Www.myflorida.com accessflorida espanol

LWA $300 PAYMENTS x 3 ARE BEING DIRECT DEPOSITED/SENT OUT AS PAPER CHECKS STARTING TODAY 09/08/2020 -- 4x Payments of $300 As Of 09/14/2020 -- 4x Payments Is All Floridians Will Receive In Total

DESANTIS HAS APPLIED FOR THE $300 WEEKLY, I WOULD ONLY EXPECT 3-5 WEEKS AT MOST. IT'S RETROACTIVE BACK TO WEEKS CLAIMED BEGINNING WITH THE WEEK OF JULY 26TH THROUGH AUGUST 1ST AND FORWARD

WORK SEARCH REQUIREMENTS/WORKFORCE REGISTRATION ARE WAIVED UNTIL DECEMBER 5TH!

*If you got taken off of FOOD BENEFITS because you made too much. YOU CAN RE-APPLY since the $600 is gone. -- https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ *

Decent Daily Youtuber Who Gives Daily Updates on Stimulus Check/Stimulus Package: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigUBIf-zt_DA6xyOQtq2WA/videos -- I am NOT Him or Affiliated. Been a fan since the beginning though.

Warning: DO NOT do any work search registration/workshop stuff on unemploymentpua.com, Florida has it's own state employment website in which you could do stuff like this for free. Don't give out your information to random websites. Work searches are easy to enter.

IMPORTANT NOTICE #1: You have to call Florida DEO now to back date your claim. Your claim can be back dated back to March 9th, 2020 for regular unemployment and back to January 27th, 2020 for PUA (when you were affected by COVID-19). Don't ask to backdate for PUA unless you're already approved and eligible.

IMPORTANT NOTICE #2: If you applied for regular unemployment and are ineligible, a link for PUA should show up within 7 days of your denial. If it doesn't, you may have to call Florida DEO.

CONNECT Homepage Links - Right-Click And Open In New Window/Tab (Requires You To Be Logged In First Through Main Login Page - DO NOT CLOSE BROWSER ONCE LOGGED IN)

• Main Login Page (Queue): https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Login.ASPX
• Author Note: If you got a technical error or perhaps kicked back to login screen, these links may still get you back in without having to re-login/sit in queue as long as the browser cookie hasn't expired.
• CONNECT Homepage: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Core.Navigation&index=-1
• CONNECT Request Benefit Payment: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Payments.ProcessContinuedClaims
• CONNECT Inbox: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.ClaimantInbox
• CONNECT View And Maintain Account Information: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Core.Navigation&Index=11
• Child Support Summary: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.MaintainChildSupportInfo
• Contact Information: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.ContactInfo.MaintainContactInfo&CALLER=NAV
• Payment History: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.PmtDedInfo.PaymentInformation&Navigate=PaymentHistory
• Weekly Benefit Details: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.PmtDedInfo.PaymentInformation&Navigate=DispositionDetails
• Payment Method And Tax Witholding Options: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.PmtTaxInfo.MaintainPmtTaxInfo
• Notification Settings: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.Notification.Settings&CALLER=NAV
• CONNECT Determination, Pending Issue and Decision Summary: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.ClaimantIssueDeterminations
• CONNECT My 1099-Gs and 49Ts: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Payments.ViewAndRequest1099G
• CONNECT Workforce Registration Information: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.Workforce.WorkforceRegistration
• Workforce Registration: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Benefits/Maintain/Workforce/WorkforceSSO.aspx
• Instructions For Completing Full Work Registration: https://www.employflorida.com/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Work_Registration_Instructions.pdf
• Find a Florida CareerSource Center: http://www.floridajobs.org/onestop/onestopdi

FL UNEMPLOYMENT EXECUTIVE ORDER START AND EXPIRATION DATES

Work Search Requirements WAIVED - Started: March 29th, 2020 - Expires: December 5th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 15th - March 21st, March 22nd - March 28th] March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th, May 31st - June 6th, June 7th - June 13th, June 14th - June 20th, June 21st - June 27th, June 28th - July 4th, July 5th 0 July 11th, July 12th - July 18th, July 19th - July 25th, July 26th - August 1st, August 2nd - August 8th, August 9th - August 15th, August 16th - August 22nd, August 23rd - August 29th, August 30th - September 5th, September 6th - December 5th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on March 29th.
• When claiming weeks, you can say NO to Question #1 for all the weeks above. How to do the rest is in my Claiming Weekly Benefits section. Normally, you have to submit 5 job contacts per week.

Workforce Registration WAIVED - Started: March 29th, 2020 - Expires: December 5th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 15th - March 21st, March 22nd - March 28th] March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th, May 31st - June 6th, June 7th - June 13th, June 14th-June 20th, June 21st-June 27th, June 28th-July 4th, July 5th-July 11th, July 12th-July 18th, July 19th-July 25th, July 26th-August 1st, August 2nd - August 8th, August 9th - August 15th, August 16th - August 22nd, August 23rd - August 29th, August 30th - September 5th, September 6th - December 5th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on March 29th.
• You don't have to register on Employflorida.com for all the weeks above. Normally, you have to register.

Waiting Week WAIVED - Started: March 29, 2020 - Expires: December 5th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th, May 31st - June 6th, June 7th - June 13th, June 14th - June 20th, June 21st - June 27th, June 28th - July 4th, July 5th - July 11th, July 12th - July 18th, July 19th - July 25th, July 26th - August 1st, August 2nd - August 8th, August 9th - August 15th, August 16th - August 22nd, August 23rd - August 29th, August 30th - September 5th, September 6th - December 5th
• You'll get paid for your waiting week if it's within all the weeks above. Normally, you don't get paid for it.

EXPIRED - Certifying/Claiming Weeks WAIVED - Started: April 16th, 2020 - Expires: May 9th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th] April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on April 16th.
• You don't have to claim/certify weeks for all the weeks above. Normally, you claim/certify every two weeks for the previous two weeks.

AVAILABLE NOW - Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• Author Note: THIS IS AUTOMATIC. You DO NOT have to do anything. The payments may be a little delayed but you WILL GET them in the same method you chose to get unemployment. Your Payment History in CONNECT will not show these payments. YOU MUST GET AT LEAST $1.00 from regular unemployment OR PUA or PEUC to qualify for the $600 payment for that claimed week.
• Provides an additional $600 per week to any individual eligible under Florida law for Reemployment Assistance. This benefit is available for weeks claimed March 29, 2020 – July 31, 2020 in addition to the funds owed under Florida law to individuals.
• For every week you claim, you will receive your regular unemployment compensation + FPUC ($600) OR Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) + FPUC ($600) OR Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC - Additional 13 weeks) + FPUC ($600)
• This runs out like states above on July 31st, 2020. It doesn't matter if you got the full four months or the last two weeks in July; it still ends on that date.

AVAILABLE NOW - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• PUA CARES Act Process: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-cares-act-need-to-know-flowchart-042720.pdf?sfvrsn=a3b746b0_4
• Applying for PUA: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/applying-for-pua-and-faq-04-26-20.pdf?sfvrsn=84b746b0_2
• PUA Claimant Guide: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-claimant-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=c2b746b0_12
• COVID-19 Pandemic Scenarios & Benefits: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/covid-19-pandemic-scenarios-and-benefits-available-4-27-20.pdf?sfvrsn=98b746b0_4
• Watch PUA Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_gv5WTd7aU&feature=youtu.be
• PUA Guide Claiming Weeks: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-guide-claimaing-weeks.pdf?sfvrsn=638846b0_2
• Author Note: Please review the follow resources at the Source link above to see how to apply, etc.
• Provides up to $275 in weekly benefits to those not ordinarily eligible for Reemployment Assistance, in addition to the $600 FPUC funding. This includes individuals who are self-employed or contract employees. This also includes those that were ineligible for state unemployment benefits that are out of work because of COVID-19 related reasons, reduction in hours, etc.
• PUA is backdated to January 27th, 2020 or when your job became affected by COVID-19, whichever is sooner. PUA ends December 31st, 2020. I believe the duration is 39 weeks. *Proof of employment at the time of COVID-19 is required within 21 days of completing the PUA application. You can fax the required documents to 1-800-222-7934 or mail them to PUA Unit P.O. Box 5350 Tallahassee, FL 32314. Your personal income tax return (Federal Form 1040 and attachments) or other proof of employment (e.g. 1099) and wages you earned in calendar year 2019 may also be requested.

AVAILABLE NOW - Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• PEUC CARES Act Process: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/peuc-cares-act-need-to-know-flowchart.pdf?sfvrsn=a6dc46b0_2
• Applying For PEUC: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/applying-for-peuc.pdf?sfvrsn=5cdc46b0_2
• COVID-19 Pandemic Scenarios & Benefits: http://tstsitefinity.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/covid-19-pandemic-scenarios-and-benefits-available-4-27-20.pdf?sfvrsn=98b746b0_4
• PEUC Claimant Guide: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/peuc-filing-steps.pdf?sfvrsn=58dc46b0_4
• Author Note: See the above links for official information.
• Allows for an additional 13 weeks of benefits added to the end of state Reemployment Assistance benefits, in addition to the FPUC funding. This means claimants may collect unemployment benefits for a longer period of time than under normal circumstances. PEUC will provide individuals with up to $275 in weekly benefits + the $600 FPUC weekly benefit.
• Begins March 29th, 2020 and ends December 31, 2020. If your benefit year ended before July 1st, 2019... you're ineligible. If your benefit year didn't end yet, you're eligible whenever this begins.
• It will be back dated to March 29th, 2020 if it applies to your situation.

AVAILABLE - IRS.GOV $1200 Stimulus Checks Are GOING OUT!

• Source: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
• Follow the information on the page to see what applies to you.

USEFUL AND IMPORTANT UNEMPLOYMENT RELATED WEBSITES

• Florida Unemployment - File New Claim: https://fileaclaim.myflorida.com/
• Florida DEO CONNECT: https://connect.myflorida.com/
• FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centeunemployment/connect/english_external_guide_claimant.pdf?sfvrsn=e18878b0_2
• Florida FOOD BENEFITS: https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ - Everyone should apply even if you don't think you'd qualify.
• Florida DEO Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide - COVID-19: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centenew-individual-faq-includes-cares-act-final.pdf?sfvrsn=5f2547b0_38
• Florida DEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/FLDEO
• Florida DEO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/FLDEO
• Unemployment Subreddit: https://old.reddit.com/Unemployment
• Florida Unemployment - Chapter 443 - 2019 Florida Statutes: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2019/Chapter443

FILE YOUR CLAIM -- Filing Unemployment From Beginning To End

• Source: https://twitter.com/FLDEO/status/1254493599200395266/photo/1
• FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centeunemployment/connect/english_external_guide_claimant.pdf?sfvrsn=e18878b0_2
• Author Note: If you receive a notification in your Inbox or a letter in the mail, read every single word to see what it's asking you to do. When you look at your Inbox, hit SEARCH to see everything in it. The FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook will answer a lot of questions that I've linked above. Please read it. It's very thorough and you can look at the table of contents and CTRL+F to where you need to go.

File Your Claim

• Author Note: The best browser to use is Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. Be patient and let the pages load. If you have a CONNECT login, you can apply or re-apply for Reemployment Assistance on the left side of the home page once you login.
• To file or complete your Reemployment Assistance application, visit https://fileaclaim.myflorida.com/ .
• As an alternative, you can file and submit a paper application by mail. Please visit http://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Centereemployment-assistance/claimants/rapaperapplication for instructions on how to submit a paper application.
• Once you complete your paper or online application, FL DEO will send you a notification by e-mail or mail with directions explaining how to log on to CONNECT and proceed with your claim. If you filed through CONNECT, your application would go to the Verification step.
• PIN# Resets: IF YOU APPLIED ON NEW MOBILE WEBSITE, THEY'LL SEND YOU A LETTER AND/OR E-MAIL WITH ALL THIS INFORMATION ON HOW TO LOGIN. On the CONNECT site https://connect.myflorida.com, you can enter your Social Security Number OR Claimant Number and then hit Forgot PIN. This may allow you to reset it. If it doesn't, you can call these numbers: FL DEO Main Line (800) 204-2418 - normally very busy OR FL DEO (800) 297-0586 - hang up if the recording doesn't change, you'll know OR FL DEO (866) 352-2345 - Option #7.

Verification: Wages And Identity

• Author Note: Some may get a notice that says on the home page that it's unable to identify you but you shouldn't have to do anything, just wait and it'll resolve itself. If you get a FL DEO letter in the mail asking you to mail in identify verification; send a signed copy of your Social Security Card, valid Driver's License, and Birth Certificate to FL DEO Fax: ( 321) 332-6608 - AND/OR FL DEO E-mail: identityrequest@deo.myflorida.com also there was a number, not sure if it still works: FL DEO (888) 993-9713 that you can call.
• During the verification process, FL DEO will confirm your identity and investigate whether you have received wages from your previous employer. FL DEO will also check whether you filed an unemployment claim in another state.
• Note: A claim is "verified" when FL DEO has confirmed an individual's identity through the Social Security Administration and verified that the claimant (a) has received wages in Florida and (b) is not receiving wages in or from any other state.

Monetary Determination

• Author Note: If you file in January/February/March, they look at wages between October 2018 through September 2019. If you file in April/May/June, they look at wages between January 2019 through December 2019. The notice or letter will tell you how to APPEAL this determination and the amount of days you have to do so.
• Once your information is correct and FL DEO has verified your claim, FL DEO will determine if you are eligible to receive benefits and the amount you qualify to receive.
• FL DEO will notify you of your eligibility status and the amount of benefits you qualify to receive.
• In addition to FL DEO's notification, the CONNECT Inbox will provide information about FL DEO's determination on claimant eligibility.
• If a claimant or employer disagrees with FL DEO's determination of the employee's eligibility, the claimant or employer may appeal.

Claiming Weekly Benefits

• Author Note: You can check the status of your claimed weeks under View And Maintain Account Information, Weekly Benefit Details. The statuses are Hold (FL DEO has to manually push the payment through after researching information), Payable (this week is approved and the money is on the way), Waiting Week (You don't get paid for this normally), Disqualified (this usually happens if you made too much during a claimed week, answered the questions incorrectly, and a couple of other things)
• EXPIRED - Q: I heard week certification requirements “claiming weeks” are waived, what does that mean? A: In order to better serve you, Governor DeSantis suspended the bi-weekly reporting requirement. This means you do not have to log into CONNECT every two weeks to claim your weeks for Reemployment Assistance.
• Once your Monetary Determination is made and you are eligible for benefits, you will be required to login to CONNECT every two weeks to claim your two previous weeks in order to get payment. You will see a notice on the homepage when you can claim weeks and also when the next date is to claim your next two weeks.
• Depending on the answers you give; you'll either get paid quickly or there may be a hold put on your payment depending on what they need to investigate further in order to process your payments. They do this to ensure that you don't receive an over payment which you would have to pay back if they accidentally release a payment that you weren't qualified to receive.
• Author Note: Please answer these questions honestly. If you do not, you may have to pay back any unemployment that you received in which you shouldn't have because you didn't answer a question that pertains to your current situation. I'll describe each question and what it's asking.
  
