What Unemployment Benefits Am I Entitled To
Summary of New Federally-Funded Unemployment Benefits Congress created three new unemployment support programs that are 100% paid for by the federal government to help the millions of Americans losing their jobs through no fault of their own. Florida signed an agreement with the Department of Labor on March 28 to access federal funds to help administer these:
1. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation for anyone laid off or furloughed due to the pandemic.
- Provides $600/week for up to 16 weeks from the date you applied to anyone receiving the Florida state Reemployment Assistance.
2. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation for anyone receiving Florida state unemployment benefits.
- Provides 13 more weeks of state benefits fully funded by the federal government.
3. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for workers who are otherwise ineligible for state unemployment benefits including self-employed or independent contractors, workers without sufficient work history, and workers who run out of unemployment benefits.
- Provides up to 39 weeks of benefits at the state maximum $275/week from the date you applied as well as $600/week for up to 16 weeks.
Summary of Benefits to Florida Workers
Benefits for Most Workers: Employees who are laid off or furloughed through no fault of their own due to the COVID-19 pandemic are eligible for:
How do I submit my application for Reemployment Assistance?
1. New applicants can complete an application online at FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication.
Reason For Losing Your Job
You must have a qualifying reason for being unemployed to be eligible for benefits. Here are the rules:
Can You Get Unemployment If You Are Laid Off?
If you lose your job in a restructuring, layoff, downsizing, or similar job action taken by your employer for economic reasons, you will qualify for benefits.
Can You Get Unemployment If You Get Fired?
You will still qualify for benefits even if you were fired, unless you were fired for job-related misconduct. Examples of job-related misconduct include failing a drug test, stealing from the company, or committing insubordination. Not being able to meet your employers performance or productivity expectations generally doesnt qualify as misconduct, as long as you made a good faith effort.
Can You Get Unemployment If You Quit?
If you quit your job voluntarily, without good cause relating to your job, you wont be eligible for benefits. However, if you left for a compelling work-related reason, you will still qualify. For instance, if you are facing harassment on the job and your employer fails to remedy the situation after you complain, you will likely be eligible for benefits.
You can file a claim for unemployment benefits in Florida online, using the CONNECT system.
When Should I Apply For Florida Unemployment Benefits
You should file a claim for Florida unemployment benefits as soon as you become unemployed.
When you apply for unemployment benefits, the effective date of your initial claim is important because that is the date that is used to determine when your benefits begin.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity cannot pay benefits for weeks before your claim effective date.
You May Like: How Do I File For Unemployment In Tennessee
How To File For Unemployment If You Work Part Time
Terri Williams is an expert in mortgages, real estate, and home buying. As a journalist shes covered the homes corner of personal finance for more than a decade, with bylines in scores of publications, including Realtor.com, Bob Vila, Yahoo, Time/Next Advisor, The San Francisco Chronicle, Real Homes, and Apartment Therapy.
Often when people lose a job, they dive into part-time work to make ends meet. While not working full time will most likely amount to a pay decrease, you may still be eligible to receive unemployment benefits while working part time. Learn what partial unemployment is and how to file for it.
Claiming Benefits Across Multiple States
If you worked and earned wages in multiple states you may be able to claim benefits from all these states relative to the income you earned. Generally you should first exhaust benefits from the state where you had the highest income and/or lived for the longest duration in the base year of figuring your claim. After which you can submit claims from the other states up to the maximum weekly benefit.
Don’t Miss: Unemployment Pa Ticket Number
The Best And Worst States For Unemployment Benefits
To determine the best and worst U.S. states for unemployment benefits, Forbes Advisor analyzed the average weekly benefit, benefit length and cost of living index for each state and the District of Columbia.
Cost of living is typically calculated by comparing the costs of food, housing, utilities, transportation, health care and miscellaneous goods and services. The higher the number, the more expensive it is to live in that state.
Four of the top five statesKansas, North Dakota, Wyoming and Texasoffer a maximum of 26 weeks of unemployment benefits. No. 5, Massachusetts, offers four more weeks, but has a considerably higher cost of living than the other locations.
The bottom five statesCalifornia, Alaska, North Carolina, Arizona and Floridahave lower average weekly benefits relative to their cost of living.
Its important to note that some states have benefit periods that can fluctuate depending on their unemployment rate. Utah, for example, offers just 10 weeks of benefits when unemployment is low it increases to up to 26 weeks when unemployment is high.
Looking at benefit weeks and cost of living provides a more complete picture of unemployment insurance in each state. But examining the top and bottom states based on average benefit payment reveals a lot about how that state structures its benefits.
Meanwhile, Louisiana has an average weekly payment of $192 and a weekly maximum of just $247.
