MO collecting Unemployment
I was let go from my job in July, and applied for benefits, in which I was approved. I was already registered for fall 2012 semester at the time. …
Already a student when let go in Colorado.
I have been working between 30-32 hours a week as a salaried employee at my job with the University of Colorado for the last 5 years. I have been attending …
Claiming Tuition but not saying I began school (California)
I have been enrolled in school since I became unemployed, but I never checked the box that said I had started school or training (I overlooked it, thinking …
Unemployed PhD
I’m graduating from my PhD program for which i do get paid a stipend. I don’t have a job lined up yet, can i file for unemployment? I do have an income, …
Financial Aid and Unemployment in CA
If someone collects unemployment while attending university (in California), how would they ever get caught? Unless….they were collecting financial aid. …
unemployment and school full time
I currently reside in the state of Massachusetts. Last April, I got a job through a temp agency in Boston. I worked full time and since I was living at …
Unemployment while a f/t student and now on bed rest
I reside in Nassau county, New York. I was approve for the 599 program to attend school full-time to complete my master. I was recently place on bedrest …
School and Unemployment
I was injured and cant work for the next couple of months. My FMLA from work came and went. Im now a full time student if and when im able to go back …
Will they temporarily suspend my unemployment benefits?
In California, when you first check the box that you are attending school or training, do they suspend your benefits until you are interviewed? I want …
Walmart cake decorator in Nebraska and full-time college student online
I have been a cake decorator for a Walmart in Nebraska for four and a half years. The past two years, I have been pursuing my AAFB through Univ. of Phoenix, …
Can I go to school and collect unemployment from a casino
I selected no when asked if i am attending school on the initial unemployment application because I didn’t want to automatically be ineligible. I am …
Can I make a case for going to school and trying to get unemployment benefits?
I would like to know if I can ask for a hearing regarding a recent denial of unemployment benefits. On my last job I was not getting promoted neither receiving …
Quit Job, went back to school, denied financial aid, now unemployed and no school.
I live in Kentucky and last year quit my job in October to go back to school and live off financial aid. My first semester went fine. However I had to …
Does EDD verify your schedule with schools?
Does EDD verify your schedule with schools? I have been receiving unemployment for about 6 months, and have opted to start going to school this semester. …
Unemployment on hold – Indiana
I lost my job in May of this year and immediately filed for unemployment, for which I was approved. At the time of my initial claim, I was in school for …
Unemployed grad student in Washington state
Unemployed grad student in Washington state Hi Chris- I’m halfway through my graduate program in Washington state and I just found out today …
Goin back school And Company doesnt not to work with my schedule
I’ve been working for the company I work for 18 months I’m gonna be attending school in the fall of 2011. I’m gonna be going full time and also gonna be …
Ohio Unemployment and School
Live in Ohio. Was receiving unemployment and received a letter in the mail notifying me of the Pell Grant availability and full time schooling options; …
Already cleared for school last semester. Do I tell them about this upcoming semester?
I started collecting unemployment in California about a year ago and signed up for a fall 2010 semester at a community college. It was full time and all …
Quit my job to attend school
I quit my job to attend school. I live in CT. I quit my job because it would make attending school extremely hard. I’m enrolled in school now. Will …
Attending Scool while collecting UI question?
I have been unemployed from NYC and recieving UI since July 1st, 2010, quit due to health reasons, got better and still have not found a job. (Had to move …
The Government Crackdown on Career Colleges
Beginning July 1, 2011 the US Department of Education will be cracking down on Career Colleges and other learning institutions. I haven’t trolled …
I am collecting Oregon unemployment and I heard it was okay to go to school full time
I heard that it is ok to go to school full time while collecting unemployment. I Later found out that it is only ok after jumping through some hoops. …
U.S. Army wife.
my husband is in the army and i would like to further my education as a single mom of two while he is gone over seas. Can i get help? Hi Courtney, …
IL WIA program, but not yet in WIA
I am unemployed and was notified of the WIA program (as everybody in IL is) and chose a school program that is on the WIA approved list. However, I was …
This job is killing me…
This job is killing me. OK i got a situation i live in Texas and i wanna go to school but i work a 40 hr a week job with excellent pay, i pay child …
CTB Qualifying Programs
CTB Qualifying Programs I was on unemployment for 9 months and was granted CTB. I got an AS degree in CIS: Network Management and was then hired …
Job and soon to be school less
I have been collecting Unemployment since I lost my job in March of 2009. I searched high and low for another job with no luck. After sitting home for …
Live in NJ, Went from full time, to part time, to having to leave to finish nursing school
I worked for a large mortgage company in NJ. A few years ago when the mortgage industry went south, my company started laying off in great numbers and …
EDD and School
I just got off the phone with the EDD interviewer “Paul”. I, like most others here, became unemployed and registered for school about 5 months after looking, …
Ca unemployment and school
Help when i applied for unemployment in october the interviewer asked about my school and if i was available to work. I said yes, most of my classes were …
CA Unemployment and being a Full time student mostly online classes.