• 1. Did you look for work? - If you say YES, you have to enter 5 job contacts per week you claim. If you say NO, this will have to manually reviewed. You CAN say NO for NOW, SEE BELOW
  
• Q: I heard work search requirements are waived, what does that mean?
  
• A: The work search requirement is waived for individuals requesting benefits for the weeks of March 15th, 2020 to December 5th, 2020. However, you must fulfill the work search requirements for any weeks prior to March 15th, 2020.
  
• When completing the request, you will be asked questions about your ability and availability to look for work and any work and earnings you had for the weeks in unemployment you are claiming. If you did not search for work due to the waiver in Emergency Order No. DEO 20-11, you may put “no” when asked if you looked for work that week. Then, proceed through to the next step in the request process. If you answered that you did not search for work, you will not be asked to complete a work search log. However, you will be asked additional questions that need to be answered to proceed to the next step in the request process. Example questions may include: why did you not search for work; did you not have transportation; did you not have child care; or were you out of the area? If you did search for work, you may be asked to complete a work search log.
  
• 2. Did you make an in-person contact at a CareerSource Center? - I say NO. I am unsure of this one. I think if you make 1 in-person contact, you may be able to avoid entering 5 job contacts? I'll have to find more information on this one.
  
• 3. Were you able and available to work if work had been offered? - Saying YES probably fits most people. If you say NO, this will flag your claim for that week and you'll have to give an explanation to FL DEO.
  
• 4. Did you refuse any offer of work or referral for work? - NO probably fits most people. If you say YES, you get flagged and have to give an explanation to FL DEO.
  
• 5. Did you work or earn any money? - If you earned wages/worked during the week you're claiming, say YES and enter the gross wages. Otherwise, say NO.
  
• 6. Did you receive or apply for income from any other sources that you have not previously reported to us? - This would be if you applied to Social Security, cashed out a 401K I believe and some other stuff; unsure of the scope. Most people say NO but definitely do YES if it applies to you.
  

Payments

• After you claim your weeks, you should receive your payment for the week within a few days. To check on the status of your claimed weeks and your payments, login to CONNECT, choose View And Maintain Account Information. Weekly Benefit Details will tell you the status of your claimed weeks. Payment History will tell you how much and where it went (Debit Card or Direct Deposit).
• I advise that you go to View And Maintain Account information and setup your taxes to be taken out. It's 10%. You don't want a surprise tax bill at the end of the year. You can also make changes to Direct Deposit through one of the links on that page.

Waiting Week

• Your first week that you claim is your waiting week. You never receive a payment for this week.
• EXPIRED - Q: I heard the waiting week for Reemployment Assistance has been waived, what does this mean?
• A: DEO recently announced the waiving of the requirement to wait a week to receive Reemployment Assistance benefits beginning March 29,2020 through December 5th, 2020. Previously, after your claim was filed and accepted, the state of Florida required that you go through a “waiting week” during which no benefits would be paid to you. The waiting week has been waived so eligible Floridians may receive the support they need to help recover from the current economic impacts of COVID-19.
• Waiving the waiting week means that you will be eligible for benefits for the first week of unemployment, which you would generally not otherwise be eligible for if not for the waiver. Your claim first needs to be processed before the waiting week can be paid to determine if you are eligible for those benefits. You also need to claim your first two weeks of benefits before this week may be paid.

Workforce Registration

• Workforce Registration Guide: https://www.employflorida.com/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Work_Registration_Instructions.pdf
• When you're in the CONNECT system, you have to do Workforce Registration. There should be a link for this that will give you instructions as well as lead you to the website to do it. Complete the steps to complete Workforce Registration.
• Q: I heard work registration requirements are waived, what does that mean?
• A: Individuals filing an application for benefits from March 15th, 2020 until December 5th, 2020, will not be required to complete the work registration in Employ Florida. Even though you may be prompted to register, and you may receive messages on screens in the CONNECT system, you do not need to complete the registration if your application is filed between March 15th, 2020 and August 1st, 2020. If you completed your application prior to March 15th, 2020, you must complete the online work registration.

FL DEO CONNECT Homepage When SIGNED IN

• Source: https://imgur.com/a/cS6Hb7k
• Effective Date: When you filed your unemployment application and also when your Benefit Year begins.
• Benefit Year End: It's one year from the Effective Date
• Claim Status: Active (you have an active claim, can't put in another application until benefit year runs out), Ineligible/Not Registered (allows you to put in another unemployment application), Inactive (you can re-open and claim weeks if you still have a balance)
• Weekly Benefit Amounts: Amount you'll receive each week.
• Balance: Amount of money left in your account to claim payments from.
• Monetary Status: Pending (FL DEO has to get to your application to determine wages), Eligible (FL DEO determined that you're qualified to receive benefits based on your wages. You'll see weekly benefit amount, maximum benefit amount, balance get updated), Ineligible (they send out a letter and/or notice in your inbox why you're ineligible, there are directions in the letter on how to appeal)
• Maximum Benefit Amount: The max balance that you qualify and will start with.
• Earnings Disregard:
• If the claimant’s gross earnings during a week are less than the Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA), the Earnings Disregard Amount (8 x Federal minimum wage) is subtracted from the earnings and the remainder is deducted from the WBA to determine the amount payable to the claimant.
• Example 1: Claimant WBA is $100, claimant gross earnings are $100. No payment is due to the claimant.
• Example 2: Claimant WBA is $100, claimant gross earnings are $98. Earnings disregard of $58 is deducted from $98, leaving $40 to be deducted from the claimant’s WBA. A payment of $60 will be issued to the claimant.
• Important Items: This will have any issues here for your account. Check your Inbox, click Search for Notices on any issues.
• Messages: When to claim your weeks, status updates about your application. Check your Inbox, click Search for Notices on any issues

