Verified answer

If they're not getting paid, they're entitled to file for unemployment!  That's what it's for!

If you worked for me, and I told you 'Sorry, but I don't have work for you.  You're welcome back here when we get busier, but I won't be paying you for a few months.'  Well, you're not -fired-, but you're not exactly working either.  How are you supposed to support yourself?

You don't CHOOSE being furloughed.  That is a choice the employer makes.  That said, a furlough means you are getting paid less.  Hence the need for the unemployment.

The company decides who's laid off and who's on furlough. Most people would choose the furlough because in many cases it means the employer will still cover their medical insurance. But that clearly isn't available to all. 

In the U.S., they don't get any money if they are on furlough but don't file for unemployment.  In the U.S., the company doesn't pay workers who are on furlough, and the government does not give them money either if they don't file for unemployment.

You don't get paid during a furlough.