Ive been collecting Unemployment for more than a year now and on every claim form I check I am not going to school when I actually am, I’m a full time …
Part-Time Online MA degree and Unemployment Benefits?
Part-Time Online MA degree and Unemployment Benefits? In a couple weeks I will begin a part-time, online degree which will not interfere with my ability …
Where can I obtain funding for a career in web development?
Our state has exhausted its Work Force Initiative funds, which will not be renewed until middle of next yr. I need funds for a short window of a few months …
I am currently on Unemployment but….
I have been on unemployment for about a month now and I am required to perform three work searches per week, which I have. It took almost a month for unemployment …
Unemployed and thinking about going to school online.
Hi…I live in New Jersey but collect unemployment from New York State where I was employed. Soooooo…how do I figure out which state’s regulations I …
Denied because of school schedule after 6 weeks of claims.
I had made claims every week for about a month and a half now. I was at the unemployment office last Friday because of an issue that was resolved that …
Going back to school in Missouri while collecting unemployment
Hi, I am currently collecting unemployment benefits in MO and I am enrolled to start Culinary school this week. I have read on other websites including …
Unemployment and School
I live in the state of Arkansas and I was terminated from my job because I was arrested on a DWI charge, The company I worked for fired me because I did …
Going to school had to quit my PART TIME job because it an hour away
I was denied benifits because I am in school, but they allowed benefits for the reason I quit the job, is it possible to appeal the decision? …
Could not afford teacher certification program, deemed unqualified to teach – was not hired. Can I collect unemployment?
In Hawaii, the DOE will hire temporary teachers (TT) who will pursue a teacher certification/license within three years of the TT hiring date. I could …
Quit job to go to school for nursing in Connecticut
I worked for a consulting company for two years on a contract position. The job was scheduled to end this past April 2010, and didn’t. Then they said …
Nevada – Attend 2 year schooling while Unemployment benefits
Was in auto sales and was laid off due to the decrease in business at my dealership. Without success I have been unable to find employment and I am looking …
Quitting due to incompatible work hours with school.
Hi, I was hired for a day shift job at a hospital in California. I have worked at this job for 18 months. About 6 months ago, I enrolled at a local …
Started night school…
Hi, I am in appeal status for my unemployment insurance because I quit my last job. I am currently waiting on a hearing date for the labor judge. I am …
Worked, wages cut, went to school, dropped out of school
I was working for a company for 2-3 months before they cut my wages in half. I worked there for 6 more months before quitting to go back to school for …
GOING TO SCHOOL
HI, I AM CURRENTLY TAKING AN ARRA APPROVED CERT. PROGRAM, WHICH FINISHES IN DECEMBER, BUT I PLAN ON FINISHING UP MY B.A. DEGREE BY GOING TO COLLEGE ON …
Out Of Work And Continuing Education
I have been out of work since September of 09, and now can go back to school through my fathers Veterans benefits. There’s one hitch though, no more unemployment …
What can you do if you want to go to school but being denied for unemployment benefits?
I am in the Dental Industry, and I was working for a company in Riverside California. I got fired, and I got denied for unemployment benefits. My employer …
Can they make me go back?
When I was laid off, the company I worked for said my position had been eliminated. That was three months ago. They recently called me back and said that …
Collecting Unemployment while in WIA Training?
