Asking the question, "how do I collect unemployment in Florida" may lead to some frustration. The process may seem quite complex, but it does not have to be. The state of Florida has helped to make the process somewhat simpler by streamlining it and allowing individuals to file an unemployment claim online. You can also visit local unemployment offices to file a claim in person, or by mail.
How Do I Collect Unemployment in Florida Online
The Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation's Unemployment Compensation Program provides aid to individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own. This is the state's unemployment insurance program. The program is for temporary wage replacement for those individuals who qualify for it.
At the FloridaJobs.org website, all necessary unemployment claim forms are available for downloading and printing. Some are able to be submitted directly online. This includes the initial Internet unemployment compensation claim application, which is what is needed to apply for unemployment online.
In addition, you will also find other resources available on the site, including:
- Unemployment compensation forms that can be printed, filled out and mailed in or taken to the local One Stop Career Center (the unemployment office) are here for filing.
- Benefit Rights Information, which contains all the rights and responsibilities you have when filing for unemployment compensation benefits.
- The Claim Book which provides a systematic guide on how to file to get benefits online, by phone or by mail.
All forms and informational packets are available at the website in English, Espanol, and Kreyol. In addition, a Frequently Asked Questions section makes it easy to understand the process.
Details of Filing Unemployment in Florida
Qualified individuals can file an unemployment claim or a partial unemployed claim if they have experienced job loss through no fault of their own. Examples include working for a business that has closed or being laid off from work. To qualify to file a claim, you must have sufficient work and earnings history in the state of Florida. These two factors will determine if you can file a claim. To learn more about qualifications for Unemployment, visit the State of Florida's website.
In general, the qualifications include having earned wages for two or more calendar quarters and having at least $3400 in total wages during that period. Other requirements may apply.
To file a claim, use the forms and electronic filing processes available at the FloridaNow.com website listed above. Or, called toll free 1-800-204-2418 and choose option 2. This online service is only available Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. Another option to filing the claim is to visit any of the local One Stop Career Centers. There, pick up a claim booklet to fill out Then, you will mail the booklet into the addressed provided on that booklet. You can find a listing of the local One Stop Career Centers on FloridaJobs.org
If you are still asking, how do I collect unemployment in Florida, it may be helpful to call the centers directly to ask questions. The toll free telephone number is 1-800-204-2418.
Claim Your Weeks
Once you have filed an initial claim for unemployment in Florida, you will need to claim your week. This process happens about two weeks after the initial filing of the claim. You will need to continue to do so every two weeks until you gain employment or until the claim term ends.
To do this, you will need to visit the Agency of Workforce Innovation website. There, you will be able to claim your weeks. This service requires a personal identification number (PIN), which you will receive at the time of filing your initial claim. The system is only available for specific hours: Monday through Friday between the hours of 7am and 9pm. You can visit a One Stop Center to file your claim using this computerized system if you do not have access to the Internet otherwise.
