As it happened, I called TN...which is really annoying as there is no such thing as hold...you call, the message says..."high call volume" click. had to call about 20 times before I got thru. The official I talked to in TN told me how much I would get in TN and then told me what his computer estimated in my home state. I think he was pretty close. I think the way it was in my state is take your highest 2 quarters (3 month consequtive periods) from last year average them together and multiply that by around 4%. A month worth for me is about the same as the paycheck on the fifth on reserve. So effectively less than half what I was making. About a week left before I give up on aviation prospects and get a mcdonalds job (or insert whatever job here) to end the boredom and get at least a little bit more money.

When I get furloughed at year end, I am going to go back to school to finish earning my CPA. (Still want a career in avation, just a rock solid insurance policy). My hope is to collect unemployment while going to school full time. My gut tells me that this won't fly.

Don't you have to be actively searching for a job and/or be in a position to accept one if offered? Obviously being in school (in their eyes) wouldn't justify that.

I am speaking to a flight school right now about getting a job upon furlough. It is the only way I see that I can be at home every night, still fly, and work around my schedule at school. If they give me any W2 income (which they will, they won't do the under the counter thing), that will nullify the unemployment thing anyway. This might be the price I pay to maintain recency of experience, etc.

I don't know which state you live in, but in Washington State, there is the AAA rule (Able to Work, Available for Work and Actively Seeking Work) which precludes most claimants from going back to school. An exception is CAT (Commissioner Approved Training). This is usually 1 to 2 year certificate type training, not a baccalaureate or higher. So, it's ok to train to be a welder or air conditioning repair man, but not get your Masters in Fine Arts. Check with your state unemployment office for specific rules.

Regarding your second question, it is generally fine to have a part time job as long as you report your earnings each week, which is usually the same time you file your weekly claim. The unemployment office will not pay you if your reported earnings is more than your weekly benefit, but if it is less, it will send you the difference.

I live in Florida. Airline I work for is based in Missouri.

Funny, I can train to weld, but can't get my CPA?

If it is any at all possible, don't file under the state of FL. I believe maximum payout is 275$/wk! One of the lowest payouts of all states!!!

You might be able to get a CPA under a similar program if you already have a BA/BS in another field. A few schools do have certificate programs that offer the specific accounting coursework required for a CPA in most states.

Although I know you were probably using CPA as an arbitrary example.... just an fyi for anybody interested in accounting. Which is probably nobody.

Actually, I have a B.S. in Accounting and am determined to get my CPA. I already have 4 credit hours towards it and only need 26 more, which equates to like 9 more classes. And of course a big arse test at the end.

I actually do like accounting. I like flying more, of course, and that is where I plan on advancing my career. But, my interest in accounting is such to keep me moving in the field. Plus, if I lose my medical or something else detrimental to my pilot career occurs, I am still able to put bread on the table.

Also, one of my dreams is to get into the aviation department of a large corp. I think with my CPA (and I have some experience in the field) /w all my flying credentials, I just might be able to swing something like that down the road.

Sounds like a good plan, Bryris. I too am planning to sit for the CPA exam. I have a BA in Accounting and am 10 qtr credits short of the 5th-year requirement. (I'm taking a couple of basket-weaving level online classes at the local CC to get them done - and the Lifelong Learning Credit should almost cover them.) I am hoping to have 1 section done by the end of the year and the rest done by April or May. Contrary to your plan, this is more to set up my "backup plan" than anything. But if it affords a corporate flying opportunity down the road, all the better.

Sweet.....I dunno about other people but I made a whole lot MORE the year before I became an airline pilot working at a movie theatre haha

I know you said you can't speak to exact laws in other states, but any idea of what the rough estimate is for most payouts on unemployment. Just wondering if there is some formula such as mentioned earlier about 4% of 2 best quarters. Any guesstimate is appreciated :confused: