Legal Question in Employment Law in California

Unemployment and school?

I worked all summer up to August 1. I collect unemployment now. I recently started graduate school and was wondering what the reprocussions are if I do not inform the Unemployment Office of my enrollment? I have student loans. Will they find out? How will they find out? Is there anyway too swing this? What is the worst case scenario? Will I have to pay the money back if I they find out? Is there a penalty fine? Thank you for your time. I really hope that you can give me some advice. Thanks again.


Asked on 9/19/03, 1:50 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Kirschbaum Law Offices of Michael R. Kirschbaum

Re: Unemployment and school?

One of the criteria to receive unemployment benefits is that you must be ready, willing and able to work. You also must be looking for work. It may be possible to show that you are able to work and go to school at the same time.

But if you are not looking for work and concentrating on furthering your education (a worthy goal) you are committing fraud on the EDD. If they find out, not only will you have to pay the money you received back, you will also be subject to additional penalties and not be eligible for benefits in the future.

You should not continue receiving benefits unless you are looking for work.

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Answered on 9/19/03, 9:26 pm


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