Temporary Jobs and Unemployment Comp

I'm curious,

If you're offered a temporary job while you're collecting unemployment comp. and you decline to take the job, is that considered "refusing" the job?
I'm not really clear on what constitutes "refusing" a job.
It seems it would not make much sense to take a three or four week job which would then disqualify you from receiving any more payments from unemployment. Yet they seem to give you the impression that if you "refuse" a job you could also be disqualified, so I'm really confused. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

If the company reports that you refused a job, you will probably be penalized or disqualified from collecting benefits, even if it is only temporary.

Taking a three or four week temporary assignment would not disqualify you from receiving any further benefits once the assignment is over.

My thoughts on this.....take the job! It could lead to a permanent position or ongoing work with a temporary agency. It will fill the employment gaps on your resume and make you more "employable". Believe me, the longer you are out of work, the harder it is to secure a position even at McDonald's.

It depends on which state you are in. It depends on your total situation.

In my state of Ohio you can refuse to go to an interview if the position is below your skill level and education. It is hard to refuse on the wage, it used to be a reason. Can't be forced you to be a Laborer.

What temporary or contract assignment will do will extend your Unemployment Insurance, even if it is a few weeks. Makes you more employable, takes care of job gaps and can give you new skills. I have worked many assignments that last less then a week. In my state if you work for 8 hours that will count towards the next calendar year. Most states you need 20 for the following year. Your Unemployment Insurance can be strech for a whole year! If you have the number of weeks you can start over with this year's work.

What you don't want to do is get into a job situation where you have to quit, because you physically can't do it. Then you should work with that employer and tell them your not a good fit. You don't want to windup working for awhile, just to lose your Unemployment check.
I have even refused the State Employment Office. If not physically able to just that job (bad back or knees) then it is not suitable. I have had both knees have total replacements, that don't make you disabled.

I had one temporary agency that pulled this on me about refusing work. I won if you know your state laws.