This is a personal choice. I can’t tell anybody what to do. I wrestled with that choice once, myself, when trying to decide whether to apply for disability. I gave in and applied, hating myself for being “weak”, and then got rejected. Sometimes I’m glad of that, sometimes I’m angry about it. But that’s life, it happens.
One warning I would give: benefits quickly become an addiction. They are a trap. I’ve watched people slide into that hole. One friend was downsized from the job he had worked his tail off at for 12 years, and within 2 weeks he had stopped even pretending to look for a job. It was just easier to sit around and get unemployment. Heck, I’ve had to try and train people who were only working so they could get back on unemployment again after their benefits had run out, and most were not ashamed to say so. Entitlement is a trap. It suckers you in.
Maybe it would help to look at the benefits as a loan? Maybe they could keep track of what they use, and then when they get back on their feet, find charities to donate to to pay it forward? Maybe they could help out at the food pantry? Or sort donations at charity drives? I don’t know.
If they do decide to get a SNAP card, most states allow people to buy food-producing seeds or plants using food stamps. Something to keep in mind.
I don’t get it. UI would barely pay my mortgage. I can’t see how I could get addicted to that!