Unemployment and Social Security are insurance programs. You didn't "do nothing", you paid premiums (either directly as with SS, or indirectly through your emp

Unemployment and Social Security are insurance programs. You didn't "do nothing", you paid premiums (either directly as with SS, or indirectly through your employer in the case of UI). Would you say that receiving an insurance pay-out if your house burns down is being "given money for doing nothing"? Unemployment in particular is normally only available if you are laid off through no fault of your own and are actively looking for work. "Looking for work" does not mean you have to accept absolutely any possible job that comes along, you are allowed to continue looking for jobs that suit your skills and experience.