Florida Unemployment Benefits
The Unemployment Insurance provided in Florida is intended to provide monetary assistance to those who lose their jobs for no fault of their own. It is also designed in such a way that it helps the applicants find other career opportunities at the earliest.
You need to know about the eligibility criteria, the application process, contact information, and other related information to successfully file for unemployment benefits.
Eligibility To Apply For UI Benefits In Florida
To receive a weekly benefit amount in Florida, you must meet some specific eligibility criteria. The criteria to be eligible includes monetary aspects, previous job-separation criteria, and various others throughout the benefit period.
Monetary Eligibility
You must meet the criteria set for monetary requirements to be eligible to receive monetary benefits. The monetary requirements are based on the wages earned by the applicants in the base period. The base period earnings of the applicant are not only set as the eligibility criteria, but it also helps in determining the monetary benefit amount once the applicant becomes eligible.
In Florida, to determine the benefit amount of the applicants, wages earned in the first four of the last five calendar quarters are considered. The quarters considered for monetary benefits are also known as the base year.
In the base year, the applicants must meet the following conditions to gain eligibility for monetary benefits:
- Applicants must have earned a minimum of $3400 gross wages
- The applicant must have a minimum of two-quarters of covered wages
- The total gross wage in the base year must be more than 1.5 higher than the quarter with the highest wages
If the applicants tick all the boxes above, they may be eligible for the weekly monetary benefits. If approved, an applicant may receive a maximum of $275 as a weekly benefit, based on the applicant’s wages earned in the base period.
Applicants will be allowed to draw benefits for not more than 19 weeks, and the maximum benefit amount earned will not exceed $3,300. These figures are the maximum limit that one can earn in the state of Florida. One may find out about the monetary benefit amount that the applicant is eligible to obtain by using the following method:
Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA): In Florida, WBA is calculated by taking the wages from the highest-earning quarter, and dividing it by 26, or the weekly amount $275, whichever is less. For instance, if you earned $5,000 in your top quarter, your WBA will be $6,500/26, or $250. If you made $7,800 in your top quarter, your WBA will not be (7,800/26) $300, as $300 is less than the maximum limit of $275, in which case, you shall receive $275.
Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA): The MBA of an applicant is calculated by taking the total base wages of the applicant and dividing it by 4, or the yearly maximum limit of $3,300, whichever is less. For instance, if the total wages of an applicant is $10,000, his/her WBA will be (10,000/4) $2,500. However, if the applicant’s total wages are $14,000, his/her WBA will not be (14,000/4) $3,500, but it will be $3,300, as the maximum limit.
Find out more about eligibility requirements
Job Separation
Monetary eligibility will not guarantee weekly benefits for the applicants. Once you prove monetary eligibility, you must establish the reason for separating from their previous establishment.
You must have left the previous organization for no fault of yours whatsoever. You will not receive unemployment benefits if you –
- Quit work without good cause.
- Are unemployed because of a labor dispute.
- Discharged for fraudulent activity.
- Fired for misconduct connected with work.
- Received or will receive wages instead of a notice of termination.
- Received or will receive Workers’ Compensation.
- You are receiving income, such as retirement pay or severance pay.
- Refuse to accept a suitable offer of work.
- Are on a voluntary leave of absence.
- Are unemployed because you were suspended.
- Are receiving unemployment benefits from another state.
- Made a false or fraudulent misrepresentation to obtain benefits.
The concerned department will connect with you and your previous employers to register the reason for the separation. If it is established that you were let go of the previous organization for no fault of yours, you will become eligible for benefits.
Eligibility requirements – overview
Maintaining Eligibility
The purpose of Unemployment Insurance in Florida is to support citizens monetarily when they lose a job until they find another one. It is, thus, important for you to keep up the pursuit of a job during the benefit period, or you may lose the eligibility to claim benefits.
To maintain eligibility during the benefit period, youmust adhere to the following points:
- You must be ready to take up any jobs and must be on an active look-out for one.
- You must be disabled, as the state of Florida provides separate programs for the disabled.
- To display that you are looking for a job, you must contact at least 5 prospective employers every week to show that you are actively pursuing a job.
- For those coming from counties with a population of less than 75,000, you must visit at least three prospective employers weekly.
