https://www.siliconvalley.com/2020/04/21/can-a-furloughed-employee-in-california-get-unemployment-benefits-ask-the-lawyer/ > Q: I am going to be furloughed for a while. Just what is “furloughed”? And, can I get unemployment benefits? > A: If you are laid off, your employment is terminated. You are probably eligible for unemployment benefits, assuming your employment termination is not for cause (see the question and answer below). Being placed on furlough is akin to an unpaid leave of absence. You retain your job and benefits associated with it (other than salary), but you stop working for a period of time. An employee on furlough in California is eligible to receive unemployment benefits.