Surgery and collecting unemployment.

by Mark
(rockford, il)

I live in Illinois. I am currently collecting unemployment benefits. I need to have neck surgery. Can I still collect benefits?


Hi Mark,

You will not be able to collect unemployment unless you are able and available for work.

How long does the doctor expect you to be laid up?

I'm sure lots of folks don't report they are not able and available, and just continue to collect benefits.

They are risking not only the benefits they would be able to continue to receive once able and available again, but they are risking a fraud overpayment and any other penalties a state may have .. including prison terms of up to ... 10 years.

The kicker is that almost all states have a "report fraud" button placed prominently on their website. Anyone can report fraud anonymously.