Who Can Apply For Unemployment In Florida

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In Florida, unemployment compensation is called reemployment assistance, and you'll qualify if you have earned sufficient income in the 18 months before you are unemployed. The easiest way to find out if you qualify is to apply. You must apply online, but gather required information ahead of time so the process is as smooth as possible.

1
Gather required information. You'll need personal and employment information to apply for assistance. Gather this information ahead of time so that you won't need to go searching for it when you apply. Collect the following:^[1]
- your Social Security Number
- your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a citizen)
- your driver's license or state ID number
- list of all employers you've worked for over the past 18 months
- each employer's Federal Employer Identification Number (look on a pay stub or W-2)
- the date you started and stopped working for each employer
- your gross earnings (before taxes) for each employer
- the reason why you left the job
- Military Employee: DD-214 Member 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8
- Federal Employee: SF 8 or SF 50
- union name, hall number, and phone number
2
Visit the state's website. You'll file using the CONNECT website. You must create a personal identification number (PIN).^[2]
- You will use your Social Security Number as your ID.^[3]
- Avoid delay. You should apply for reemployment assistance as soon as you are laid off.
3
Start the filing process. Click on "File a New Claim" from the login page.^[4] You will be taken to a page that contains links to helpful information, such as an explanation of how benefits are paid.
- Click on "Start the Reemployment Assistance Application" button at the bottom of the page.
- Remember not to use the back button on your browser. Instead, click on the "Previous" button at the bottom of the page.
4

Read information on felonies. You also need to read a page describing how filing a fraudulent claim is a felony. Check the box at the bottom acknowledging that you understand you might be arrested for fraud if you provide false information.
5
Print off a checklist of documents. The next screen will be a checklist of documents that you will need to complete your application. Print off this screen and double check that you have everything.
- After gathering your documents, read the Privacy Act Statement and click "Yes" if you agree before selecting "Next."^[5]
6
Provide required personal information. On the Claimant Authentication screen, you will be asked for the following information:^[6]
- Social Security Number
- birth date
- gender
- full name
- any other names you've worked under
- driver's license number or identification card number
7

Call the contact center, if necessary. The CONNECT system will try to authenticate your information. If it can't, a message will appear telling you to call the Contact Center. Call them and provide the requested information.^[7]
8
Create your PIN. Your PIN is a four-digit number, which you get to choose. Select something you will remember and write it down immediately. Your PIN cannot be the same number (e.g., 3333) and it can't be four sequential digits (e.g., 3456).
- You'll also be asked to provide answers to three security questions.^[8]
9

Validate your address. The address you entered might not conform to the information the Postal Office has on record. If not, you'll have to select your address from a list of possible matches.^[9]
10
Answer more questions. You'll be asked a series of questions about whether you worked during a certain time frame and, if you did, how much you earned. You also be asked if you've filed unemployment in another state. Answer these questions and click "Next."
- If Disaster Unemployment assistance is available in your area, you'll be asked questions about whether you lost your job as a result of the disaster.
11
Review your contact information. You might need to enter your mailing address if it is different than your residential address. You can do that at this time.^[10]
- Also select your preferred method of communication, such as email or telephone.
12
Provide more personal information. You'll be asked about your ethnicity, race, education level, disability, and citizenship status. Click "Next" after answering this information.^[11]
- You must also provide the title for your most recent job.

1
Choose how you want to receive benefits. On the next couple of screens, you'll be asked questions about how you want to receive your unemployment benefits:^[12]
- Pick whether to have federal taxes withheld from your unemployment benefits. You must pay federal taxes, so it might be easier if the state withholds the amount.
- Choose whether you want your benefits paid on a debit card or deposited directly into your bank account. If you choose direct deposit, provide information about your account.
2
Review your employment information. Make sure the information the state has on file is accurate. You can edit information by clicking on the "Update" button.^[13]
- You may need to manually enter information about your employers: location, address, and the dates you began and ended employment. Remember to include information for all employers for the past 18 months.
3
Identify why you separated from each employer. You will be given a list of reasons, e.g., layoff, quitting, suspension, strike, etc. Choose the one that is most accurate.^[14]
- If you're scheduled to return to work, identify the dates.
4

Provide eligibility information. You must answer a screen of questions about whether you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits. The questions will touch on many topics, such as whether you are enrolled in school or whether you've turned down a specific job since becoming unemployed.^[15]
5

Disclose any severance pay or pension payments. If you received severance or a pension from an employer, you should identify that now.^[16] It can impact your ability to receive reemployment assistance.^[17]
6

