By handling all the audio input and output signals of your system it performs the same function as the Sound Card in a typical computer. The main differences are that Audio Interfaces typically have mic preamps onboard, provide Phantom Power for condenser mics, and have easy-access external inputs and outputs.
1 Unemployment insurance payments (benefits) are intended to provide temporary financial assistance to unemployed workers who meet the requirements of State law.  Each State administers a separate unemployment insurance program within guidelines established by Federal law.
The Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC), which provided federal benefits on top of the state benefits (up to 99 weeks of benefits), has now expired and is not longer available. You can see this article for more details, but as of now only state unemployment benefits are available to the unemployed.