I was wondering if anyone has been denied benefits because they are in a WIA training certification program? I have heard a few stories and I am worried …
School in Oklahoma
can i go to school in oklahoma and still get unemployment. Hi John, That is something you need to ask at an Oklahoma workforce center …
LIVE IN NJ, COLLECTING AND UNEMPLOYED SINCE OCTOBER
Hello Everyone! I am wondering if anyone might be able to help me. I was a medical assistant and was working as one since 06. I was laid off Oct 09, and …
In the Military and I Want to Go to School With New GI Bill
WITH THE NEW GI BILL CAN you collect unemployment? My situation is I’ve been in the marine corps for three years. I am currently in Afghanistan serving …
Can you go to school full-time and collect unemployment in New York
Can a person receive unemployment benefits and be a full time student receiving financial aid in the state of NY? What is considered a full time student …
Volunteering and Benefits
I am considering volunteering for the meantime until I find a job. Would volunteering affect my benefits? Do I have to mentioned it on the continued claim …
can i go to school and collect benifits if i exhausted all my benifits
hi my is Robert and i have exhausted all my benefits . i want to know if i go to school can i collect unemployment benefits. Robert, If you’ve …
I AM RECEIVING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS BUT IF I ENROLL IN A JOB TRAINING PROGRAM THROUGH THE LABOR WORKFORCE COULD I STILL RECEIVE MY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS OR WOULD I LOSE MY BENEFITS
I AM RECEIVING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. BUT IF I ENROLL IN A JOB TRAINING PROGRAM THROUGH THE LABOR WORKFORCE COULD I STILL RECEIVE MY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS …
The 16th Week Cut Off Time For California Training Benefits
The 16th Week Cut Off Time I’ve been collecting in California for the past 1 1/2 years. My main occupation is gone. I found out about the CTB program, …
Getting Unemployment and GED, will I lose benefits?
I have been on Unemployment for about 3 months now in the state of Nevada, I just started going to school to get my GED which will last for about 6 weeks. …
All unemployment used up before my classes begin
Hi there, I live in the state of florida. I was told that its possible to continue to collect unemployment if you are enrolled in school. Im currently …
Ohio unemployment and going back to school…
I am receiving unemployment in Ohio, but I live in Ky. I am going to school now, and I am scared that my unemployment benefits will be cut off if I tell …
BEING A FULL TIME STUDENT?
I have been in school for 3 months now and I have been working nights. I go to school Wed-Sat from 9 am to 6 pm. Thats 32 hours of school and I go straight …
not having your schedule worked around
I have been working at my job for over a year, and they have me doing double duty. I have to work both close and subs, which I have spoken to my manager …
Career training
My employer recently announced a massive layoff at the call center I work at and those affected would receive 30 days pay (without actually having to work), …
F/T Job + School + Unemployment Benefits…. ?????
I have been working a midnights job for well over a year now. I recently moved about 45 minutes away from work, in order to attend school. My classes …
Payback unemplyoment money because I went to school full tiime?
I have been receiving unemployment benefits since May, and the whole time I’ve been a full time student, but this January they stopped my unemployoment …
Will Unemployment help me pay for classes to become a claims adjuster
I wanted to know if unemployment would pay or help me for a claims adjuster class .Not sure what to look under in train programs .I am located in georgia. …
Receiving UI benefits from Calif and living in OR
I currently live in Oregon and I want to attend school in Oregon however I receive benefits from Calif. Since the rules vary from state to state would …
I got a Claimants Eligibility Review Questionnaire
Hello I am from Florida and received Claimants Eligibility Review Questionnaire and question 8 says the following 8) Do you now attend or have a definite …
16 to 20 weeks for unemployment appeal to be heard.
In New Jersey I was denied benefits because I was deemed as a full time student. My training was not approved because it is not a labor demand occupation.(law …
Miserable, Unhappy and Not Getting Anywhere In My Job – I Want to Be a Nurse
I’m looking for a career that I’d love doing, like nursing and it seems like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place PLEASE HELP ME!!! Hi, Being …
Going to school to finish highschool
I have been unemployed for 9 months no luck finding a job most jobs that is available either requires high school diploma or GED.I am a single mom with …
Collecting Michigan unemployment but living in Indiana and schooling in Indiana
Good morning! I have a question that I can’t seem to find the answer anywhere. I was laid off in Jan. 2009 and have been looking for work to no avail. …
How old do you have to be to file for unemployment?
My son was laid off from work but he is only 17 years old, can he file for unemployment? Hi Ebony, He can file for unemployment if he is only 17, …
Can you win an unemployment case because of school?
I have been going to school full time since may and receiving unemployment and then after winter break I started up again in January and this time got …
I dont know what to do
Im going to school and doing my work. But I asked to do 32 hours instead of 40 hours because of school and now my boss saying Im putting limits on my availability …
school and being called back to work in pa.
i have been laid off since april 2009 they told me it was indefinite and i should look for another job. i decided to go to trade school and collect U C …
Collecting in CO, living in ID. Want to get by Bachelors
I got laid off while living in CO, had moved to ID. I want to go to school. I have 2 semesters left to finish my degree. How many credits can I take and …
Does New Jersey pay for unemployment and school as well?
