Rules for Collecting Unemployment Florida
Getting laid off is never fun and at times can be unsettling for any worker. Fortunately, Florida and other states have worked to soften the financial impact of losing a job by offering unemployment benefits to those affected. While the benefits will not replace your entire salary, they can help provide against a catastrophic loss of income, provided you follow all the rules and regulations.
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Filing a Claim
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The first thing that must be done is to file a claim. This should be done immediately upon being laid off from the job to ensure that benefits begin as quickly as possible. Filling out the application may be done over the Internet (see Resources below), in person at a local Florida unemployment office or over the phone by calling (800) 204-2418.
Reviewing Information
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Review the Wage Transcript and Determination form, which will be sent to you approximately seven to 10 working days after filing a claim. This will show you what benefits, if any, you are set to receive. If you feel there are errors, it is your responsibility to contact the unemployment office using the contact information listed on the form.
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Reporting Status
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You must continue to report your status as long as you are unemployed and receiving benefits. This must be done every two weeks and includes reporting about your job search efforts. Make sure to keep a list of what jobs you applied for, how you applied, whom you contacted and what the results of that contact were. If there is reason to doubt this information, a state worker could check to verify the accuracy of your reporting. You may have a part-time job and still receive benefits, but any earnings of $52 or more per week will be deducted from your unemployment check.
Appeals
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If you are denied, you have the right to file an appeal. Common reasons for denial include voluntarily quitting a job, being dismissed for cause and not actively searching for a job. Unemployment benefits are meant for those who lose their jobs because of the economy or another reason that was no fault of their own.
Benefit Amounts
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The maximum unemployment benefit amount in Florida in 2009 was $275 plus a temporary supplement from the federal government that adds $25 to that, bringing the total amount to $300 a week. This is approximately equal to a 40-hour per week job paying $7.50 per hour. Florida's compensation amount is determined by work history and pay rate. There is no consideration given for how many dependents a person has, unlike some other states.
Benefit Timeline
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Florida unemployment benefits also last a maximum of 25 weeks, though this can be extended during exceptional circumstances. For example, during times of high unemployment, the benefit period can be extended by an act of the Legislature for as long as the Legislature deems it is appropriate to do so.
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References
Resources
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