Can you receive unemployment if you are furloughed in California?

by aaron
(santa ana ca)

Hi:
Can furloughed employees receive benifits in calif?
Thanks
Aaron


Hi Aaron,

I think the answer would be dependent on the length of the furlough.

The word itself seems a little misleading. In my mind a work furlough is a temporary layoff and it also indicates to me that you are "job attached" .. which is a condition the employer tells the state about and frees you from the required job search. It is not a condition anyone should assume is present. I'm sure you would be notified by the state if it is a condition.

But the length of the furlough is relevant because a one-day furlough would be long enough only to establish a claim .. most states require a "one week unpaid waiting period before you would be entitled to benefits.

I think the establishment of the claim might not be a bad idea though .. because if an employer is furloughing .. a permanent layoff might be just around the corner and subsequent furloughs in the interim could have a small effect on your weekly benefit amount .. if they stretch out the furloughs.

If your furlough is longer than a week .. definitely file.