Can I be denied? (collecting, apply, work, state)

[merft]

I was laid off a month ago but was "allowed" to stay on part-time (10 hours per week) at a rate
consistent with what my salary was ($22/hr). I have been collecting unemployment. My place of employment is now offering me a job (which I have not applied for) that is in another area (not related to what I was initially doing) at a pitiful amount (full-time work for $22,000/year).

Will I be denied employment benefits if I turn it down?

The position isn't anything related to my degree area or previous employment and it would actually look bad on my resume. And again, I did not apply for it. Not to mention I am currently bringing home more on 10 hours a week + unemployment than I would with this position. I can't make ends meet now.....how am I going to on $22,000 a year!

[myrc60]

Each state has conditions upon which you can turn down work. Search your state's website or the literature they sent you for the conditions. I'm guessing that the conditions you've been offered are not acceptable to UE either.

[Chyvan]

Hang your hat on the pay. You're still making $22/hr. Therefore, anything less is unsuitable for you. Pay tends to work on a sliding scale: the longer you're out of work, the lower it becomes. You never set your pay rate lower because you're still making that much per hour.

Saying things like, "I never applied for that job," and, "I've never done that work before," will just drag out the investigation. The UE people recognize people turning down work because of pay rates.

[merft]

I guess I don't understand how you can be denied unemployment benefits for refusing work you never sought out.
The job has a different salary, requirement, and hours than my original job - I am under the impression that you can deny work that is not comparable in terms of hours, responsibilities, and hours (say working a 9-5 job and then being offered one that is 10pm - 7am). I have a master's degree (which was required in my former job) - this new job requires only a high school diploma!
The place I work at is shady....and has fought many people over unemployment benefits.
Unfortunately, I'm stuck in this area (where there are very few professional jobs) for another year due to my significant other.

[Ariadne22]

You won't be denied. You accepted a part-time position at a decent hourly rate from your employer. Now that employer wants you to work full-time at 48% of what you had been previously paid hourly - full or part-time.

It is not comparable, not suitable as it constitutes a substantial change from the conditions under which you were previously employed - i.e., salary, etc. You don't have to accept it. And you shouldn't.

What state are you in?