File Your First Claim For Benefits
Posted: Aug 24, 2021 · On March 27, 2020, a law was signed that provides additional Unemployment Insurance assistance to workers impacted by COVID-19. This means that you may qualify to receive: 26 weeks of UI benefits. Up to 53 additional weeks of PEUC until the benefit week ending 9/5/2021. Up to 20 additional weeks of Extended Benefits .
Applying For Unemployment Benefits
Posted: May 14, 2021 · Apply for benefits in one of two ways: Apply online at Unemployment Benefit Services by selecting Apply for Benefits. Read the Applying for Unemployment Benefits Tutorial for help applying online. Call a Tele-Center at 800-939-6631 and speak to a customer service representative.
How Do I File My Claims For Unemployment Compensation Benefits
Reemployment Assistance /Unemployment Benefits: 204-2418 or www.floridajobs.org/raaplication.
- To download the paper application , .
How to File a Claim Online For Reemployment AssistanceGo to www.floridajobs.org/raaplication to access the online system to file an RA Claim, claim your weeks or access frequently asked questions. The online system is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. However, the online system is only available to claim weeks Monday Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Before filing your claim online, gather the following information to assist you in completing the application.
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How Can I Apply
Getting your application started is easy. The quickest way to start it is online through the CONNECT portal. If youre not able to apply online, you can also call the agency at 1-800-681-8102.
Youll need to provide some key details, including
- Your name, address and phone number
- Your Social Security number
- Your drivers license number or state ID number
- The name, address and phone number of each employer you worked for within the past 18 months
- Your first and last day of work for each job you worked in the past 18 months
- Your gross earnings from each job
- The reason for losing your job
- Your employers tax ID number, or FEIN, which can be found on the W-2 or 1099 form you received from the employer
You may also need to provide additional details in some cases. For example, if youre a union member, youll need to provide your union name, hall number and phone number.
After you submit your application, keep an eye out. The department may email you or send out a letter requesting more details. The sooner you respond, the sooner your claim can be processed.
What Do I Need To Provide During The Fl Unemployment Registration Process
Now that you know how and where to apply for unemployment in Florida, you must collect the information and documents necessary to file for unemployment benefits. Note that even if you are unable to provide all of the required items during your initial application, you can still apply for unemployment benefits in FL and supply the remaining data later. In general, you have to provide the following paperwork and information:
- Your Social Security Number and your FL drivers license number or state ID number
- Your personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, gender, race and level of education
- Extensive information about the jobs you have held in the last 18 months, such as:
- Your employers names and their contact information
- The start and end dates of your past jobs
- Your untaxed gross earnings
- The reason for your dismissal from work
- Data about any pensions, retirement claims and workers compensation
Note: Former members of the military, federal employees, self-employed workers and non-U.S. citizens will be required to submit additional data and documentation.
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File Your Florida Unemployment Claim
Within one week of becoming unemployed, you should begin the claims process to receive your Reemployment Assistance benefits. The date your application is finished determines when you will begin receiving benefits. Claims always begin with the Sunday prior to the completion of the application. For example, an application completed on Wednesday will take effect on the Sunday before that Wednesday.
All claims in Florida must be completed online. The process should take approximately 30-60 minutes to complete.
Those who need assistance because of disabilities, legal reasons, computer illiteracy or language barriers should call 1-800-681-8102.
Once your claim is filed, you will receive a confirmation notice that your claim has been received. You must request benefit payment no later than seven days from your scheduled report date. If your claim is accepted, it will take two to four weeks to receive your first payment. The week you file your claim is a “waiting week” during which no benefits are paid.
If you do not receive a confirmation notice, call the Claims Assistance Center toll free at 1-800-204-2418.
How Can I Qualify For Florida Unemployment Benefits
To qualify for unemployment, youll generally need to have been let go from your job through no fault of your own. In other words, if you quit, you probably wont qualify unless you can demonstrate you had a good reason to quit. If youre still employed but your hours are reduced so that youre earning less than $275 per week, you can also file for unemployment.
Youll also need to meet certain income requirements. These are calculated using a base period, which is just the past five calendar quarters . For example, if you apply for Florida unemployment benefits in May 2020 , your base period would be from Jan. 1, 2019, to Dec. 31, 2019.
Remember to use your gross earnings before taxes you can usually find that information on a paystub. Here are the income requirements based on your base period.
- You earned at least $3,400 total during the base period.
- You earned income during at least two quarters during the base period.