- If you fail to meet the required number of prospective employers in any given week, you must meet a representative from your local CareerSource Florida to access reemployment services.
- Earnings must be reported every week, even if you have not been paid in the given week.
Find out on job search requirements
How To Apply For UI Benefits In Florida?
You will need the following documents to apply for unemployment benefits in Florida:
If any of the listed criteria applies to you, you need to have the following additional information available:
- Not a U.S. Citizen: Alien Registration Number or other work authorization form.
- Military employee: A copy of your DD-214 Member 4. If you do not have a Member 4, a copy of your Member 2-7 may be used.
- Federal employee: SF-8 or SF-50.
- Union member: Union name, hall number, and phone number
Once you obtain the required documents, you may then proceed to file for unemployment benefits in Florida. In the state of Florida, unemployment benefits must be applied through the online application process.
Note – If you file any claim without reporting employers correctly, you may experience delays. If you do not list the correct information, your benefits may get delayed while the missing employment information is obtained.
Online
Filing the claim through the online portal is mandatory in the state of Florida unless you are exempted by law for the following reasons:
- You are unable to read or write effectively in a language in which the internet application is available (English, Spanish, or Creole).
- You are physically or visually impaired which makes it impossible for you to use a computer.
- You are legally prohibited from using a computer.
Telephone
You can file claims through telephone if you are exempted from filing claims online. To file a claim via phone, you may call the Florida Unemployment Insurance agency’s customer service contact center – 1-833-352-7759 – to get assistance for filing claims for monetary benefits.
Note – You need not take the help of friends or family members for interpretive purposes as the DEO offers assistance in that regard. Please note that the hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM ET.
How To File Weekly Claims
After applying for benefits, the applicants must log in to the CONNECT portal on a bi-weekly basis to request benefit payment. Those who have been granted an exemption from the online application may dial 1-833-352-7759 to find out more about the weekly claiming procedure.
Learn how to claim weekly benefits
UI Benefits Amount
The UI benefit amount depends on the applicant’s wages in the base period. You can use the Florida unemployment calculator to determine the approximate UI weekly benefits amount that you might receive.
Benefits Calculator
Use the calculator to find out how much weekly benefits you may approximately earn in the state of Florida.
Know more about the Benefits Calculator
Things To Know After Filing An Application
Once the application for benefits is filed, you need to make sure that you receive the monetary benefits uninterruptedly. The immediate actions that you need to take after filing for benefits are:
- Register for work on the Employ Florida website.
- Review the monetary determination. If there are any issues in the determination, appeal against the decision.
- Keep checking CONNECT home page to complete any open fact-finding and respond to important messages.
Overpayments And Frauds
In Florida, it is declared to be an overpayment is when you receive more benefits than you were eligible to receive. An overpayment is further categorized into fraud and non-fraud –
Non-fraud Overpayment
Overpayments in Florida are the occurrence of any oversight, miscalculation, or misunderstanding of benefit amount calculation. Situations such as technical errors, RAAC orders, or court decisions leading to redistribution may also lead to non-fraud overpayment.
When such scenarios of overpayments occur, the concerned department will send a notice to the claimants, mandating them to pay back the excessive amount. Post receiving the notice, the claimant must make arrangements to pay back the stipulated amount. Refer to the points below to know more on the information relating to repayment:
- Repayment can be done via money or check, with an attached payment coupon
- Repayment can also be done on the CONNECT website
- Claimants can pay the entire amount in a lump sum or can choose to pay in installments
- The claimants must pay a minimum of 10% of the total original balance monthly
Fraud Overpayment
In Florida, any false statements made by the claimant or concealing necessary facts will be considered fraud. Some of the examples of fraud in Florida are:
- Not reporting wages that were earned over the week intentionally
- Under-reporting the wages earned
- Lying or misrepresenting the facts on the reason for job separation
- Forging documents to prove eligibility for benefits
If a claimant is found guilty of committing fraud, he/she will be subject to the following penalties:
- The claimant will have to repay the entire excess amount received with a 15% penalty
- Will not be eligible for unemployment benefits either on a week-by-week basis or for an entire year
- May also be referred to the state attorney and be prosecuted in the court
- In the state of Florida, fraud is considered a third-degree felony, and the accused may face severe consequences
Benefits Extension
The state gives extended benefits only if the unemployment rate is too high. Visit the Department of Economic Opportunity to know more extended benefits.
