To an extent, you are correct, but I worked for 30 years and paid my unemployment insurance before my job ended. Then I got 23 weeks and 2 extensions, then they said I did not qualify any more. I dont know where these 99 weeks bits are coming from, but it sure as hell isnt in my state.
All this pissing and moaning about folks getting unemployment, ya didnt piss and moan when the government was taking in our insurance premiums and not paying anything out,,,eh? eh? But now that we have 15 million people out of jobs, its fair to complain because they are collecting their insurance? I paid for what paltry little amount I got, over and over several times. But now I am not elgible even tho there are no jobs in this area unless you are a registered democrat and a hispanic or female. Old white guys need not apply for this either.
I’m in the same (age)boat and tend to agree with you. Critics of Unemployment could just as well be critical of Social Security. Ya’ll paid into it - so it is fully legit to use it when it’s available to you.
This is not at all like getting federal handouts from the general government coffers which depends on whose rep is the biggest crook.