How to Collect Unemployment After Being Put on Furlough
In some respects, a furlough isn't the same as permanently losing your job: You'll return to work on a given date and begin earning your regular salary. In a more immediate sense, however, there's little difference between the two, as not working and not receiving income has the same impact on your finances --- whether it's a temporary or permanent layoff. In many states, furloughed employees qualify for unemployment benefits, although the state laws that determine eligibility for furloughed employees vary. In some states, you'll need to apply for regular benefits, while others will require you to take temporary-layoff benefits.
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Instructions
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Wait a week following the start of your furlough to apply for unemployment insurance benefits. The U.S. Department of Labor requires that workers can't collect benefits during the first week they're out of work. Thus, if your furlough is a week or shorter, you won't qualify for benefits.
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Gather information on your current employer that furloughed you, such as its official business name and its address. If you worked at any other businesses in the past 18 months, you'll need to provide the same information from those employers. Most states contact your employers to gather information on your earnings during the base period used to determine your benefit amount.
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Determine your return-to-work date. Some states require workers to provide a definite return-to-work date in order to qualify for temporary benefits, while others allow workers to simply state that they're subject to recall. If you can't provide a needed return-to-work date or your state doesn't provide temporary benefits, apply for traditional unemployment benefits.
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Contact your state unemployment insurance provider. Most states allow workers to make initial claims online or through a telephone system. You'll be required to provide information on your employers and, if necessary, your return-to-work date.
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Meet the requirements of your unemployment benefits for the duration of your furlough. If you receive temporary unemployment benefits or certify that you're subject to recall, you may not need to seek replacement employment. If you receive regular unemployment benefits, your state's laws may require you to seek a new job and, if it's offered, take it.
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Tips & Warnings
State laws determine the length a beneficiary may receive temporary benefits as well as what you must do to maintain benefits. Consult your state unemployment office to determine requirements for your claim.
You must stop making unemployment claims when you return to work. Continuing to collect benefits after you return to work is illegal, and, if caught, you'll be required to return the fraudulently acquired amount to the unemployment agency and possibly face fraud charges.