I Am An Independent Contractor Am I Eligible For Unemployment Benefits Under The Cares Act
You may be eligible for unemployment benefits, depending on your personal circumstances and how your state chooses to implement the CARES Act. States are permitted to provide Pandemic Unemployment Assistance to individuals who are self-employed, seeking part-time employment, or who otherwise would not qualify for regular unemployment compensation. To qualify for PUA benefits, you must not be eligible for regular unemployment benefits and be unemployed, partially unemployed, or unable or unavailable to work because of certain health or economic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PUA program provides up to 39 weeks of benefits, which are available retroactively starting with weeks of unemployment beginning on or after January 27, 2020, and ending on or before December 31, 2020. The amount of benefits paid out will vary by state and are calculated based on the weekly benefit amounts provided under a states unemployment insurance laws. Under the CARES Act, the WBA may be supplemented by the additional unemployment assistance provided under the Act.
You May Like: How To Get Unclaimed Unemployment Benefits
When Will I Get Paid How Long Does It Take To Get Unemployment In Florida
Florida unemployment eligibility and payments depend on when you have become out of work, and when you file your claim. If you quit your job, you are not automatically denied state of Florida unemployment benefits. But you must show good cause for why you did quit, such as harassment or job conflicts.
- If you were discharged from your job, you could be denied benefits if it was due to the failure of a drug test, you stole or damaged your employers property, or your job performance was substandard.
- If you receive severance pay or a pension, it may impact your benefits both in the short term and the long term.
- Life issues such as childcare, travel issues, health problems and so forth may prevent you from actively seeking and accepting work which could also negatively impact your ability to draw benefits.
Are You Available And Actively Searching For Work
To maintain your eligibility for unemployment compensation, you must be able to work, available to accept a job, and looking for work. If you are offered a suitable position, you must accept it. You must also keep a written record of your work search contacts, which the agency may ask you to submit at any time.
Read Also: Applying For Unemployment In Tn
Information You Need To Apply
You will need:
- Your last employers business name, address and phone number
- First and last dates you worked for your last employer. If you worked for your last employer on more than one occasion, provide the most recent employment dates.
- Number of hours worked and pay rate if you worked the week you apply for benefits
- Information about the normal wage for the job you are seeking
- Alien Registration number
- A valid Texas Driver License number or Texas Identification Card number
Florida Unemployment Benefits And Eligibility
COVID-19 UPDATE: Because the coronavirus pandemic has left so many Americans jobless, the federal government has given states more flexibility in granting unemployment benefits. If you have questions about whether youre eligible for unemployment benefits read our COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits and Insurance FAQ and check out Floridas claimant handbook.
Also Check: Bankofamerica Com Kdoldebitcard
Also Check: If Im On Unemployment Can I Get Food Stamps
Is What I See In The Calculator The Exact Amount Ill Receive
No. This calculator shows the average weekly unemployment payment in your state, plus the boost provided by the American Rescue Plan Act. You may qualify for more or less than that amount. Refer to your states unemployment website to learn more about whether you qualify and how much you might receive. This calculator should be used as an estimation tool only.
Read Also: What Ticket Number Is Pa Unemployment On
Prepare For Your Claim
To apply for unemployment benefits, you will need:
- Your Social Security number
- FEIN number
- If you donât have a FEIN, use employer details from paystub
Some workers will need to provide additional information:
- Non-U.S. citizens must provide their Alien Registration Number or work authorization form
- Military employees must provide their DD-214 Member copy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Federal employees must provide SF 8 or SF 50
- Union members must provide the unionâs name, hall number and phone number
If you want to use direct deposit, you must provide your bank account number and routing number. You can also request a Reemployment Assistance debit card.
You May Like: Minnesota Unemployment Benefits Estimator
Other Unemployment Insurance Provisions Under The Cares Act:
The CARES Act improved unemployment benefits in the following ways:
- It provides an additional $600 per week in benefits and payments through July 31, 2020.
- It adds an additional 13 weeks of benefits through December 31, 2020. Most states currently offer 26 weeks of unemployment benefits .
- it expands benefits for part-time, seasonal, self-employed, and contract workers .
- Offers to reimburse the cost for states that waive the one-week waiting period before paying benefits.
S To Filing And Getting Your Unemployment Claim Processed Quickly
- Filing online via your states unemployment website as soon as possible after losing your job or pay cut is the fastest way to submit an unemployment claim. Particularly in todays world where call centers are operating at reduced capacity. If you have issues with your claim you will have to likely contact your local State Unemployment Insurance agency. Just be prepared for this to take time.
- Have details of your former jobs/employers , personal and banking information ready when filing the claim or talking to an agent at your state UI office. Make sure to give complete and correct information to minimize delays with your claim processing. It generally takes two to four weeks after you file your claim to receive your first first benefit check.
- You can get paid by check, debit card or direct deposit. To get your payments in the fastest way go with direct deposit and ensure you have your correct and up to date bank routing and account numbers documented.
- Certify on time to claim your benefits in order to get your unemployment check paid on schedule. One of the main reason people see disruptions is failing to file on time and with the required information. Further, with the new federal programs in place, the unemployment certification requirements could be more onerous so make sure you take time to review your weekly or bi-weekly certification requirements. If you miss several weeks of certification, you may have to file a new claim.