Food Benefits (SNAP) Websites State By State

• Alabama https://mydhr.alabama.gov/
• Alaska http://dhss.alaska.gov/dpa/Pages/ebt/default.aspx - Register for a MyAlaska Account
• Arizona https://des.az.gov/services/basic-needs/food/nutrition-assistance
• Arkansas https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/1108
• California https://www.cdss.ca.gov/calfresh
• Colorado https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdhs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap
• Connecticut https://portal.ct.gov/dss/SNAP/Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program---SNAP
• Delaware https://assist.dhss.delaware.gov/
• Florida https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/
• Georgia https://dfcs.georgia.gov/food-stamps
• Hawaii https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/bessd/snap/
• Idaho https://healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/FoodCashAssistance/tabid/59/Default.aspx
• Illinois https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=33698
• Indiana https://www.in.gov/fssa/df2691.htm
• Iowa https://dhs.iowa.gov/food-assistance
• Kansas http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/ees/pages/application-for-benefits.aspx
• Kentucky https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/dfs/nab/Pages/snap.aspx
• Louisiana https://sspweb.ie.dcfs.la.gov/selfservice/selfserviceJSPController?id=0.04339927099732632&tab=1
• Maine https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement
• Maryland https://dhs.maryland.gov/food-supplement-program/applying-for-the-food-supplement-program/#:~:text=You%20may%20file%20an%20application,to%20download%20a%20SNAP%20application.
• Massachusetts https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-snap-benefits-food-stamps
• Michigan https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-71547_5527---,00.html
• Minnesota https://applymn.dhs.mn.gov/online-app-web/spring/public/process-login?execution=e1s1
• Mississippi https://www.mdhs.ms.gov/economic-assistance/snap/
• Missouri https://mydss.mo.gov/food-assistance
• Montana https://apply.mt.gov/
• Nebraska http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/SNAP.aspx
• Nevada https://dwss.nv.gov/SNAP/Food/#:~:text=To%20Apply%20for%20SNAP%3A&text=The%20quickest%20and%20easiest%20way,and%20Manage%20Your%20Account%20Online!&text=%2C%20complete%20the%20application%20and%20mail,to%20your%20local%20Welfare%20Office.
• New Hampshire https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/dfa/foodstamps/eligibility.htm
• New Jersey https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/njsnap/
• New Mexico https://www.yes.state.nm.us/yesnm/home/index
• New York https://www.ny.gov/services/apply-snap
• North Carolina https://epass.nc.gov/
• North Dakota https://www.nd.gov/dhs/info/pubs/application.html
• Ohio https://jfs.ohio.gov/ocomm/applyforbenefits.stm
• Oklahoma https://www.okdhslive.org/popups/ProgramFAQSEnglish.aspx
• Oregon https://apps.state.or.us/onlineApplication/
• Pennsylvania https://www.dhs.pa.gov/Services/Assistance/Pages/SNAP.aspx
• Rhode Island http://www.dhs.ri.gov/Programs/SNAPApplyNow.php#:~:text=To%20determine%20ongoing%20benefit%20eligibility,to%20a%20local%20DHS%20Office.&text=Or%20contact%20your%20local%20DHS,%2C%20assets%2Fresources%20and%20expenses.
• South Carolina https://dss.sc.gov/assistance-programs/snap/
• South Dakota https://dss.sd.gov/economicassistance/snap/applying/
• Tennessee https://www.tn.gov/humanservices/for-families/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap.html#:~:text=SNAP%20benefits%20are%20issued%20and,on%20their%20case%20with%20CaseConnect.
• Texas https://yourtexasbenefits.hhsc.texas.gov/apply/how-to-apply
• Utah https://jobs.utah.gov/customereducation/services/foodstamps/
• Vermont https://dcf.vermont.gov/benefits/3SquaresVT
• Virginia https://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/food.cgi#:~:text=To%20determine%20eligibility%20and%2For,local%20department%20of%20social%20services.
• Washington https://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/community-services-offices/basic-food
• West Virginia https://www.wvpath.org/
• Wisconsin https://access.wisconsin.gov/access/
• Wyominghttps://dfs.wyo.gov/assistance-programs/food-assistance/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/

LWA $300 PAYMENTS x 3 ARE BEING DIRECT DEPOSITED/SENT OUT AS PAPER CHECKS STARTING TODAY 09/08/2020 -- 4x Payments of $300 As Of 09/14/2020

DESANTIS HAS APPLIED FOR THE $300 WEEKLY, I WOULD ONLY EXPECT 3-5 WEEKS AT MOST. IT'S RETROACTIVE BACK TO WEEKS CLAIMED BEGINNING WITH THE WEEK OF JULY 26TH THROUGH AUGUST 1ST AND FORWARD

WORK SEARCH REQUIREMENTS/WORKFORCE REGISTRATION ARE WAIVED UNTIL DECEMBER 5TH!

*If you got taken off of FOOD BENEFITS because you made too much. YOU CAN RE-APPLY since the $600 is gone. -- https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ *

Decent Daily Youtuber Who Gives Daily Updates on Stimulus Check/Stimulus Package: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigUBIf-zt_DA6xyOQtq2WA/videos -- I am NOT Him or Affiliated. Been a fan since the beginning though.

Warning: DO NOT do any work search registration/workshop stuff on unemploymentpua.com, Florida has it's own state employment website in which you could do stuff like this for free. Don't give out your information to random websites. Work searches are easy to enter.

IMPORTANT NOTICE #1: You have to call Florida DEO now to back date your claim. Your claim can be back dated back to March 9th, 2020 for regular unemployment and back to January 27th, 2020 for PUA (when you were affected by COVID-19). Don't ask to backdate for PUA unless you're already approved and eligible.

IMPORTANT NOTICE #2: If you applied for regular unemployment and are ineligible, a link for PUA should show up within 7 days of your denial. If it doesn't, you may have to call Florida DEO.

CONNECT Homepage Links - Right-Click And Open In New Window/Tab (Requires You To Be Logged In First Through Main Login Page - DO NOT CLOSE BROWSER ONCE LOGGED IN)

• Main Login Page (Queue): https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Login.ASPX
• Author Note: If you got a technical error or perhaps kicked back to login screen, these links may still get you back in without having to re-login/sit in queue as long as the browser cookie hasn't expired.
• CONNECT Homepage: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Core.Navigation&index=-1
• CONNECT Request Benefit Payment: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Payments.ProcessContinuedClaims
• CONNECT Inbox: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.ClaimantInbox
• CONNECT View And Maintain Account Information: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Core.Navigation&Index=11
• Child Support Summary: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.MaintainChildSupportInfo
• Contact Information: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.ContactInfo.MaintainContactInfo&CALLER=NAV
• Payment History: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.PmtDedInfo.PaymentInformation&Navigate=PaymentHistory
• Weekly Benefit Details: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.PmtDedInfo.PaymentInformation&Navigate=DispositionDetails
• Payment Method And Tax Witholding Options: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.PmtTaxInfo.MaintainPmtTaxInfo
• Notification Settings: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.Notification.Settings&CALLER=NAV
• CONNECT Determination, Pending Issue and Decision Summary: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.ClaimantIssueDeterminations
• CONNECT My 1099-Gs and 49Ts: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Payments.ViewAndRequest1099G
• CONNECT Workforce Registration Information: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.Workforce.WorkforceRegistration
• Workforce Registration: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Benefits/Maintain/Workforce/WorkforceSSO.aspx
• Instructions For Completing Full Work Registration: https://www.employflorida.com/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Work_Registration_Instructions.pdf
• Find a Florida CareerSource Center: http://www.floridajobs.org/onestop/onestopdi

FL UNEMPLOYMENT EXECUTIVE ORDER START AND EXPIRATION DATES

Work Search Requirements WAIVED - Started: March 29th, 2020 - Expires: December 5th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 15th - March 21st, March 22nd - March 28th] March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th, May 31st - June 6th, June 7th - June 13th, June 14th - June 20th, June 21st - June 27th, June 28th - July 4th, July 5th 0 July 11th, July 12th - July 18th, July 19th - July 25th, July 26th - August 1st, August 2nd - August 8th, August 9th - August 15th, August 16th - August 22nd, August 23rd - August 29th, August 30th - September 5th, September 6th - December 5th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on March 29th.
• When claiming weeks, you can say NO to Question #1 for all the weeks above. How to do the rest is in my Claiming Weekly Benefits section. Normally, you have to submit 5 job contacts per week.

