How to Appeal Denied Unemployment Benefits in Florida
After filing a claim to receive unemployment benefits in Florida, you receive notification from the Agency for Workforce Innovation advising if you are eligible for unemployment benefits and for how much. If it is determined that you are ineligible for unemployment compensation and your claim is denied, you may still be able to receive benefits through the appeal process.
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Instructions
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File an appeal for unemployment benefits as soon as you receive your denial notice. You have only 20 days from the date your determination form was mailed to file. Visit the State of Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation to file the claim. You can also fill out an appeal form located on the agency website or write a letter. List your name, Social Security number and a brief statement explaining why you believe you should receive benefits. Fax or mail the form to the address given on the website.
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Prepare for the hearing. You will receive a Notice of Telephone Hearing informing you and other applicable parties when your case will be discussed for appeal. An appeals referee is also scheduled for the call. The appeals referee hear why you feel you should be eligible for unemployment benefits and submits a written decision after the hearing. Gather any documents you feel are necessary for the hearing and review them carefully. You may submit them as evidence in advance of your hearing date if you choose by sending them to the address or fax number listed on your hearing form. The best evidence you can present is a witness who can testify on your behalf that you should receive unemployment benefits and why. If a witness is unwilling to testify, you can request a subpoena. Write to the address on your Notice of Hearing. Include your case docket number, witness name, address and telephone number and a list of any documents the witness should provide for the hearing.
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Be available for the phone call 10 minutes before the listed time on your notice. If you are not available at the time of the phone call, you may wind up forfeiting of your case.
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Await the decision. In busy times, notification may take a few weeks; however, the appeals office strives to complete all decisions within 45 days of the filing. This written decision includes both the result and the determination whether or not you will receive unemployment benefits.
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Request additional review. If you disagree with the result, you can request that the Unemployment Appeals Commission review your case. You must request additional review no later than 20 days after your decision notice was mailed. If the commission reviews your case, it does so with testimony and evidence already submitted. If you disagree with the subsequent result, you can file an additional appeal with the Florida District Court of Appeals.
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Tips & Warnings
Continue looking for a job throughout the appeals process, using all available resources. Apply for jobs online, through newspaper advertisements and by walking in to talk to human resources officials face to face.
