Yep...you can get it if you are too sick to work BUT only after you are better and can be out there looking for work. I was on parttime duty from 6/12-7/10 then off from 7/10-8/17. I can collect from 8/17 forward until I find work.
I hate UE. It's money put in from all contractors state wide, into a slush fund, that the state(s) are made stewards of, therefor, when you "apply" they treat you as a criminal, out to cheat the system. The state collects the interest on the moneys, and disperse it to the individuals applying. I know, I was a contractor for a few years, had to pay in,went back to work for the local for insurance, and to get away from "you know who" always in my back pocket.
I hate unemployment hearings as well. I have been in Human Resources/Personnel for the last 17 years and I deal with it on a regular basis. I have never lost a case in 17 years. Good Luck to you with your case.