If I am collecting unemployment and I get a job but it's only for three months, can I collect again or not?

Here in the UK if you are working more than 16 hours a week, even if it’s volunteering then you cannot be claiming no matter how short a period of time you are. Once you’ve stopped working then you can start claiming again. But you can’t have both.

Actually you can do as much volunteer work as you like, as long as you declare all volunteer work to the jobcentre, usually on your signing day, and continue to meet your jobseekers agreement (actively looking for work) and you must ensure you can attend an interview at 48 hours notice, and be prepared to move into paid employment at a weeks notice. It’s all about proving you are actively seeking work, do this, and in most cases it’s no problem.

Usually as soon as you get a job and start earning money you have to report it. Otherwise, it would be considered fraud. If this job isn’t very long and you have time left over from your previous unemployment claim then you can try to reopen the claim after you’re done working the new job, but I’m quite positive you can’t accept funds from unemployment if you have found some form of employment. Doesn’t matter if it’s only for 3 months or 1 year, as far as I know. You’re making money and working - so technically you’re not unemployed.

If you want to verify that, call up your local unemployment center.