In theory, yes. In practice, no, because the unemployment office can be slow and it can take weeks to receive your first payment. Before then, rent could be due and you still need to eat.
For most of us on HN, it's likely not a big problem. I personally have enough money stashed that I could go up to 6 months without a paycheck. But for someone making $9/hr that never has more than 2 paychecks' worth of money in their accounts, it's a disaster.
That depends on your jurisdiction. In countries where they pay a percentage of salary for a period time (e.g. 80% for 3 months) then that definitely works. Here in the UK, state provided unemployment payments are very low (think around minimum wage). That likely won't cover costs if you're used to a larger salary. Employer provided unemployment payments are meant to cover that transition period.
For most of us on HN, it's likely not a big problem. I personally have enough money stashed that I could go up to 6 months without a paycheck. But for someone making $9/hr that never has more than 2 paychecks' worth of money in their accounts, it's a disaster.