If it were me, I wouldn't wait for unemployment. Get out there and work. There are a lot of jobs in retail right now and they likely won't check too closely into your background.
Work is the answer, not being stuck waiting and then (possibly) not getting the benefits, anyway.
You don't have to drink over this. Stay busy and try not to think too much about any possible resentments. Whatever happens is out of your hands as far as unemployment benefits.