How does unemployment work?

My fiance got let go from his job this morning. As you can imagine, this is devestating to someone who just got on his feet with his own place and has no money saved up. He’s already started a job search full swing, but in the current economy that may take awhile. So, he’s going to the unemployment office today to see if they can help until he finds a new position. However, I’m not sure at all how this works (neither of us have ever filed for unemployment), so I thought you guys could help me out with a few questions.

1.) What exactly is the process once you get to the unemployment office? Do you have an “interview” of sorts, fill out paperwork, etc?
2.) Do they base your unemployment income on your previous income, what you pay out each month, or is it a standard amount?
3.) If he’s accepted for unemployment, how long does it usually take to kick in to where he starts getting checks?
4.) Do employers look down on those who collect unemployment? Will he have an even harder time finding work because of it?
5.) MOST IMPORTANT: What makes you qualify for unemployment?

He was let go from this job because they said they hired too many people and couldn’t afford it, so they fired all employees hired in the last three months. He was 3 days away from completing his 90 day probationary period, which resulted in a $1.50 pay raise. He held his last job for 8 months before voluntarily leaving for this job because the pay was better, so there was no gap between in employment. However, his last job was through an employment agency, so I’m not sure if that matters. We’re worried he’ll get denied for unemployment because of this situation. What do you think?

We’re both terrified he’ll lose his house (he rents) and he has nowhere to go. We don’t know where to turn.