You May Like: How To Claim Unclaimed Unemployment Benefits
Apply For Regular Ui:
If youâre out of work through no fault of your own, and youâve worked for a covered employer in the last 18 months, youâll need to apply for regular UI benefits before you can begin filing a weekly claim.
Please make sure you have these documents ready to go to make your application quick and easy:
- You will receive a Claim Confirmation and Instructions form.
- The Handbook for Claimants is online. You are responsible for knowing the information provided in this handbook.
- If you qualify for unemployment benefits, we will send you a notice with the amount of benefits you can receive.
- If you do not qualify for unemployment benefits, we will send you a notice that tells you why.
- If you are required to perform a weekly work search orif you work less than full-time you mustregister for work with Wisconsin Job Service and complete a résumé within 14 days of the date you completed your application for unemployment benefits.
Hours of Operation: Online services are available at the following times to apply for Regular UI benefits:
| Sunday |
|---|
Supplemental Unemployment Insurance Benefits During The Coronavirus Pandemic
The CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan established the following supplemental unemployment insurance programs during the coronavirus pandemic:
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation
The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation program aimed to provide qualifying unemployment insurance claimants with a supplemental $300-$600 per week in addition to their state unemployment insurance benefits. The program expired on September 6, 2021.
- Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation
The Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation sought to provide 24 weeks of extended unemployment insurance benefits to recipients who have exhausted their standard benefits. The program expired on September 6, 2021.
- Pandemic Unemployment Assistance
The federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program aimed to provide individuals who are out of work but ineligible for standard unemployment insurance benefits with $300-$600 in weekly compensation. Qualifying individuals included workers who are not eligible for standard benefits, such as independent contractors and self-employed workers, as well as individuals who have exhausted their standard benefits, extended benefits, or PEUC benefits. The program expired on September 6, 2021.
- Lost Wages Assistance
- Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation
Recommended Reading: File For Unemployment In Tn
How Partial Benefits Are Calculated
Most states calculate the total amount of your benefits by first figuring out what you would have been entitled to if you were still fully unemployed. The amount youre earning through part-time employment will usually be subtracted from this figure.
For example, in New York, you can work up to seven days a week without losing unemployment benefits for that week if you work 30 hours or fewer and earn $504 or less in gross pay, excluding earnings from self-employment. Benefits will be reduced in increments based on your total hours of work for the week rather than on the number of days you work.
In New Jersey, you must earn a minimum of $220 a week to be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits. Partial benefits are calculated based on the hours you work and how much you earn.
What If My Claim Is Rejected
If your claim is denied, you can file an appeal by fax, mail or on the CONNECT portal. You must file within 20 days of receiving the denial.
The appeals process works like this: An appeals referee will schedule a conference phone call with you and everyone else involved. You can have an attorney represent you and bring witnesses to testify during your appeal.
If youre approved, then youll be eligible for Florida unemployment benefits. If not, then you have one last shot to appeal the second denial through the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission.
Read Also: Make Money While Unemployed
How Do I File My Bi
After applying for benefits, you need to request benefit payment in CONNECT on a biweekly basis .
It is important that you request your benefits within 7 days of your scheduled date regardless of your claim status.
The CONNECT home page will provide you with your scheduled report date.
You will use the Request Benefit Payment link on your home page. This link will not appear until your scheduled report date.
The video below from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity provides a great summary of how to request your benefit payments.
Florida Unemployment Phone Number
If you need assistance filing a Florida unemployment claim online due to a language barrier, a disability, computer illiteracy, or for legal reasons, you can call 1-800-681-8102 for help.
The following are the primary Florida unemployment phone numbers. Call these programs to get help filing your Florida unemployment claim.
Department of Economic Opportunity: 1-850-245-7105
Reemployment Assistance Program Main Help Line: 1-800-204-2418
Benefits Appeals Assistance: 1-800-204-2418
Recommended Reading: Unemployment Eligibility Tn
Appeal A Denial Of Benefits
If you were denied unemployment benefits, you may file an appeal online. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity refers to those seeking benefits as Claimants. Claimants, employers, and authorized representatives may appeal a decision that was not made in their favor.
You must wait until after a determination is mailed or delivered to file an appeal. The determination will also contain instructions on how to file your appeal after a denial of benefits.
Example Calculation Of Florida Unemployment Benefits
Heres an example of how the calculation works under typical circumstances.
Lets assume youre applying for Florida unemployment benefits in May 2020, and you earned the following amounts during the last few quarters.
- Q1 2019: $3,500
- Q4 2019: $5,750
- Q1 2020: $2,500
The base period ignores the most recent quarter, so youll disregard the income from the first quarter of 2020. Of the remaining quarters, the third quarter of 2019 was your highest-earning one. If you divide these earnings by 26, your weekly benefit amount works out to $269.23.
Don’t Miss: Njuifile Net Direct Deposit
