If I'm 2nd owner of a business and have a full time job, then got laid off from my full time job, can I still collect unemployment?

Assuming that full time job was as a regular employee and NOT as a contractor. Then you have an acceptable work history to draw against.

Assuming that full time job was as a regular employee and NOT as a contractor. Then you have an acceptable work history to draw against.

Yes, fulltime job as a regular employee for 7 years and now I decided to open my own business as a 2nd owner and my employer decided to lay me off. So I'm eligible for unemployment in state of California?

Yes, fulltime job as a regular employee for 7 years and now I decided to open my own business as a 2nd owner and my employer decided to lay me off. So I'm eligible for unemployment in state of California?

That would qualify you in all 50 states...

I disagree. You have to be not working to collect, plus you have to show regular attempts to get jobs, and be ready and willing to work. You can certainly 'pretend' you haven't started a business, depending on how far you got registering your company name, getting a business license and sales tax ID and so on.

You didn't pay into UI; the employer did.

Hmmm, so if I didn't open my business under my name, I could've collect unemployment?

Wait, it seems that there are programs for the self-employed or partners to also collect UI; they go by state. If you qualify, you might be able to collect.

But I can't find one for CA...

But I can't find one for CA...

Such headaches, I just open my business as 2nd owner after I was laid off.