How do you account for any time of unemployment on your resume?

Include a simple explanation for the gap, eg. full-time student, maternity leave, etc.

The unemployment office would like you to earn some money before you find a full time position whatever it is you did. Work part time at a retail store or work temp agencies. You can't just stay at home and do nothing. Prospective employers would look at that (if you stayed at home) as a turn off. They would think that you are lazy and that would automatically eliminate you from the other candidates who are hard working.