Workforce Registration WAIVED - Started: March 29th, 2020 - Expires: December 5th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 15th - March 21st, March 22nd - March 28th] March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th, May 31st - June 6th, June 7th - June 13th, June 14th-June 20th, June 21st-June 27th, June 28th-July 4th, July 5th-July 11th, July 12th-July 18th, July 19th-July 25th, July 26th-August 1st, August 2nd - August 8th, August 9th - August 15th, August 16th - August 22nd, August 23rd - August 29th, August 30th - September 5th, September 6th - December 5th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on March 29th.
• You don't have to register on Employflorida.com for all the weeks above. Normally, you have to register.

Waiting Week WAIVED - Started: March 29, 2020 - Expires: December 5th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th, May 31st - June 6th, June 7th - June 13th, June 14th - June 20th, June 21st - June 27th, June 28th - July 4th, July 5th - July 11th, July 12th - July 18th, July 19th - July 25th, July 26th - August 1st, August 2nd - August 8th, August 9th - August 15th, August 16th - August 22nd, August 23rd - August 29th, August 30th - September 5th, September 6th - December 5th
• You'll get paid for your waiting week if it's within all the weeks above. Normally, you don't get paid for it.

EXPIRED - Certifying/Claiming Weeks WAIVED - Started: April 16th, 2020 - Expires: May 9th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th] April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on April 16th.
• You don't have to claim/certify weeks for all the weeks above. Normally, you claim/certify every two weeks for the previous two weeks.

AVAILABLE NOW - Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• Author Note: THIS IS AUTOMATIC. You DO NOT have to do anything. The payments may be a little delayed but you WILL GET them in the same method you chose to get unemployment. Your Payment History in CONNECT will not show these payments. YOU MUST GET AT LEAST $1.00 from regular unemployment OR PUA or PEUC to qualify for the $600 payment for that claimed week.
• Provides an additional $600 per week to any individual eligible under Florida law for Reemployment Assistance. This benefit is available for weeks claimed March 29, 2020 – July 31, 2020 in addition to the funds owed under Florida law to individuals.
• For every week you claim, you will receive your regular unemployment compensation + FPUC ($600) OR Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) + FPUC ($600) OR Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC - Additional 13 weeks) + FPUC ($600)
• This runs out like states above on July 31st, 2020. It doesn't matter if you got the full four months or the last two weeks in July; it still ends on that date.

AVAILABLE NOW - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• PUA CARES Act Process: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-cares-act-need-to-know-flowchart-042720.pdf?sfvrsn=a3b746b0_4
• Applying for PUA: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/applying-for-pua-and-faq-04-26-20.pdf?sfvrsn=84b746b0_2
• PUA Claimant Guide: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-claimant-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=c2b746b0_12
• COVID-19 Pandemic Scenarios & Benefits: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/covid-19-pandemic-scenarios-and-benefits-available-4-27-20.pdf?sfvrsn=98b746b0_4
• Watch PUA Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_gv5WTd7aU&feature=youtu.be
• PUA Guide Claiming Weeks: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-guide-claimaing-weeks.pdf?sfvrsn=638846b0_2
• Author Note: Please review the follow resources at the Source link above to see how to apply, etc.
• Provides up to $275 in weekly benefits to those not ordinarily eligible for Reemployment Assistance, in addition to the $600 FPUC funding. This includes individuals who are self-employed or contract employees. This also includes those that were ineligible for state unemployment benefits that are out of work because of COVID-19 related reasons, reduction in hours, etc.
• PUA is backdated to January 27th, 2020 or when your job became affected by COVID-19, whichever is sooner. PUA ends December 31st, 2020. I believe the duration is 39 weeks. *Proof of employment at the time of COVID-19 is required within 21 days of completing the PUA application. You can fax the required documents to 1-800-222-7934 or mail them to PUA Unit P.O. Box 5350 Tallahassee, FL 32314. Your personal income tax return (Federal Form 1040 and attachments) or other proof of employment (e.g. 1099) and wages you earned in calendar year 2019 may also be requested.

AVAILABLE NOW - Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• PEUC CARES Act Process: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/peuc-cares-act-need-to-know-flowchart.pdf?sfvrsn=a6dc46b0_2
• Applying For PEUC: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/applying-for-peuc.pdf?sfvrsn=5cdc46b0_2
• COVID-19 Pandemic Scenarios & Benefits: http://tstsitefinity.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/covid-19-pandemic-scenarios-and-benefits-available-4-27-20.pdf?sfvrsn=98b746b0_4
• PEUC Claimant Guide: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/peuc-filing-steps.pdf?sfvrsn=58dc46b0_4
• Author Note: See the above links for official information.
• Allows for an additional 13 weeks of benefits added to the end of state Reemployment Assistance benefits, in addition to the FPUC funding. This means claimants may collect unemployment benefits for a longer period of time than under normal circumstances. PEUC will provide individuals with up to $275 in weekly benefits + the $600 FPUC weekly benefit.
• Begins March 29th, 2020 and ends December 31, 2020. If your benefit year ended before July 1st, 2019... you're ineligible. If your benefit year didn't end yet, you're eligible whenever this begins.
• It will be back dated to March 29th, 2020 if it applies to your situation.

AVAILABLE - IRS.GOV $1200 Stimulus Checks Are GOING OUT!

• Source: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
• Follow the information on the page to see what applies to you.

USEFUL AND IMPORTANT UNEMPLOYMENT RELATED WEBSITES

• Florida Unemployment - File New Claim: https://fileaclaim.myflorida.com/
• Florida DEO CONNECT: https://connect.myflorida.com/
• FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centeunemployment/connect/english_external_guide_claimant.pdf?sfvrsn=e18878b0_2
• Florida FOOD BENEFITS: https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ - Everyone should apply even if you don't think you'd qualify.
• Florida DEO Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide - COVID-19: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centenew-individual-faq-includes-cares-act-final.pdf?sfvrsn=5f2547b0_38
• Florida DEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/FLDEO
• Florida DEO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/FLDEO
• Unemployment Subreddit: https://old.reddit.com/Unemployment
• Florida Unemployment - Chapter 443 - 2019 Florida Statutes: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2019/Chapter443

FILE YOUR CLAIM -- Filing Unemployment From Beginning To End

• Source: https://twitter.com/FLDEO/status/1254493599200395266/photo/1
• FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centeunemployment/connect/english_external_guide_claimant.pdf?sfvrsn=e18878b0_2
• Author Note: If you receive a notification in your Inbox or a letter in the mail, read every single word to see what it's asking you to do. When you look at your Inbox, hit SEARCH to see everything in it. The FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook will answer a lot of questions that I've linked above. Please read it. It's very thorough and you can look at the table of contents and CTRL+F to where you need to go.

File Your Claim

• Author Note: The best browser to use is Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. Be patient and let the pages load. If you have a CONNECT login, you can apply or re-apply for Reemployment Assistance on the left side of the home page once you login.
• To file or complete your Reemployment Assistance application, visit https://fileaclaim.myflorida.com/ .
• As an alternative, you can file and submit a paper application by mail. Please visit http://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Centereemployment-assistance/claimants/rapaperapplication for instructions on how to submit a paper application.
• Once you complete your paper or online application, FL DEO will send you a notification by e-mail or mail with directions explaining how to log on to CONNECT and proceed with your claim. If you filed through CONNECT, your application would go to the Verification step.
• PIN# Resets: IF YOU APPLIED ON NEW MOBILE WEBSITE, THEY'LL SEND YOU A LETTER AND/OR E-MAIL WITH ALL THIS INFORMATION ON HOW TO LOGIN. On the CONNECT site https://connect.myflorida.com, you can enter your Social Security Number OR Claimant Number and then hit Forgot PIN. This may allow you to reset it. If it doesn't, you can call these numbers: FL DEO Main Line (800) 204-2418 - normally very busy OR FL DEO (800) 297-0586 - hang up if the recording doesn't change, you'll know OR FL DEO (866) 352-2345 - Option #7.

