Sorry .. I worked in personnel for years .. when you’re on a leave, you don’t get pay, you don’t get healthcare, you don’t get anything from the company.
You don't know for a fact if that is true of Goldman Sac's employees and her specificially. If you think they would cut all ties with the wife of a future President then you are delusional.
And .. what you have to understand is that the company does not want the LIABILITY of a person who is considered a non-employee. So, it’s the money, honey, the company’s liability is a big issue. She doesn’t have a secure line to the company; she doesn’t have keys to the front door, etc.
She was a very good employee, and if she wanted her position back after they’re out of the WH, I’m sure she could get it .. but, it’s never a guarantee, ever.