If you actually have a suitable job available to you and you're not taking it, then you're already gaming the system
The system does not require that I move in order to get the job. Sometimes 'suitable' is also determined by location.
there are no watchdogs-or police mind you-to meddle in what you do or want to sell/establish/conquer.
Why would there be no watch-dog groups?
anything after that should first require you blow through most of your savings because you are, after all, being taken care of by the state.
So we reward people for spending without considering their finances? I know people that live in a low COL place and make 60k a year and a broke... I'm bringing in substantially less right now and am far from broke: I know exactly where every dollar is going.
So reward someone that blows through their money but punish someone being fiscally responsible?
I get the principle of supporting only those that need it: but you need to consider where that principle brings you in practical terms.
I am getting too much for me; but for most poor/broke people it's not nearly enough. People spend on different things, If you want to send out only subsistence then send out only commodities and housing, not money.
How do you prevent people from abusing it? As you said unemployment is not a job training program.
I think that IS the problem. The UI makes it so that I don't move and get a job; it's not part of the requirements so I don't do it.
Is that a bad thing? Not in that I get to keep going to school. Is it a good thing? Not in that I know there must be many others who refuse to re-locate for less self-improving reasons.
Can you imagine if they chopped Unemployment back to normal duration what the national mood would be?
Along with the economic argument it's true that giving out benefits to the bottom improves purcahses... but in a purely inflationary manner as there is no production going back into the system.