Hello, I live in New Jersey and have been unemployed for almost a year now. I’m currently collecting unemployment. Recently, I’ve consider going back …
Trying to go back to school
I’m trying to go back to school with assistance from the EDD. Well I am not getting very far, all these programs that they have are unobtainable. I am …
Benefits cut off because Im going to school
Started going to school for Occupational Therapy assistant after being on unemployment for 8 months. After starting my pre reqs I took some tests at Worksource …
I’m in Maryland. Can anyone direct me as to what my rights are.
This is an opportunity I can not pass up but need some guidance as to where to look. I live in Maryland in one of the highest cost of living in the U.S. …
Can you go to college and still collect unemployment in Indiana?
My name is Missy. My boyfriend and I have a child together. He has worked in the construction field for 10+ years. He was laid off in December 09. Until …
I live in Ca, does a pell grant affect my unemployment status
I have been collecting UI for approx 16 months and have applied for a pell grant to go back to school to be re trained as an x ray tech. Does this affect …
Unable to attend school for a career change because you have a Bachelor’s Degree
Good Morning: My name is Atiya Pope and I am from Philadelphia, PA. Today I inquired about going back to school to pursue my Associates in Nursing …
how long can I draw?
How long can you draw unemployment when you are going to school full time? In Indiana? Hi Chasity, Have you been approved to go to school full-time …
I quit working to attend trade school
Hello, I am in Michigan and I signed up for “state approved” funding last July, to attend trade school because I was a dislocated worker at the time. …
Have been attending school full time for 2 years while working full time
So I’ve been attending school full time for the last 2 years while working full time. I am pretty sure I am going to be layed off soon. Now I’m worried …
CA-WIA or CTB?
Hi, I was a part-time worker and was laid off in the end of August due to lack of business, and I’m collecting my UI since 9/5/09. My job is not in …
Pennsylvania unemployment for ex-military and going to school
In Pennsylvania, if you are in the military and have served in war and come back receiving unemployment, how many credits can you take at a university …
layoff and school
I am being laid off due to the outsourcing of my position. My position will be no more and they have nothing currently for me. I would also like to go …
Unemployed Mom with 2 kids in IL
Hello, I have just been recently laid off of work. I am separated and have both my kids living with me. I have been looking into many options, and would …
Unemployed, diagnosed with cancer, and hoping to be school bound!!
I have a friend who is in her 40’s and was recently laid off from her job in Iowa. She was wanting to go back to school to get a degree in the medical …
schooling and time
I have been unemployed for almost a year I have been looking for work in my spare time. While awaiting an offer I decided to go back to school and …
I live in NJ, I’m 17 and want to collect unemployment. Can I do that?
I just lost my job and I’m living on my own. Am I able to collect unemployment even though I’m only seventeen years old. Hi Natalie, If you …
Wanting to further my education!!
I lived in new jersey and was working as a truck driver for a local company and i got laid off. well i couldn’t afford to live there no longer so i had …
A tale of two states
Here’s a question: What if a person is laid off and collects UI benefits in one state, and then after several months, decides to move to another state …
Good tips
This is a really useful site. My question had to do with pursuing school while unemployed. Thanks for the link! For my two cents, I think every state …
Going back to school in California to get EMT certification, but need to keep collecting unemployment
I was let go at the end of September from from my 9-5 job in a standard business environment working in the marketing department. I have a bachelors degree …
Massachusetts: Unemployed in a decimated industry and wanting to go back to school
Hi! I worked as a construction manager for 6 years and was laid off last week. Jobs are few and far between in this industry because 1) no one is building …
back to school
i am going back to school in the evening, and work 40 hours a week during the day. i am a single mom of 3, and i was wondering if i am able to collect …
Massachusetts UI Benefits for Full TIme student
I have worked for 14 years straight in the same industry and was layed off about 3 months ago. The industry I was working in is now entirely gone. I saw …
alabama un-employment and college
can i still qualify for un-employment in the state of alabama and attend school? i was laid off from an automotive supplier. Do yourself a favor Charlotte. …
Quit to Attend school
State of Colorado How does the Trade Act of 1974 affect quitting employment to attend school. I am referencing Colorado Employment Security Act 2008, …
Receiving Unemployment while in school.
