I get what you're saying, but they're fundamentally different programs. Hitting your known retirement stop as a 121 pilot isn't being fired, layed off, nor is it an unexpected event. To your last point, that may come to pass via means testing, though that's a hot potato that few politicians are going to want to touch.

 

Interesting dilemma, whether to take government benefits to which you are legally entitled, vs. being selective as to the perceived intent.

Similar context, in many/most states you can get unemployment after leaving the military. Regardless as to whether you resigned, got RIFed, or your fixed-term enlistment expired (you might or might not be offered the opportunity to reenlist).

How about disability pay for baby bonding? CA collects the payroll tax from commuters domiciled in the state, and then makes it very difficult to actually collect any benefit. Commuters are 100% legally entitled (since they paid in) but they implement large bureaucratic hurdles to discourage access to your benefit (it's very easy if you're a CA resident).

Do most people who are eligible for .gov benefits exercise such selectivity? Or is that just a thing with pilots? Bearing in mind that pilots typically pay more into the system than most other workers.

In this case if I was a long-time PA resident or commuter and had paid into the system I would take the benefit. I would not move/transfer to PA for that specific purpose.

 

Get out at 65 there are lots of jobs. Not seeing them, then unemployment is an option, same people that said vacate at 65, lots of jobs, bash taking unemployment claiming everyone has a big fat 401k and got hired in their 20’s. Newsflash, some got hired at their final airline in their 50’s. If a Spirit guy right now 55 makes the move from a sinking ship and retires with 10 yrs and 3 in the left seat at AMR do you really think he will have amassed enough to retire? Probably no. He will be seeking another job and unemployment will help fill the gap. No doubt the bashers got hired young at their final airline, no setbacks, no missteps. Good for you oracle of the future. I’m sure if you wreck your car you will not file a claim so other less fortunate can get the loot. If your house burns down you will not file a claim because you can afford to rebuild. If you go to the doctor you don’t use your healthcare plan, you pay cash. If you go to the dentist or eye doctor you also pay cash to keep health insurance costs down for others less fortunate. You knew in advance you were going to the dentist in 6 months. Why didn’t you plan on it? Why do you expect insurance to cover it?

 

Is this Oz? Cuz' there's strawmen everywhere

 

Have you ever heard of Ronald Read? The 8 million dollar janitor?


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald...philanthropist)

 

If you can’t find a sim job, 135/91, or some other instructing gig, maybe you aren’t as marketable as others.
The good news is there is a whole world of other opportunities out there. It doesn’t have to be flying specific. I think you’ll find the unemployment office agrees.
If you are wanting to use unemployment to bridge between jobs, that is great and the intent of the program.
I, probably incorrectly, interpreted your original post as it being part of your retirement plan and one more “FU” to everyone that has done you wrong.

I realize not everyone ended up at their destination airline at 23 years old. I didn’t. However, you can retire from a regional if you put forth some effort. Not everyone needs to be, nor should they plan their retirement off of being, a widebody Capt to retire happily.

Just keep in mind that you are telling those junior to you to give up wages and retirement opportunity when you advocate for an increase in age. Don’t get your feelings hurt when they disagree.

 

Or how about just retire. At 65 you’re almost dead. Just enjoy life. It’s not everyone’s problem if you couldn’t manage your finances.

 

Having worked all your life and with the last ten years being well above average, if you’re not ready to retire you are either not living within your means or you grossly mismanaged your money. These are not problems for others to solve for you. Own it and stop trying to reach into other's pockets.

 

But for some people, life is only enjoyable when they are referred to as "Captain." Enjoyment and life itself basically ends at retirement.

They literally have nothing else to live for, which is why they never put much effort into financial planning.

 

Have you considered applying for government grants, your victimization should move you to the top of the list. Everyone is sympathetic to the plight of entitled multimillionaires. Just them them you were “fired.” If they start asking questions, be sure to compare yourself to Rosa Parks and the Greatest Generation.