Unemployment Insurance

Like life insurance...for your job.

You pay money in, month after month, year after year. And basically, every month you don't collect on this policy, you're happy.

But one day...you get fired. Maybe it's your fault; next time, don't pee on the keyboard of your hated office enemy while the security camera is on. Maybe it's not your fault; your entire division was shuttered. Regardless, you're jobless and hungry and glad that your unemployment insurance kicks in.

For better or worse, UI usually only pays about half to 2/3 of what a fully salary is, and it neglects a ton of other benefits you'd normally get while working. The insurance company wants to be sure you're highly motivated to find another job fast. But they also don't want you to starve along the way. Nice guys.