Dude,

from my knowledge if you are a full time worker, and now you are laid off or you are getting less then 20 hours you can get the unemployment benefit. it will not effect your satus or credit. but you have to be a green card holder or in working status.

for it you have to call your city , you could get the number from your human resources office or search in internet for the city office number ( unemployment benefits). later they will send you a form, fill it and submit it back. if they did not send you a form within the couple of days call again.

dude... unlucky here i am doing 25 hrs per week. better to get laid off .... get benefits and fly to nepal .

good luck