How do I Claim Part Time Unemployment in Florida?

A reduction in pay is grounds for part-time unemployment benefits.

The state of Florida allows employees who are fully or partially unemployed to apply for unemployment benefits. You can apply for part-time unemployment if your employer has cut your hours or if you have received a reduction in your pay due to no fault of your own. You will need 30 minutes to an hour to complete the claim form.

Things You'll Need

• Your Social Security Number
• Names, addresses and phone numbers of all your employers for the last 18 months
• The dates you worked and gross earnings from each employer
• Earnings for current week since 12:01AM Sunday
• Driver's License or State Identification Card Number, voter registration number or other type of ID
• The name and local number of your labor union hall, if applicable.
• Your Alien Registration Number and work permit expiration date, if applicable

Instructions

1. Go to the State of Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation website. A link to the site is provided in the Resources section of this article. There are four blue boxes displayed at the top center of the page. Select the box labeled, "If you are unemployed, file an Unemployment Benefits Claim."

2. Read the information on the next page. The date you complete your application will determine the date your benefits begin. After reading the information, scroll to the bottom of the page and select the language in which you would prefer to complete the form.

3. Answer the next question, "Are you filing an unemployment claim for yourself?" by selecting the yes or no button. Under Florida law, you may only file a claim for yourself. Filing a claim for someone else is a felony crime.

   Click "Submit" after making your selection. Enter your zip code on the next page and select "Submit" again.

4. Read the information on the page and answer all questions carefully. Fill in the information you will need to complete your claim, as the page directs you. A list of sources of this information is provided in the "Materials" section of this article. Select the box next to the red asterisk labeled "I have all information available" when you have gathered this information.

   Read the next statement which informs you of the penalties for making false statements on your claim form. Penalties can include a fine of up to $5,000 and/or up to 5 years in jail. Check the box indicating you have read the statement.

   Read the next statement describing the confidentiality requirements. It informs you that the information you provide is used only to process your claim but can be shared with other government agencies. Check the box indicating you have read this statement.

   Read the final statement on the page. It instructs you to wait for the receipt of a confirmation number before exiting the system. Click the "I agree" button to continue with your application.

5. Enter your social security number and employment status on the page and select the "Click Mouse Here to Proceed" button.

   Answer the questions on each of the pages that follow.These include questions about your state of residence, employment status, marital status etc. Carefully check your answers before selecting "Click Mouse Here to Proceed" on each page.

6. Select "Submit Claim." Record the confirmation number that appears on the screen for your records.

Tips & Warnings

• If you currently live in Florida but all of your wages were earned in another state, call the Internet Unit at 1-800-204-2418 for information about filing your claim. Make sure you have a pen and paper to write down important information and

• instructions.

• Apply for benefits as soon as you lose your job. You will only receive benefits starting from the Sunday before you filed your claim. If you wait several weeks before filing you will not receive benefits for those prior weeks.

• Complete your claim application within 72 hours of starting it and by Saturday at midnight Eastern time or you will have to restart the application, as the page states.

• Make sure to check the accuracy of your responses before moving on to the next page. After you submit your claim, you cannot access the file again to make changes.

References

• State of Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation: Unemployments Benefit Claims

Resources

• Florida Unemployment Internet Direct Claims: Internet Claims Filing System