Laid off, go long vacation, then applying unemployment benefit? (to live, safe)

[Apple314]

After working for many years, I was laid off last week. I never took long vacation as my boss kept saying the office was busy. Finally, now I have plenty of time. I have some money to live off a while through savings and investment. I want to travel overseas for 5 months, go to see Africa and Asia, where I never dreamed before. I will go back to job hunting after coming back. But I need a safe net what if I cannot find any position. I'd like to ask if I can apply for unemployment benefit when I come back to NYC around half year later? I am eligible to receive the max benefit if I apply now. If I apply the benefit after half year, will I receive less? Or should I apply the benefit now, receive the benefit for 3weeks, then call the office saying I will take a half year vacation?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[likeminas]

People who get laid-off generally apply right away because they need the money. This doesn't seem to be the case with you.

You won't be eligible after 6 mos. anyway. And if you do apply, what are you gonna say when they ask you why didn't apply right after getting laid-off? you gonna tell 'em you took a sabbatical to go travel around the world?

you can apply for benefits now, but most likely they'll give you one or two weeks worth. One of the requirements for getting UIB is that you must be constantly looking for a new job.