According to some economic models when unemployment rises more people become willing to work for less money so the minimum wage can drop without much opposition.
By upperclass, if you mean educated, connected people, they probably have a little easier time getting employment, but they too, are subject to job availability! No jobs, no hiring.
In some states your unemployment benefits would be offset by the disbursement, especially that part of it which was contributed to by your employer. This is generally done in the week received...