Verification: Wages And Identity

• Author Note: Some may get a notice that says on the home page that it's unable to identify you but you shouldn't have to do anything, just wait and it'll resolve itself. If you get a FL DEO letter in the mail asking you to mail in identify verification; send a signed copy of your Social Security Card, valid Driver's License, and Birth Certificate to FL DEO Fax: ( 321) 332-6608 - AND/OR FL DEO E-mail: identityrequest@deo.myflorida.com also there was a number, not sure if it still works: FL DEO (888) 993-9713 that you can call.
• During the verification process, FL DEO will confirm your identity and investigate whether you have received wages from your previous employer. FL DEO will also check whether you filed an unemployment claim in another state.
• Note: A claim is "verified" when FL DEO has confirmed an individual's identity through the Social Security Administration and verified that the claimant (a) has received wages in Florida and (b) is not receiving wages in or from any other state.

Monetary Determination

• Author Note: If you file in January/February/March, they look at wages between October 2018 through September 2019. If you file in April/May/June, they look at wages between January 2019 through December 2019. The notice or letter will tell you how to APPEAL this determination and the amount of days you have to do so.
• Once your information is correct and FL DEO has verified your claim, FL DEO will determine if you are eligible to receive benefits and the amount you qualify to receive.
• FL DEO will notify you of your eligibility status and the amount of benefits you qualify to receive.
• In addition to FL DEO's notification, the CONNECT Inbox will provide information about FL DEO's determination on claimant eligibility.
• If a claimant or employer disagrees with FL DEO's determination of the employee's eligibility, the claimant or employer may appeal.

Claiming Weekly Benefits

• Author Note: You can check the status of your claimed weeks under View And Maintain Account Information, Weekly Benefit Details. The statuses are Hold (FL DEO has to manually push the payment through after researching information), Payable (this week is approved and the money is on the way), Waiting Week (You don't get paid for this normally), Disqualified (this usually happens if you made too much during a claimed week, answered the questions incorrectly, and a couple of other things)
• EXPIRED - Q: I heard week certification requirements “claiming weeks” are waived, what does that mean? A: In order to better serve you, Governor DeSantis suspended the bi-weekly reporting requirement. This means you do not have to log into CONNECT every two weeks to claim your weeks for Reemployment Assistance.
• Once your Monetary Determination is made and you are eligible for benefits, you will be required to login to CONNECT every two weeks to claim your two previous weeks in order to get payment. You will see a notice on the homepage when you can claim weeks and also when the next date is to claim your next two weeks.
• Depending on the answers you give; you'll either get paid quickly or there may be a hold put on your payment depending on what they need to investigate further in order to process your payments. They do this to ensure that you don't receive an over payment which you would have to pay back if they accidentally release a payment that you weren't qualified to receive.
• Author Note: Please answer these questions honestly. If you do not, you may have to pay back any unemployment that you received in which you shouldn't have because you didn't answer a question that pertains to your current situation. I'll describe each question and what it's asking.
  
• 1. Did you look for work? - If you say YES, you have to enter 5 job contacts per week you claim. If you say NO, this will have to manually reviewed. You CAN say NO for NOW, SEE BELOW
  
• Q: I heard work search requirements are waived, what does that mean?
  
• A: The work search requirement is waived for individuals requesting benefits for the weeks of March 15th, 2020 to December 5th, 2020. However, you must fulfill the work search requirements for any weeks prior to March 15th, 2020.
  
• When completing the request, you will be asked questions about your ability and availability to look for work and any work and earnings you had for the weeks in unemployment you are claiming. If you did not search for work due to the waiver in Emergency Order No. DEO 20-11, you may put “no” when asked if you looked for work that week. Then, proceed through to the next step in the request process. If you answered that you did not search for work, you will not be asked to complete a work search log. However, you will be asked additional questions that need to be answered to proceed to the next step in the request process. Example questions may include: why did you not search for work; did you not have transportation; did you not have child care; or were you out of the area? If you did search for work, you may be asked to complete a work search log.
  
• 2. Did you make an in-person contact at a CareerSource Center? - I say NO. I am unsure of this one. I think if you make 1 in-person contact, you may be able to avoid entering 5 job contacts? I'll have to find more information on this one.
  
• 3. Were you able and available to work if work had been offered? - Saying YES probably fits most people. If you say NO, this will flag your claim for that week and you'll have to give an explanation to FL DEO.
  
• 4. Did you refuse any offer of work or referral for work? - NO probably fits most people. If you say YES, you get flagged and have to give an explanation to FL DEO.
  
• 5. Did you work or earn any money? - If you earned wages/worked during the week you're claiming, say YES and enter the gross wages. Otherwise, say NO.
  
• 6. Did you receive or apply for income from any other sources that you have not previously reported to us? - This would be if you applied to Social Security, cashed out a 401K I believe and some other stuff; unsure of the scope. Most people say NO but definitely do YES if it applies to you.
  

Payments

• After you claim your weeks, you should receive your payment for the week within a few days. To check on the status of your claimed weeks and your payments, login to CONNECT, choose View And Maintain Account Information. Weekly Benefit Details will tell you the status of your claimed weeks. Payment History will tell you how much and where it went (Debit Card or Direct Deposit).
• I advise that you go to View And Maintain Account information and setup your taxes to be taken out. It's 10%. You don't want a surprise tax bill at the end of the year. You can also make changes to Direct Deposit through one of the links on that page.

Waiting Week

• Your first week that you claim is your waiting week. You never receive a payment for this week.
• EXPIRED - Q: I heard the waiting week for Reemployment Assistance has been waived, what does this mean?
• A: DEO recently announced the waiving of the requirement to wait a week to receive Reemployment Assistance benefits beginning March 29,2020 through December 5th, 2020. Previously, after your claim was filed and accepted, the state of Florida required that you go through a “waiting week” during which no benefits would be paid to you. The waiting week has been waived so eligible Floridians may receive the support they need to help recover from the current economic impacts of COVID-19.
• Waiving the waiting week means that you will be eligible for benefits for the first week of unemployment, which you would generally not otherwise be eligible for if not for the waiver. Your claim first needs to be processed before the waiting week can be paid to determine if you are eligible for those benefits. You also need to claim your first two weeks of benefits before this week may be paid.

Workforce Registration

• Workforce Registration Guide: https://www.employflorida.com/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Work_Registration_Instructions.pdf
• When you're in the CONNECT system, you have to do Workforce Registration. There should be a link for this that will give you instructions as well as lead you to the website to do it. Complete the steps to complete Workforce Registration.
• Q: I heard work registration requirements are waived, what does that mean?
• A: Individuals filing an application for benefits from March 15th, 2020 until December 5th, 2020, will not be required to complete the work registration in Employ Florida. Even though you may be prompted to register, and you may receive messages on screens in the CONNECT system, you do not need to complete the registration if your application is filed between March 15th, 2020 and August 1st, 2020. If you completed your application prior to March 15th, 2020, you must complete the online work registration.