- Your total earnings during the base period must be at least 1.5 times your highest-earning quarter.
If your application is approved, youll need to meet a few other ongoing requirements as well. Youll need to sign up for the states job agency, Employ Florida, and youll need to document at least five job contacts per week when you recertify your eligibility through the CONNECT portal every couple of weeks.
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Do I Have To Look For A Job To Get Fl Unemployment Benefits
Yes. In addition, you will have to report your job hunting efforts. You must register with the Employ Florida Marketplace before claiming weeks of unemployment. You are exempt from registering if:
- You have a literacy or language impediment
- You have a physical or mental impairment
- You dont currently live in Florida
- You are on a temporary layoff that will not go longer than 8 weeks
- You are a union member who regularly obtains work through a union hall
- You are legally prohibited from using a computer
Florida Reemployment Services requires you to contact at least five employers a week to maintain your state of Florida unemployment benefits. Be sure you keep records of which potential employers you contacted, the results of the contact, and the employers contact information.
If you are offered a suitable job, but turn it down, you could lose your benefits. In addition, when you go back to work, you must report that information to the Reemployment Assistance Program immediately.
Benefits For Victims Of Domestic Violence
Florida recently made it possible for domestic violence survivors who voluntarily quit their jobs to be awarded Reemployment Assistance benefits. In general, applicants must present a court injunction, protective order, or other evidence that reasonably proves domestic violence occurred.
Survivors of domestic violence must try to keep their employment and show that they are likely to be the victim of a future act of domestic violence. They must also meet the other eligibility requirements.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, visit the CLSMF page on Violence Protection to learn your rights. If you need immediate protection from domestic violence, contact the Florida Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-500-1119 or visit them online.
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When Will I Get My First Florida Unemployment Check
Once your unemployment claim is filed in Florida, youll get confirmation that it was received. For claims that are accepted, the first payment arrives in approximately 3-4 weeks.
If your claim is denied, you may file an appeal online but you must do so within 20 calendar days. You can also file an appeal via mail. Its important to know that even though youve been turned down, you must keep filing your unemployment claims every other week. If you win your appeals, you will only receive payment for the weeks you filed.
Floridians: Use This Website To File Unemployment Claims
TALLAHASSEE Any Floridian who hasnt been able to successfully apply for unemployment benefits yet should now use this new website to sign up: www.floridajobs.org/raapplication.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, which operates the states broken unemployment system, announced the new website on Wednesday night.
Unlike the old site, the new site is mobile-friendly, allowing people to apply on their phone or tablet. While early reviews show that applicants have not been met with the error messages and other glitches plaguing the old site, the new site went down within a few hours of its launch.
Its official confirms that new website is basically a glorified Google Form & your info needs to be then migrated by state employees into CONNECT.PLZ RT bcuz we dont want ppl to think their application is complete. There are still more steps left!
Rep. Anna V. Eskamani
The new site is essentially a mobile-friendly electronic form and not a substitute for the old site. State workers are taking the electronic forms and entering them into the old site. Applicants will still have to use the old site to modify their application, however.
The state on Wednesday also rolled out a mobile-friendly version of its coronavirus financial aid page, which has links to frequently asked questions and the paper applications for individuals and businesses. The new mobile-friendly site is www.floridajobs.org/COVID-19.
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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.
Apply For Benefits Online
You can file a new claim for Reemployment Assistance through the DEOs new, mobile-friendly website using your computer, tablet, or smartphone:
The website for new claims operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have already filed a claim and created an account through the FloridaJobs CONNECT system, you will need to log in there for any further actions. CONNECT is available from 8:00 a.m.- 8:00 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday. The CONNECT Reemployment Assistance system may be temporarily offline throughout the night and weekends.
You can get help with your application over the phone by calling the Department of Economic Opportunity at 1-833-FL-APPLY .
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How And Where Do I Apply For Unemployment Benefits In Florida
For those who are eligible the best way to claim financial relief is through the states CONNECT web portal, which allows you to submit and then check for updates on your claim. Claimants will need to provide:
- Social Security number
- A driver’s license or state ID number
- Information on your employment over the past 18 months, including details of previous employment, gross earnings and reasons for leaving the role.
The application process should take less than an hour but many have reported issues with the website that may cause delays. Anyone who requires assistance when filing their claim can call the Florida Reemployment Assistance Hotline on 1-800-204-2418.
