If I were laid off from my job and decided to go back to school or participate in a training program, should I still file for unemployment?

Q: I've been collecting unemployment and have finally found a new job but I won't start for three weeks. Can I continue to collect my unemployment for those three weeks? Do I need to provide the Department of Unemployment Assistance with any paperwork?

Q. If I were to be laid off, I want to extend my job skills to make myself more appealing. I have always been administrative, but would go into medical coding and billing as they have more job potential and less competition. How does that work if you are laid off? You can go to school and collect your benefits from what I understand, however, does unemployment pay for school, or help pay for it?

Q. I had a job I didn’t like very much, and I was laid off, so it was OK. I have been collecting unemployment and looking to start a job at a place I liked. My old work called me back, and I declined because I will be starting a new job in 4 weeks. Can I still collect unemployment benefits until I start my new job?

A.While this question seemed pretty straight forward to me, I didn't find that to be the case. Unemployment determinations are made by The Division of Unemployment Assistance following the collection of information from the prior employer.

Understanding unemployment, starts as so many things do, with the concept of following the dollar. I consulted Edward T. Malmborg, Director, Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) to explain this situation. Mr. Malmborg explains: "It is important to understand that your former employer is ultimately responsible for the benefit costs associated with your claim and receives a monthly statement of charges from the Division of Unemployment Assistance. Your former employer will likely protest benefit charges for any period of time for which they were willing to provide you with work and your eligibility will need to be determined at that point."

Q. I was recently laid off and received severance pay, which I reported to the state unemployment office. In early 2009, I then received a Christmas year-end bonus from my former employer. Does this affect my unemployment claim and must I report it?

A. I am sorry to hear that you were laid off and suffered a job loss. I am thankful though to learn that you received severance pay. Not all companies are providing severance pay to laid off employees.

In Massachusetts, unemployment compensation is typically available to workers who have lost their job through no fault of their own. Right now, unemployment compensation has been extended and is available up to a maximum of 59 weeks because of a federal extension of these benefits. The state makes the final determination regarding eligibility for unemployment compensation. The current maximum weekly amount is $628.

Q: I lost my job about 4 months ago. I was a Director of Marketing at one of the financial services companies that is really hurting right now. I have networked my heart out, searched every appropriate job board, met with a few search firms and answered any ad that I thought was a fit. Nothing has materialized. I need to bring income into the house. I have a family of four to feed and take care of. How bad will it look on my resume to take a job at a supermarket right now just to bring cash into the house?

A: It sounds like a very responsible thing to do in my mind. Many laid off workers are taking less responsible and lower paying jobs right now so they can bring money into the house. When the economy improves, there should be no problem explaining this digression in your career path. You are simply doing what you must do for your family.

Q. I recently got laid off because I was not fast enough with my data entry. I know I could use a brush up on some of the software packages, as well as improve my data-entry speed. Got any suggestions on how I can pay for this since I am not working right now?

A. Since you were recently laid off, you are what is known as a "dislocated worker." There are some training funds available for dislocated workers but you need to follow the rules established at the One-Stop Career Centers throughout the state. I would recommend visiting the One-Stop Career Center in your community. To find the closest One-Stop Center in your community, visit this link on the Mass.gov website.

Be aware of two things:

Q. I got laid off, and I am thinking of going back to school. Should I still file for unemployment?

A.The range of benefits provided by the Massachusetts Division of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) extends far beyond a weekly check, and I encourage you to look into all of the benefits that may be available to you.

The process of opening a claim can be frustrating, and the DUA has taken steps to make it easier to file, with WebCert and TeleCert. Check www.Mass.gov/dua/webcert for the basic steps to register for online services . You can also call TeleCert at 1-617-626-6338. For assistance in using the services, you speak to a TeleClaim representative at 1-877-626-6800, or 1-617-626-6800. The phone are busy and it can be difficult to get through. Insiders say to access services Sunday between 1 and 7 p.m. to have a speedier experience.