After drawing fire for its website’s technical issues. the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) launched a new, mobile-friendly online application for unemployment assistance.
“The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is committed to ensuring Floridians are able to receive the benefits owed to them during this global pandemic,” said Ken Lawson, the executive director of DEO. “The team is working around the clock to make the process for applying for Reemployment Assistance as easy as possible for Floridians.”
Floridians who do not have a current open assistance claim should complete their application at the site. To utilize the user-friendly online assistance application or to download the paper application, Floridians should visit here.
If a Floridian chooses to submit a paper application for unemployment benefits, they should mail their application to DEO and a representative will call when their application is processed.
Any Floridian who has lost their job due to COVID-19, is encouraged to complete an application. The following are the steps needed to complete an application online or by mail.
Step 1 – Collect all information needed to complete the application.
You will need the following information to submit an application for unemployment assistance benefits. You are encouraged to collect the following documents and information before beginning the application process:
- Social Security number
- Driver’s License or State ID number
- Employment information for the last 18 months for each employer:
- Employer ID – FEIN number (this is found on your W2 or 1099 tax form), if available
- Employer name (name on pay stub), address, and phone number
- First and last day of work
- Gross earnings (before taxes are taken out) covering the last 18 months
- Reason for separation
If you are one of the following, make sure you have this additional information available:
- Not a U.S. Citizen: Alien Registration Number or other work authorization form
- Military employee: Copy of your DD-214 Member 4; If you do not have the Member 4, then 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
Step 2 – Submit your application.
You can apply online at www.FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication or print an application for at www.FloridaJobs.org/COVID-19. Paper applications may take longer to process than completing an online application.
Paper applications can be mailed to:
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
P.O. Box 5350
Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350
CareerSource locations across the state are available to assist with completing and submitting your online application. They are also available to provide paper applications. Visit CareerSourceFlorida.com for center locations.
FedEx is also offering Floridians the option to print and mail applications for Reemployment Assistance at locations throughout the state free of charge. Visit https://local.fedex.com/en-us/fl to find a participating location near you.
Step 3 – Receive your assistance application confirmation.
If you mail your assistance application to DEO, a representative will contact you after your application is processed.
A written determination will be provided electronically and/or by mail to explain if you are monetarily eligible, and if you are, what your weekly benefit amount will be.
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