COVID-19 Resources for Radiologic Technologists and Students

FAQ COVID-19 Employment Resources

• What is the difference between a furlough, a layoff and a reduction in force?

  Employers can use several different strategies, including furloughs, layoffs and reductions in force, to weather a financial crisis like the one caused by COVID-19. Though often used interchangeably, each term has a different meaning:

  • Layoffs are temporary separations from work and pay because your employer has determined that there is not enough work for an employee to perform. This situation is generally viewed as temporary and will improve. When it does, you may be recalled. For most layoffs, employees can collect unemployment benefits for a set period after the layoff.
  • Furloughs are not full separations from work and pay, but instead require employees to work fewer hours or to take a certain amount of unpaid time off. For example, a week or two of unpaid leave sometime during the month or year. Your employer and state will determine whether you qualify for unemployment benefits during this time, and if other benefits such as health insurance are covered during these periods of unpaid time off.
  • Reductions in Force occur when positions are eliminated with no intent to replace that role. Layoffs can sometimes turn into a reduction in force if a temporary crisis is not resolved. Unemployment benefits may be available subject to state requirements, and you may be able to continue your healthcare benefits through a COBRA plan. Your employer may decide to offer severance package.

• Am I eligible for workers’ compensation or disability if I contracted COVID-19 at work or during travel for work?

  As a healthcare worker, the answer is probably yes, but your workers’ compensation claim is still subject to variations in state law. You will need to check with your employer and/or state workers’ compensation office. Click the link below to find information for your state.

   Accessing Unemployment Benefits

• If my employer is open, but furloughs me, can I receive paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave?

  No. If your employer furloughs you because it does not have enough work for you, you are not eligible to take paid sick leave or expanded family and medical leave. However, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. You should contact your state workforce agency or state unemployment insurance office for specific questions about your eligibility. Click the link below to find information for your state.

   Accessing Unemployment Benefits

• I heard that the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act allows me to collect unemployment benefits for specific reasons related to COVID-19. What are those additional reasons?

  In addition to the standard reasons for collecting unemployment compensation, if you self-certify that you are unable to work due to the following reasons, you may qualify for benefits if you:

  • have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have symptoms of it and are seeking a diagnosis.
  • are living with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • are providing care for someone diagnosed with COVID-19.
  • are quarantined or have been advised to self-quarantine.
  • are providing care for a child whose school or place of care is closed due to COVID-19.
  • had to quit your job as a direct result of COVID-19.
  • had your place of employment closed due to COVID-19.
  • were scheduled to start a new job but cannot due to COVID-19.
  • became the major support or breadwinner of your household because the head of household has died as a direct result of COVID-19.

  Unemployment eligibility for these reasons will expire on December 31, 2020. To learn more about the CARES act, click the link below:

   Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act

• I have been furloughed or laid off, what resources are available for me?

   America's Service Locator to find employment and unemployment resources in your state.

   Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to find food security resources in your state.

   The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to find food security resources for families in your state.

   Student and Loan Information to understand how COVID-19 has affected your education and student loans.

   Credit Card and Loan Information to understand how COVID-19 has affected your debts.

   COVID-19 Foreclosure and Eviction Information to understand your rights related to foreclosure and eviction during the pandemic.