I'm confused by unemployment. Doesn't the company essentially pay it? The employee also gets taxed when their paycheck is deducted for unemployment insurance every month. Did they get this money back if they never use it? We know the state gov is involved somehow, because they extended programs, but how?

I can't figure out if it is the company, yourself or the state, or a mix of all three involved in unemployment. And does it make sense to use the state you physically live in or the state where the company is?

I think with remote work and different states offering different amounts, this can all be gamed for maximum benefits.