Job Training Assistance
The State of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity and Reemployment Assistance Program provides Job Assistance Resources to claimants to help them find employment. The department not only assists in career planning and job planning but also helps veterans, seniors, and military spouses through various programs.
To provide job assistance, the department provides the following services:
- Employ Florida: Applicants get advice on resumes, job applications, and career options through a vast pool of online resources
- Green Jobs: The state of Florida promotes job search in green-sector jobs. It prioritizes job-opening renewable energy, energy efficiency, and conversation fields
- CareerSource Centers: These centers help the applicants in the job search
- People First: This program helps the applicants to search and apply for government positions
- Teach in Florida: This program provides additional resources to those who are interested in careers in Florida’s school system
l want to apply for unemployment
Find detailed information on how to apply for benefits in florida here –>
https://www.fileunemployment.org/florida/application
I have just been cut from full time to part time, from 40 hours a week to 28. Am I eligible for unemployment?
Hi Julie,
There has been a significant cut in your working hours and you are entitled to receive benefits. Please check if you meet other requirements as well and apply for unemployment compensation at the earliest.
https://www.fileunemployment.org/florida/application
Good afternoon, how do I get a letter stating that I do not receive benefits anymore?
I quit my last job,can I receive unemployment compensation?
Hi Richard,
It depends on what you quit your job for. Please apply for unemployment compensation and let the unemployment office decide your eligibility. You have the right to appeal if the determination is not satisfactory.
I think I am going to be laid off, but I think they may offer me 20 hours with no insurance. If I choose to try and live on the 20 hours and then decide I can not…. am I eligible for unemployment at that time?
Hi Gwen,
If your working hours are cut significantly, you can receive partial unemployment benefits. Please take a look at the requirements for the same.
Check this link –> https://fileunemployment.org/florida/application
I worked for a small business for a year, The first 10 months I was paid by check made out to cash, never paid overtime even though I worked it. Went on their payroll plan in February and got laid off last week. My unemployment claim says I did not meet monetary qualifications. Now what?
I was working only a few months as a commercial Driver. I had a random FDOT inspection and was unable to show a valid Drivers license. I was terminated because I told my employer the following day and not the same day. Am I eligible for unemployment?
Hi Tony,
It looks like you were fired for your failure. It is necessary to have lost job through no fault of your own. Please go ahead and apply.
I have been out of work now for two weeks due to an injury not done at work and I have no short term will I be able to recieve unemployment at this time until I am able to get back to work.
I filed for unemployment on April,4 2013, not realizing my claim had said Laid off when i was fired. Im pretty sure it was my mouse scroller that change it by mistake. Didnt claim my weeks after that so they put me inactive. I filed again on May 23 2013 and i think the same thing happened Because now there are issues with my claim.I did contact Unemployment office and told them about it. im really worried dont what’s going to happen.Hopefully just denial of claim.
can you be suspended from work and get unemployment if you are going pass 14days in florida and cant get a job
Hi Annie,
You may not be allowed to collect benefits if you were suspended for a fault of your own and the employer can prove it. You can always go ahead and try.
I’ve worked part time at a country club for five years–approx. 24 hours a week. they are planning to close for the month of august and laying off all employees. will I be eligible for unemployment?
Hi Judy,
It is important to have earned a certain amount each month in order to qualify and receive unemployment benefits. Please check if you meet the eligibility requirements set up by the state government. Since you are being furloughed for a month, you are mostly eligible to receive benefits.
I was employed by my employer in October 2012 and I just found out I will be laid off in 2 weeks would I qualify for umemployment
Hi Jack,
If you are laid off, then you are eligible to receive benefits. Please note that you have to meet other eligibility requirements in order to receive benefit amount. This includes your earnings in the base period.
I have been unemployed from my full-time job since 02/07/2013 and was wondering if I would be eligible to receive unemployment benefits if I still hold my part-time job?
Hi Jerry,
Even with a part time job, you can claim unemployment compensation. Please note that you have to inform about your part time job and mention your weekly earnings while collecting unemployment benefits. There are other eligibility requirements which you might want to take a look at before filing your initial claim. Apply at the earliest.
