Florida Law Help

Unemployment Benefits

Unemployment benefits (also known as Reemployment Assistance) provide temporary financial assistance to individuals who have lost their jobs. Reemployment Assistance (RA) helps unemployed workers cover basic living expenses while they search for new employment. Applicants must be aware of the specific requirements to qualifiy and maintain eligibility for RA benefits.

Guide to Florida Reemployment Assistance Benefits

Florida Reemployment Assistance (formerly known as Unemployment Compensation) provides temporary wage replacement benefits to eligible individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. This guide will walk you through eligibility requirements, the application process, benefit amounts, and other essential details about Florida Reemployment Assistance.

Eligibility for Reemployment Assistance

To get Reemployment Assistance, you must meet certain eligibility requirements:

  1. Work History: You must have worked a certain amount of time and earned enough money in the past year.
    • To qualify for Reemployment Assistance in Florida, you need to have worked and earned enough wages in at least two out of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you file your claim. This period is known as the "base period."
      • Base Period: The base period includes the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you filed your claim. For example, if you file your claim in May, the base period would be the four quarters from January to December of the previous year.
      • Earned Wages: You need to have earned enough wages during this base period. Specifically, you must have wages in at least two quarters in the base period.
  2. Job Loss Reason: You must have lost your job through no fault of your own. This means you didn't quit without a good reason or get fired for doing something wrong.
  3. Able and Available: You must be able to work, available for work, and actively seeking employment.
  4. Weekly Certification: You must certify each week that you are still unemployed and looking for work.

Application Process

If you lose your job, you can apply for Reemployment Assistance to get money while you look for a new job. Here’s how you can apply:

Online: Go to the FloridaJobs.org website and fill out the application.

Phone: You can apply by phone by calling 1-833-352-7759

Gather Necessary Information

Before applying, gather the following information:

  • Social Security number.
  • Driver's license or state ID number.
  • Employment history for the past 18 months, including employer names, addresses, phone numbers, and dates of employment.
  • Reason for separation from each employer.
  • Non-citizens will need their Alien Registration Number.
  • If you are a member of a union, your union hall number.
  • If you served in the military, your DD-214 form.

Complete the Initial Skills Review

  1. filing your claim, you will be required to complete an Initial Skills Review. This assessment helps identify your skills and may provide additional resources to help you find a job.

Register for Work

  1. must register for work through Employ Florida. Create an account, complete your profile, and upload your resume to the job matching system.

Weekly Certification

Every two weeks, you must log in to your account and certify that you are still unemployed and actively seeking work. You will answer a series of questions about your job search and any earnings for the weeks you are certifying.

Benefits

Benefit Amount

The amount you receive in Reemployment Assistance benefits depends on your previous earnings during the base period. As of 2024, the minimum weekly benefit amount is $32, and the maximum is $275. Benefits can be paid for up to 12 weeks, depending on Florida's unemployment rate.

Benefit Payment

Benefits are typically paid through:

  1. Deposit: Funds are deposited directly into your bank account
    • Debit Card: A state-issued debit card that is loaded with your benefits.

Additional Assistance

In certain circumstances, you may qualify for additional assistance programs, such as:

  • Federal Programs: In times of high unemployment, federal programs may provide extended benefits.
  • Training Programs: If you are enrolled in approved training, you may be eligible for additional benefits.

Reporting Responsibilities

While receiving benefits, you must:

  • Report any income earned while claiming benefits.
  • Continue to actively seek employment and keep a record of your job search activities.
  • Report any changes in your availability for work (e.g., if you become ill or start school).

Appeals Process

If your claim is denied or you disagree with a determination, you have the right to appeal. The appeals process includes:

  • Request a Hearing: File an appeal within 20 days of the determination date. You can do this online, by mail, or fax.
  • Attend the Hearing: A hearing will be scheduled with an appeals referee. You can present evidence and testify on your behalf.
  • Decision: The referee will issue a written decision. If you disagree with this decision, you can further appeal to the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission and, subsequently, to the district court.

If you need help with any part of this process, you can ask for assistance from local legal services organizations or the Reemployment Assistance office.