I was terminated from my job in New Mexico a few months ago because I complained about safety of the production line.
I filed for unemployment and I got it. The unemployment benefits run for 6 months. I am at about month 2 currently. I am on the edge of recieving some job offers and was contemplating collecting unemployment until it ran out, even while working.
Normally, I wouldnt do this but our system is so fucked and so rigged that I dont care at this point. I am only worried about getting caught (collecting unemployment while still working). Does anyone have experience with this? I want to double dip the system. How likely are you to get caught?
Otherwise if you are on the official payroll then they can see when you received benefits and when you were hired.
Also if you complained about safety, then you may be entitled to sue. There are worker protection laws and even federal laws that protect whistleblowers like that. Your state might have some laws you can sue for wrongful termination or something like that.