FL DEO CONNECT Homepage When SIGNED IN

• Source: https://imgur.com/a/cS6Hb7k
• Effective Date: When you filed your unemployment application and also when your Benefit Year begins.
• Benefit Year End: It's one year from the Effective Date
• Claim Status: Active (you have an active claim, can't put in another application until benefit year runs out), Ineligible/Not Registered (allows you to put in another unemployment application), Inactive (you can re-open and claim weeks if you still have a balance)
• Weekly Benefit Amounts: Amount you'll receive each week.
• Balance: Amount of money left in your account to claim payments from.
• Monetary Status: Pending (FL DEO has to get to your application to determine wages), Eligible (FL DEO determined that you're qualified to receive benefits based on your wages. You'll see weekly benefit amount, maximum benefit amount, balance get updated), Ineligible (they send out a letter and/or notice in your inbox why you're ineligible, there are directions in the letter on how to appeal)
• Maximum Benefit Amount: The max balance that you qualify and will start with.
• Earnings Disregard:
• If the claimant’s gross earnings during a week are less than the Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA), the Earnings Disregard Amount (8 x Federal minimum wage) is subtracted from the earnings and the remainder is deducted from the WBA to determine the amount payable to the claimant.
• Example 1: Claimant WBA is $100, claimant gross earnings are $100. No payment is due to the claimant.
• Example 2: Claimant WBA is $100, claimant gross earnings are $98. Earnings disregard of $58 is deducted from $98, leaving $40 to be deducted from the claimant’s WBA. A payment of $60 will be issued to the claimant.
• Important Items: This will have any issues here for your account. Check your Inbox, click Search for Notices on any issues.
• Messages: When to claim your weeks, status updates about your application. Check your Inbox, click Search for Notices on any issues

New Post Has Been Made Due To The Amount Of Comments - Use Old Post For Reference, No New Comments Please

WORK SEARCH REQUIREMENTS/WORKFORCE REGISTRATION ARE WAIVED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 5TH!

Warning: DO NOT do any work search registration/workshop stuff on unemploymentpua.com, Florida has it's own state employment website in which you could do stuff like this for free. Don't give out your information to random websites. Work searches are easy to enter.

IMPORTANT NOTICE #1: You have to call Florida DEO now to back date your claim. Your claim can be back dated back to March 9th, 2020 for regular unemployment and back to January 27th, 2020 for PUA (when you were affected by COVID-19). Don't ask to backdate for PUA unless you're already approved and eligible.

IMPORTANT NOTICE #2: If you applied for regular unemployment and are ineligible, a link for PUA should show up within 7 days of your denial. If it doesn't, you may have to call Florida DEO.

CONNECT Homepage Links - Right-Click And Open In New Window/Tab (Requires You To Be Logged In First Through Main Login Page - DO NOT CLOSE BROWSER ONCE LOGGED IN)

• Main Login Page (Queue): https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Login.ASPX
• Author Note: If you got a technical error or perhaps kicked back to login screen, these links may still get you back in without having to re-login/sit in queue as long as the browser cookie hasn't expired.
• CONNECT Homepage: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Core.Navigation&index=-1
• CONNECT Request Benefit Payment: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Payments.ProcessContinuedClaims
• CONNECT Inbox: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.ClaimantInbox
• CONNECT View And Maintain Account Information: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Core.Navigation&Index=11
• Child Support Summary: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.MaintainChildSupportInfo
• Contact Information: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.ContactInfo.MaintainContactInfo&CALLER=NAV
• Payment History: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.PmtDedInfo.PaymentInformation&Navigate=PaymentHistory
• Weekly Benefit Details: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.PmtDedInfo.PaymentInformation&Navigate=DispositionDetails
• Payment Method And Tax Witholding Options: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.PmtTaxInfo.MaintainPmtTaxInfo
• Notification Settings: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.Notification.Settings&CALLER=NAV
• CONNECT Determination, Pending Issue and Decision Summary: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.ClaimantIssueDeterminations
• CONNECT My 1099-Gs and 49Ts: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Payments.ViewAndRequest1099G
• CONNECT Workforce Registration Information: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Core/Navigate.aspx?Go=Benefits.Maintain.Workforce.WorkforceRegistration
• Workforce Registration: https://connect.myflorida.com/Claimant/Benefits/Maintain/Workforce/WorkforceSSO.aspx
• Instructions For Completing Full Work Registration: https://www.employflorida.com/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Work_Registration_Instructions.pdf
• Find a Florida CareerSource Center: http://www.floridajobs.org/onestop/onestopdi

FL UNEMPLOYMENT EXECUTIVE ORDER START AND EXPIRATION DATES

Work Search Requirements WAIVED - Started: March 29th, 2020 - Expires: September 5th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 15th - March 21st, March 22nd - March 28th] March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th, May 31st - June 6th, June 7th - June 13th, June 14th - June 20th, June 21st - June 27th, June 28th - July 4th, July 5th 0 July 11th, July 12th - July 18th, July 19th - July 25th, July 26th - August 1st, August 2nd - August 8th, August 9th - August 15th, August 16th - August 22nd, August 23rd - August 29th, August 30th - September 5th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on March 29th.
• When claiming weeks, you can say NO to Question #1 for all the weeks above. How to do the rest is in my Claiming Weekly Benefits section. Normally, you have to submit 5 job contacts per week.

Workforce Registration WAIVED - Started: March 29th, 2020 - Expires: September 5th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 15th - March 21st, March 22nd - March 28th] March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th, May 31st - June 6th, June 7th - June 13th, June 14th-June 20th, June 21st-June 27th, June 28th-July 4th, July 5th-July 11th, July 12th-July 18th, July 19th-July 25th, July 26th-August 1st, August 2nd - August 8th, August 9th - August 15th, August 16th - August 22nd, August 23rd - August 29th, August 30th - September 5th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on March 29th.
• You don't have to register on Employflorida.com for all the weeks above. Normally, you have to register.

Waiting Week WAIVED - Started: March 29, 2020 - Expires: September 5th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th, May 31st - June 6th, June 7th - June 13th, June 14th - June 20th, June 21st - June 27th, June 28th - July 4th, July 5th - July 11th, July 12th - July 18th, July 19th - July 25th, July 26th - August 1st, August 2nd - August 8th, August 9th - August 15th, August 16th - August 22nd, August 23rd - August 29th, August 30th - September 5th
• You'll get paid for your waiting week if it's within all the weeks above. Normally, you don't get paid for it.

EXPIRED - Certifying/Claiming Weeks WAIVED - Started: April 16th, 2020 - Expires: May 9th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th] April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on April 16th.
• You don't have to claim/certify weeks for all the weeks above. Normally, you claim/certify every two weeks for the previous two weeks.

AVAILABLE NOW - Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• Author Note: THIS IS AUTOMATIC. You DO NOT have to do anything. The payments may be a little delayed but you WILL GET them in the same method you chose to get unemployment. Your Payment History in CONNECT will not show these payments. YOU MUST GET AT LEAST $1.00 from regular unemployment OR PUA or PEUC to qualify for the $600 payment for that claimed week.
• Provides an additional $600 per week to any individual eligible under Florida law for Reemployment Assistance. This benefit is available for weeks claimed March 29, 2020 – July 31, 2020 in addition to the funds owed under Florida law to individuals.
• For every week you claim, you will receive your regular unemployment compensation + FPUC ($600) OR Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) + FPUC ($600) OR Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC - Additional 13 weeks) + FPUC ($600)
• This runs out like states above on July 31st, 2020. It doesn't matter if you got the full four months or the last two weeks in July; it still ends on that date.