If you live in the state of GA like I do and you lose your job either from being fired or laid off, and you do get unemployment, you can decide to go back …
Part time (8 credit hrs) and unemployment?
I just had to file for unemployment, but I’m in school only part time (8 Credit hous m,w,f from 8-10:50) Every other day, and weekends, I am available …
Quit Job to attend school
I live in the state of colorado. I quit my job as a debt collector to attend Nursing school. The job as a collector was dependent on the debtor being …
Going back to college in Florida
If you’re on Florida unemployment and you go back to college will unemployment help pay for the tuition? Hi, if you plan on going back to school …
Texas Going to school and recieving your benefits
A friend of mine was laid off from a computer company and after 6 months of looking for another computer job he decided to go to real estate school. He …
I’ve been denied unemployment and have appealed. If I go back to school while waiting for the hearing will they give me benefits
I was denied unemployment in Missouri and I am waiting for an appeal court date, I was wondering if I go back to school will they give me my unemployment …
Will I lose my Benefits for attending school?
Yes I am attending school, well actually its Harbor Occupational Center… my phone interview is on October 23. what should i expect? will they cut my …
I checked yes on the box that says “Did you attend school or training”
I’m wondering if there is anyway I can reverse the fact I checked yes, that I did attend school? My benefits have been halted and I can’t pay my bills …
Can I collect Unemployment benefits in California while attending night classes? And does UI verify?
Hello, I recently got laid off from an airline. I had initially called the unemployment office in California, since that’s where I live, and I spoke …
Can you collect unemployment if you quit your job…?
I am returning to school. Where I work they are unwilling to allow me to transfer to another shift which allows me to work around school. Hi Jamie, …
Quitting a job to avoid having a discharge on your resume and by the way, I attend school part time.
I’m a full time employee and I go to school part time. I recently became employed and was six days shy of completing my ninety day probation period before …
Unemployment programs for recent graduates?
I recently graduated with an MFA degree in Florida. I moved to California to find work, but I am still unemployed. I was never fired or laid off. Are there …
Will Online Classes / School Cause a Problem With My Benefits?
Hi, I just wrote a thank you note in the comments box because you guys gave good information and I won so thank you again. \ My question now is that …
Can I collect unemployment after graduating Grad School and not finding a job?
I am interested in finding out if I can apply for unemployment since I just graduated from Graduate School with an MBA and can’t find a job. I quit …
Trade Schools – New York, Is quitting to attend a trade school good cause for unemployment benefits?
Hi, I am in New York and I quit my FT job in December 08 to attend a trade school. The hours I attended school were a 5 day a week, 9-5, 40 hour work …
Will I be able to continue to receive my unemployment benefits if I return to college full- or part-time in NYS?
After being laid off from my editing job in March, I have struggled to find any work as a journalist for the past six months on Long Island, NY. …
Attending Community College classes in California
Hope you can help, I’ve tried everywhere and I haven’t found an answer. I recently got laid off from my job working as a probation officer. The …
I was fired from work and I need unemployment while attending school full-time.
I was fired from work 2 weeks after I started school. I was fired because I complained about sexual harassment from another manager. I then started school …
Attending college and Unemployment benefits for military service.
can i collect unemployment while attending college. I am collecting unemployment from the US Army. That was my last job. Hi Calikid, Maybe. …
Unemployment Benefits and School: Can I quit my job in Pennsylvania because my employer is changing my shift and will interfere with my school schedule?
My current employer has changed my shift, which I am unable to work because of my school schedule and children. When I was hired the employer was aware …
California unemplyment benefit & going back to school for weekend classes.
Dear whom it may concern, Currently, I am on unemployment benefit from state of California. I have been looking for a job for last 5 months to no avail. …
I started college in California and now the EDD has sceduled a phone interview
I received my first unemployment check and then started school at a community college. I’m only taking one two hour class. I’m no where near full …
Working and training in real estate
If you go to work for a real estate agency for training in real estate after getting your license. Can you still receive unemployment benefits because …
Can I attend college while collecting unemployment in New York State?
I was laid off from my job. currently collecting unemployment from NYS. moving back to parents house and would like to attend college (finish degree). …
Unemployment benefits while going back to school to increase my employment opportunities
I was laid off in June of 2004, but I had my own business so I did not apply for unemployment. But now my business has died and I’m not doing anything. …
I go to college in NYS. I quit my job to keep my grades up. Can i collect unemployment?
I go to college in NYS. I quit my job to keep my grades up. Can i collect unemployment? I was collecting unemployment because my previous job went …