Complete certifications. Florida has many requirements you must satisfy to receive assistance. For example, you must agree that you'll attend a seminar at your nearest One-Stop Career Center if required.^[18]
7
Edit your claim before submitting. You should review each section of your application to make sure you have entered information accurately. Before submitting, you must answer an identity verification question.^[19]
- After you submit, you will be told the date you must submit your first claim for payment. You must make a submission every two weeks that you are unemployed.
8
Register with the Employ Florida Marketplace. Enrollment in the Marketplace is required before you can receive assistance. Visit http://www.employflorida.com. At the website, you will need to do the following:^[20]
- Give a valid email address.
- Complete a background history.
- Create or upload an updated resume.
9
Get help applying. Visit your nearest One-Stop Career Center location if you have questions about eligibility or need help completing the application.
- You can also speak to a Reemployment Assistant agent by calling 1-800-204-2418. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

1
Determine the date you must request benefits. Even if you're approved for reemployment assistance, you won't automatically receive those benefits. Instead, you must request benefits every two weeks, and you must request them within seven days of your scheduled report date.^[21]
- If your Social Security Number ends with an even number, you request benefits on Monday.
- If your Social Security Number ends with an odd number, you request benefits on Tuesday.
- Your report date might change after you receive your first payment.
2
3

Answer questions. You'll be asked several yes or no questions about your availability and efforts to look for work.^[23] Answer the questions honestly. You must be willing and able to accept work in order to receive benefits.
4
Provide five work search contacts. Every week you must contact five potential employers and provide that information when you request benefits. If you live in a small county, you may be required to provide only three names. Remember to keep detailed records about the contact, such as the following:^[24]
- date you contacted them
- how you contacted them (such as in person, over the phone, or by fax)
- business name and telephone number
- the type of work sought
- the results of your search
5

Report any earned income. You might have earned tips, commissions, or wages for work during the weeks you are requesting benefits. Make sure to report this income, even if you haven't yet been paid.^[25]

Add New Question

Question

Am I eligible for unemployment if I was terminated?

In Florida, you can receive reemployment assistance if you were terminated because of carelessness, good faith mistakes, or poor performance. However, you can't collect if you were fired for intentional acts. To get advice tailored to your situation, contact a Reemployment Assistance agent.
Question

Can I file for unemployment after a disability claim has ended?

If you are fit to work after recovery, you may apply.
Question

How does it work when I transfer my unemployment from a different state?

You can maintain your unemployment in two places at same time.
Question

Am I eligible for unemployment compensation if I am still receiving severance payments from my former company?

No. To receive compensation, you must have no source of income.
Question

How are my unemployment benefits affected by collecting Social Security?

Your Social Security benefits can reduce the amount of your reemployment assistance. To speak to a Reemployment Assistance agent, call 1-800-204-2418 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Question

I work in a school district and don't get paid in the summer. Can I apply for unemployment for those months?

Yes, you may apply for unemployment.
Question

Can I file for unemployment if I resigned due to a hostile work environment?

No, if you voluntarily quit your job, no matter the reason, you are not eligible for unemployment. You are only eligible if you get fired or laid off. You may be able to sue your former employer, however, depending on the circumstances.
Question

Can I receive unemployment if I was fired?

Yes, it's possible, but it depends on the circumstances of your termination.
Question

Can I draw unemployment if I quit my job due to stress? I am now taking medication for stress, anxiety and depression.

You can't take unemployment if you quit your job. You should perhaps inquire about getting on disability if you feel you cannot work.
Question

I was arrested for an alleged offense that I am contesting. I was jailed without access to a phone for 4 days. As I couldn't contact my boss, I was fired for "job abandonment." Can I get benefits?

Kat Eliza

Community Answer

I was in a similar situation. You can get benefits if you were terminated and the termination was out of your control and you did not commit the crime at work or use any property or your employer's paid time to commit the crime. Check your company's policies and/or your local state's laws on the time frame required for the job abandonment statute, also. If you have/had a good relationship with your boss, you have a better chance.

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To be eligible for benefits, you can't have lost the job through your own fault. For example, you can't have quit or been fired for malicious misconduct.
You can apply if you are totally or partially employed.
If you're computer illiterate or prohibited from using a computer, you can file for benefits over the phone. Call 1-800-681-8102.

About This Article

Article SummaryX

To apply for unemployment compensation in Florida, start by going to the state's CONNECT website and clicking "File a New Claim." Then, follow the instructions to enter in your personal information, like your Social Security number and driver's license number. You'll also need to answer questions, such as whether you worked during a certain period and how much your earned. Additionally, decide if you want your benefits deposited into your bank account or onto a debit card, and whether you want to have federal taxes withheld from your benefits. For more advice, including how to get help with your application from an unemployment agent, keep reading!

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