If you were laid off for illness, does your employer offer short-term disability? If you had health benefits, it's possible long-term disability was included.

More to the point, if you're unable to work, government disability benefits are something to consider. In some instances, one may still work part time and fully collect benefits. Worth looking into.

Alternatively, getting a job that doesn't require much physical activity and offers flexible hours. For example, answering customer service calls from home. Often such companies provide the software and even some hardware (ie. headset) and pay based on hours logged in working. If going this route, be wary of scams, such as reshipping packages or buying stuff for others.

Your guess about applying for random jobs one doesn't want is exactly what many do. It's annoyance for many employers, but many lighten the load by using 3rd party services to screen applications. On the other hand, the requirement does work by encouraging people to at least look around verses just sitting at home.

Saw a similar thread and some said the state doesn't check. That's incorrect. PA UE does occasionally follow up regarding one's job search. Another reason to apply 2+ jobs per week via career link.