Problems With Collecting

• There are two problems with trying to collect unemployment compensation while on furlough. The first is that there is a one-week waiting period before you can begin receiving benefits in Virginia. If your furlough lasts less than a week, it may not be worth it for you to file. The second problem is that you need to be looking for work and accept it if offered. This could prove difficult since you are still employed with the company that furloughed you.
  
  

Partial Benefits

• You may be eligible to receive unemployment compensation even if your furlough is less than a week long. The only way to find out if you are is to apply for benefits, according to the Virginia Employment Commission. When you are interviewed, tell the interviewer that you are still employed but you have been furloughed. The interviewer will then make a determination if you are eligible for benefits and if so, how much.
  
  

Looking for Work

• While you must be available to work and actively searching, you don't necessarily have to accept if a job is offered and is not suitable. However, you may find yourself better, more stable work. You will need to keep a record of all of the employer contacts that you make while collecting unemployment, and you will need to maintain the records for a year. While collecting unemployment, you are expected to make several employer contacts each week. If requested, you will need to be able to supply the Virginia Employment Commission with the date, name of contact, company name, address, telephone number, position applied for and result of the contact.
  
  

Suitable Work

• Suitable work considers things like previous work experience; physical and mental fitness; risk to your health, safety or morals; distance from your home; wages and hours. While you are expected to accept suitable work if offered, because of the factors involved, "suitable" is somewhat subjective. If you do refuse work, your case will be reviewed to determine work suitability and your reason for turning it down. If the work is found to be suitable and your reason unacceptable, your eligibility for unemployment compensation in Virginia will be terminated.