If you paid the self employment tax I think you can qualify for unemployment in many states. Its tough being outside the system. That is one reason why I would like to see universal health care - health care separated from employment. The deck is stacked against those who do not work inside the traditional system.
I've fired myself countless times. But I just keep giving myself another chance. I suppose I'm just too nice.
Yes, you can fire yourself if you're incorporated Sub 'S' style and you'd be able to collect unemployment -- then the state would raise the unemployment tax rate for your company from almost nil to something ugly for a long time.
Exactly. And it isn't the government who is going to refund the state's unemployment insurance pools, it is small business on the hook once again for a government giveaway.
If you are at the point where you need to file for unemployment, future rate increases would be the least of your concerns.
Nobody is predicting rising employment anytime soon, which is why they are extending benefits. Fed et al have continuously been stressing that unemployment will continue to rise and lag the recovery. Some people think economic recovery means instantly that all measures should be improving. Some people have no clue.