<prompt> Human: Im in a tough situation and really need some help!Ive been overwhelmed today, as I discovered that I am likely eligible to receive unemployment insurance:I live in California. Ive been unemployed for 3.5 months and have lost almost 10,000 of my savings to support myself and my wife. My former employer did not suggest that I apply for Unemployment Insurance. I thought I was not eligible because Im not a US citizen.Is it still possible for a permanent resident to receive UI payments even 103 days after the date of being laid-off?I am about to run out of funds and was told by a friend that if Im eligible for UI, I may be able to receive payments retroactively, perhaps in a lump-sum too. Does anybody know this to be true?That would really really help me and I almost feel financially ruined by my job loss.He provided me with this link: Ive been a Permanent Resident in the US for almost two years Im Canadian. I received my Green Card through marriage - my wife and her mother sponsored me. I remember reading from multiple sources that I would not receive any social assistance at any point due to my status as a sponsored immigrant, as this would burden the state and make me a public expense. Because of that I thought I was ineligible. My mistake was assuming that UI was part of that and not double checking...I was not diligent...A friend of mine explained to me that Unemployment benefits are not handouts from the government and that as an employee who has paid into an state mandated insurance fund, I am entitled to coverage in case of unemployment. I am terrified that collecting UI until I find employment will result in the USCIS deeming me a public charge and will ultimately jeopardize my status as a PR and future US citizen. I lost my job in early December 2017 due to a company-wide layoff. Id been working full time since September 2016. Since my lay-off, I have spent almost everyday looking for jobs, going to job fairs, speaking with recruiters, signing up at staffing agencies and talking to everybody I know. My job effort has been consistent and Ive been genuinely determined... but after many interviews, I have not found employment. Any input or knowledge on this topic would be sincerely appreciated!  <response>: You are eligible in California for unemployment compensation, apply ASAP 