EDD eligibility for 1-month furlough - can I get unemployment during temp layoff?

Yes, you absolutely can and should apply for unemployment during a furlough, regardless of how short it is. There's no minimum time requirement - if you're not being paid for a week or more due to lack of work, you're potentially eligible. Make sure you have: - Your employer's info (address & phone) - Last day worked before furlough - Return date - Your usual wages When you certify, answer honestly that you have a return date. You might still need to complete some work search activities, but having a definite return date can sometimes modify those requirements. I'd recommend applying as soon as the furlough starts.

i was furloughed last yr for 6 weeks, got ui no problem. but took like 3 weeks to get first payment so apply ASAP

There's a one-week unpaid waiting period for all EDD claims, so you'd only get paid for 3 weeks of a 4-week furlough. Make sure your employer issues a temporary layoff notice stating it's due to lack of work (not your fault). When you certify, you'll need to list your return-to-work date and indicate you have a definite date to return to your previous employer. This typically DOES reduce work search requirements, but you still need to be "able and available" for work during the furlough period. If you have trouble reaching EDD to verify anything (which is common), I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent when I had questions about my return-to-work status. They have a good video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/JmuwXR7HA10?si=TSwYbu_GOwYzt9km. Saved me hours of redial frustration when I needed to confirm my work search requirements.

When I got furloughed for 3 weeks last summer the whole thing was a NIGHTMARE!!! Applied right away but EDD never processed my claim until AFTER I was already back at work. Then they said I didn't qualify because I was employed again!!! Had to appeal and it took 2 MONTHS to get that money. The system is TOTALLY BROKEN!!!!

I have a question related to this - I'm being furloughed for 6 weeks starting next month, but I'm allowed to use some vacation time for part of it. If I use vacation pay for 2 weeks, can I still get unemployment for the other 4 weeks? Or does using vacation time disqualify me completely? Sorry to piggyback on this thread but seems related!

Update: I applied online yesterday and the process was pretty straightforward. I had to provide the specific reason (temporary layoff/furlough), my last day worked, and expected return date. The system accepted my application and said I'd be notified about the next steps within 10 days. I'll update again once I hear back about whether I'm approved and if there are any special work search requirements with my guaranteed return date. Thanks everyone for the helpful advice!