This is unemployment insurance, which is paid for by employer payroll contributions, not welfare.
I just got laid off yesterday from a job I had for 9 years. I think I do deserve it, since it’s was paid into for me while I was working.
Yeah, unemployment is different than welfare. Even so politicians extend unemployment benefit weeks, and have done so in the past, so it is in this way looked at similarly as a benefit like welfare, at least to the politicrats.
Actually, it was paid in by you, but in the name of the company. You, as an employee, represent a cost to the company. Any money paid in your name, as an employee, exactly like the other half of the Medicare tax, is your money. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
It’s your money and you should get some of it back without reservation on your behalf.
I wish you luck in finding more work. Maybe it’s temporary, but you probably have considered a Plan B. already in case this is not temporary.