I’ve been unemployed for now 2 months, and i have credit cards to pay off, and im in desperate need of a job, i would loveto apply for unemployment, i need to get back on my feet financially..
i was working for a company in tampa for 7 months and i was promised a job with a new company in miami, i finished training in tampa for the new company and moved to miami, a couple days later i was told i am not in need any longer, i resigh from my first job and now i am unemploye
do i file for benefites from the last place?
I just spoke with card holder services and they are telling me that my information that they have is incorrect and that they will not issue me a new card. I would like to understand how my information is wrong and that I have placed in through the claim info to get my benefits. If someone can please contact me it will be greatly appreciated.
just moved to florida but opened a claim in another state how do I transfer that to florida
First Question: I am semi-retired. I am currently working part time. Most weeks I work between 24-32 hours a week. If my employer should decide to terminate my employment through no fault of my mine, am I eligible for unemployment?
Second question: what if he cuts my hours to one day a week or ten hours? Am I eligible?
Thank you for your help.
Wayne Rawlings
I have been with the same company for over 10 years.
I have been a full-time hourly employee for 99.75% of that time.
Were my circumstances to change not only to a lower paid position
but a part-time one, and I am then terminated, how would my un-employment benefits be calculated?
The writing on the wall dictates I step down now, voluntarily.
Would my claim for benefits be stronger with a forced or voluntary status change?
I am also actively seeking alternate employment at this time; to say I
both proactive and paranoid would not be incorrect.
Thanking you in advance for your kindness, I am
Susan Glenn
I am an independent contractor (ISO) and after working in the same place for nearly 2 years have been terminated without cause. Am I entitled to collect unemployment?
I am collecting SS as I am 68 years old I currently work, but if i get laid off due to business reduction, Can I receive unemployment benefits?
I work in an auto dealer as a salesperson. The employees are required to have auto deposits. My employer has missed 2 pay peroids, the first one was 3/22/2013 the second one was 4/5/2013. The first one was explained that they had made a mistake and dated the checks for 3/23/2013, I have not recieved a expaination for the second missed check.
If I stop going to work there will it be considered that I quit my job? Will I be allowed to collect unemploymet?
If I stop going to
we have a client who has a company in NJ, her employee is moving to FL, they want her to continue to work for them, my question to you is i know there are no state taxes but what about unemployment taxes and what forms do we need to fill out.
can I claim unemployment benefits once I’m honorable discharged from the us army? and if yes, for how long?
I will be laid off of my part time position March 10. I have been working 15 to 20 hours a week. Can I collect unemployment insurance?
Thanks
Can I file for unemployment if I don’t work for a year due to maternity?
I was a housewife & mother for 25 years, supported solely by my now ex-husband. I am having a very hard time making it on my own now. Obviously, Ive been unemployeed for a LONG time. Is there any help or unemployment benefits I can get?
Re: Confirmation number 524565339 11/03/12 Please withdraw my application for unemployment funds. My situation has changed and I do not wish to continue with the application.
Thank you
Joan D Keller
I was working 40 plus hours a week. Now im working 25-30 hours a week. Can i get unemployment?
If I can’t get a job Because I’m pregnant can I receive unemployment?
my husband has been medically retired from the Navy and will be receiving 30% pension, will he be eligible for any benefits when he is discharged?
i want to apply for unemployment
I qualified for Benefits, but instead of looking for a job I started a business. While the business wa not profitable the first 10 months, it is now profitable and I am finally making a salary.
Can I receive any compensation during the time I was not making any mnoney?
Thanks KB
I want to apply for unemployment
i was liiving in florida working for 5 years at the hard rock casino / hotel. I’ve recieved my compensation from my job, i have moved to north carolina during this period. I just about finished tier 1, how long can i recieve unemployment from florida? tier 1,2,3,4, ?? Can anyone help me with this information? How long am i able to recieve benefits which started in may of 2011? Please help me with some accurate informationn. Thank you, Mike
Nancy,
As long as you continue seeking employment and left the last job due to involuntary reasons, you should be eligible.
This is as a retired state employee, it’s not a company 401K pension , am i still ok to continue collecting unemployment in Florida? As i stated i have been working a part time job for 9 years at times putting in as many as full time hours. Thank you