I'm just curious...unemployment benefits last what, 6 months? What are the statistics for the unemployed beyond that time and how are those stats collected?
I'm not sure how long unemployment benefits last. It seems like every time they become an issue, Congress extends them.
After the benefits run out, you still have to be actively seeking work in order to be counted as among the unemployed. That makes sense. We have a lot of retired folks, kids, stay at home moms, etc., who don't work for an employer or run their own business.
If you don't want one of those jobs, and aren't looking for one, you shouldn't be counted as unemployed.