It is not necessary to use friends or family members for interpretive services. The Florida DEO offers assistance to people who do not speak English as their primary language and those who have a limited ability to read, speak, write, or understand English. To speak to a Creole or Spanish speaker or use translation services, call the Customer Service Contact Center: 1-833-FL-APPLY Mon. – Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Florida DEO also provides assistance to people who are unable to file a claim for various other reasons. People who need assistance filing a claim online because of legal reasons, computer illiteracy, language barriers, or disabilities may call: 1-833-FL-APPLY Mon. – Fri. 7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Can Furloughed Workers Receive Unemployment Benefits
Yes. Furloughed workers those put on mandatory unpaid leave â are encouraged to apply for Florida unemployment benefits. If your hours were reduced or you were put on a zero-hour schedule, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
Even if your employer says you wonât qualify, you should apply anyways. Eligibility is based on your earnings in a prior week, not the number of hours you worked. Once you apply for benefits, the Reemployment Assistance team will review your information and determine your eligibility.
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How Do I Apply For Unemployment In Florida Online
Within a week of being unemployed, you want to submit a claim on CONNECT. To file a Florida unemployment claim, the state advises that you should have the following ready:
- Social Security number
- Names, addresses, and phone numbers of past employers
- Dates worked and total wages from each employer
- Gross earnings for the current week
- ID such as a drivers license, state identification, voter registration number, or any other type of ID used to verify your identity
- The name and local number of your labor union hall
- Non-U.S. citizens need an Alien Registration Number and work permit
- If you were in the military within the last two years, you need your DD-214 form
- Past federal employees need a Form SF-50 or Form SF-8 with check stubs or W2
- If you want your benefits directly deposited into your bank account, youll also need a check or deposit slip
Are You Out Of Work Through No Fault Of Your Own
You must be out of work through no fault of your own to qualify for unemployment benefits.
Collecting Unemployment After a Layoff
If you are laid off, lose your job in a reduction-in-force , or get “downsized” for economic reasons, you will meet this requirement.
Collecting Unemployment After Being Fired
If you are fired for a reason like not being good at the job or not having the skills to perform the job, you should be able to collect benefits. But in Florida, employees who are fired for misconduct connected with work may not qualify for unemployment benefits. Misconduct is defined as an intentional or controllable act that shows a deliberate disregard of the employer’s interests. Misconduct also includes failure, without good cause, to maintain a license or certification required for the job. An employee who is fired for performance problems, carelessness, inefficiency, or good faith errors in judgment will ordinarily qualify for benefits.
Collecting Unemployment After Quitting
If you quit your job, you won’t be eligible for unemployment unless you had a good reason for doing so relating to your work or a personal illness or disability. If you left your job because your spouse was transferred by the military, you will remain eligible for benefits. And, if you left a temporary job because you were recalled by your permanent employing unit within six months after termination, you will be eligible for benefits.
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Submit A Paper Application
Paper applications generally take more time to process, so the DEO always recommends that you file online if possible.
If you are unable to complete the online application for some reason, there are other ways you can file.
There is a fillable form on the FloridaJobs website where you can type in your information, print it out, and mail it in.
- Florida Department of Economic OpportunityP.O. Box 5350Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350
If you do not have internet access to complete the fillable form or need some extra help filling it out:
- Visit your local public library, where library staff can help you access the internet and complete your form or
- Contact your local CareerSource center. CareerSource staff can walk you through the application process over the phone or help you fill out a paper application in person. Find contact information and hours of operation for your local CareerSource center here:
You can get help with your application over the phone by calling the Department of Economic Opportunity at 1-833-FL-APPLY .
Florida Deo Unveils New Website To Apply For Unemployment Benefits
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has announced a new, mobile-friendly website where Floridians can apply for unemployment benefits.
You can access the application at www.FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication. If you don’t already have an open unemployment benefits claim, you should complete their application there.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is committed to ensuring Floridians are able to receive the benefits owed to them during this global pandemic, said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. The team is working around the clock to make the process for applying for Reemployment Assistance as easy as possible for Floridians.
If a you instead choose to submit a paper application for unemployment benefits, you should mail their application to DEO, and a representative will call when the application is processed. You can download the paper application here.
Any Floridian who has lost their job due to COVID-19, is encouraged to complete an application.
The announcement comes after Floridians across the state complained that they were unable to access the old website, therefore delaying their benefits. Earlier this week, DeSantis touted improvements to the system, saying that the DEO added 72 new servers to double user capacity to 120,000 at one time.
The DEO says the following steps need to be completed when applying:
Social Security number
Paper applications can be mailed to:
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