Can He collect unemployment?

A friend of mine is under a doctor's care stating he can't work until further notice (back injury-did not occur at work-so no workers compensation applies) His place of work had a massive layoff yesterday. He had been out of work for about a month, but still an employee there until the layoff (about 200 people got laid off) I know it states you have to be willing and able, but if under a doctor's care, will that help him? He wants to work and plans to become employed just as soon as he is released. Or can he just can't collect at all?

Yes, he can collect. But be sure he applies in person, so he can be sure to get the right advice as to which type of employment insurance to apply for. There are three different types, depending on his situation and the very intricate regulations ... while initially he may apply for "Sick benefits", he may have to change to "Regular benefits" later on. Yep, the internet applications are great for those who have a straight-forward claim, but your buddy will definitely be more sure of getting what he's entitled to by going into the office and speaking to a real person. ;-)

Best way to find out is to apply for unemployment and see what happens.

He was laid off along with the rest of the employees making him eligable the same as the other employees. However he can not collect for any weeks he could not physically work. So if he doesnt get released to work for 6 more weeks he can not collect unemployment for 6 more weeks still.

In general if he is under a doctor's note that he can not work until released, then until the doctor release him he is not able to work in regard to unemployment eligibility

No, he is not eligible for unemployment. Doctor's orders had him off of work at the time the lay off occurred, so he was not ready, willing, and able to work.

Have him check with his company to see if he would be covered by their disability insurance.

Best of luck.

He cannot collect at all. He is not able (by doctors orders) to work. Until he is released by the doctor, he is on his own.

he can. he can do most of the appliying online then set up and interview at the office. good luck!!

Usually you must be able and available for work to collect, since he is under doctors care he probably would not qualify for benefits.

My next point would be since he was actually not working at the time of the layoffs, he techinically was not laidoff.