AVAILABLE NOW - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• PUA CARES Act Process: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-cares-act-need-to-know-flowchart-042720.pdf?sfvrsn=a3b746b0_4
• Applying for PUA: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/applying-for-pua-and-faq-04-26-20.pdf?sfvrsn=84b746b0_2
• PUA Claimant Guide: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-claimant-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=c2b746b0_12
• COVID-19 Pandemic Scenarios & Benefits: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/covid-19-pandemic-scenarios-and-benefits-available-4-27-20.pdf?sfvrsn=98b746b0_4
• Watch PUA Video Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_gv5WTd7aU&feature=youtu.be
• PUA Guide Claiming Weeks: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-guide-claimaing-weeks.pdf?sfvrsn=638846b0_2
• Author Note: Please review the follow resources at the Source link above to see how to apply, etc.
• Provides up to $275 in weekly benefits to those not ordinarily eligible for Reemployment Assistance, in addition to the $600 FPUC funding. This includes individuals who are self-employed or contract employees. This also includes those that were ineligible for state unemployment benefits that are out of work because of COVID-19 related reasons, reduction in hours, etc.
• PUA is backdated to January 27th, 2020 or when your job became affected by COVID-19, whichever is sooner. PUA ends December 31st, 2020. I believe the duration is 39 weeks. *Proof of employment at the time of COVID-19 is required within 21 days of completing the PUA application. You can fax the required documents to 1-800-222-7934 or mail them to PUA Unit P.O. Box 5350 Tallahassee, FL 32314. Your personal income tax return (Federal Form 1040 and attachments) or other proof of employment (e.g. 1099) and wages you earned in calendar year 2019 may also be requested.

AVAILABLE NOW - Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• PEUC CARES Act Process: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/peuc-cares-act-need-to-know-flowchart.pdf?sfvrsn=a6dc46b0_2
• Applying For PEUC: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/applying-for-peuc.pdf?sfvrsn=5cdc46b0_2
• COVID-19 Pandemic Scenarios & Benefits: http://tstsitefinity.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/covid-19-pandemic-scenarios-and-benefits-available-4-27-20.pdf?sfvrsn=98b746b0_4
• PEUC Claimant Guide: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/peuc-filing-steps.pdf?sfvrsn=58dc46b0_4
• Author Note: See the above links for official information.
• Allows for an additional 13 weeks of benefits added to the end of state Reemployment Assistance benefits, in addition to the FPUC funding. This means claimants may collect unemployment benefits for a longer period of time than under normal circumstances. PEUC will provide individuals with up to $275 in weekly benefits + the $600 FPUC weekly benefit.
• Begins March 29th, 2020 and ends December 31, 2020. If your benefit year ended before July 1st, 2019... you're ineligible. If your benefit year didn't end yet, you're eligible whenever this begins.
• It will be back dated to March 29th, 2020 if it applies to your situation.

AVAILABLE - IRS.GOV $1200 Stimulus Checks Are GOING OUT!

• Source: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
• Follow the information on the page to see what applies to you.

USEFUL AND IMPORTANT UNEMPLOYMENT RELATED WEBSITES

• Florida Unemployment - File New Claim: https://fileaclaim.myflorida.com/
• Florida DEO CONNECT: https://connect.myflorida.com/
• FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centeunemployment/connect/english_external_guide_claimant.pdf?sfvrsn=e18878b0_2
• Florida FOOD BENEFITS: https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ - Everyone should apply even if you don't think you'd qualify.
• Florida DEO Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide - COVID-19: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centenew-individual-faq-includes-cares-act-final.pdf?sfvrsn=5f2547b0_38
• Florida DEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/FLDEO
• Florida DEO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/FLDEO
• Unemployment Subreddit: https://old.reddit.com/Unemployment
• Florida Unemployment - Chapter 443 - 2019 Florida Statutes: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2019/Chapter443

FILE YOUR CLAIM -- Filing Unemployment From Beginning To End

• Source: https://twitter.com/FLDEO/status/1254493599200395266/photo/1
• FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centeunemployment/connect/english_external_guide_claimant.pdf?sfvrsn=e18878b0_2
• Author Note: If you receive a notification in your Inbox or a letter in the mail, read every single word to see what it's asking you to do. When you look at your Inbox, hit SEARCH to see everything in it. The FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook will answer a lot of questions that I've linked above. Please read it. It's very thorough and you can look at the table of contents and CTRL+F to where you need to go.

File Your Claim

• Author Note: The best browser to use is Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. Be patient and let the pages load. If you have a CONNECT login, you can apply or re-apply for Reemployment Assistance on the left side of the home page once you login.
• To file or complete your Reemployment Assistance application, visit https://fileaclaim.myflorida.com/ .
• As an alternative, you can file and submit a paper application by mail. Please visit http://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Centereemployment-assistance/claimants/rapaperapplication for instructions on how to submit a paper application.
• Once you complete your paper or online application, FL DEO will send you a notification by e-mail or mail with directions explaining how to log on to CONNECT and proceed with your claim. If you filed through CONNECT, your application would go to the Verification step.
• PIN# Resets: IF YOU APPLIED ON NEW MOBILE WEBSITE, THEY'LL SEND YOU A LETTER AND/OR E-MAIL WITH ALL THIS INFORMATION ON HOW TO LOGIN. On the CONNECT site https://connect.myflorida.com, you can enter your Social Security Number OR Claimant Number and then hit Forgot PIN. This may allow you to reset it. If it doesn't, you can call these numbers: FL DEO Main Line (800) 204-2418 - normally very busy OR FL DEO (800) 297-0586 - hang up if the recording doesn't change, you'll know OR FL DEO (866) 352-2345 - Option #7.

Verification: Wages And Identity

• Author Note: Some may get a notice that says on the home page that it's unable to identify you but you shouldn't have to do anything, just wait and it'll resolve itself. If you get a FL DEO letter in the mail asking you to mail in identify verification; send a signed copy of your Social Security Card, valid Driver's License, and Birth Certificate to FL DEO Fax: ( 321) 332-6608 - AND/OR FL DEO E-mail: identityrequest@deo.myflorida.com also there was a number, not sure if it still works: FL DEO (888) 993-9713 that you can call.
• During the verification process, FL DEO will confirm your identity and investigate whether you have received wages from your previous employer. FL DEO will also check whether you filed an unemployment claim in another state.
• Note: A claim is "verified" when FL DEO has confirmed an individual's identity through the Social Security Administration and verified that the claimant (a) has received wages in Florida and (b) is not receiving wages in or from any other state.

Monetary Determination

• Author Note: If you file in January/February/March, they look at wages between October 2018 through September 2019. If you file in April/May/June, they look at wages between January 2019 through December 2019. The notice or letter will tell you how to APPEAL this determination and the amount of days you have to do so.
• Once your information is correct and FL DEO has verified your claim, FL DEO will determine if you are eligible to receive benefits and the amount you qualify to receive.
• FL DEO will notify you of your eligibility status and the amount of benefits you qualify to receive.
• In addition to FL DEO's notification, the CONNECT Inbox will provide information about FL DEO's determination on claimant eligibility.
• If a claimant or employer disagrees with FL DEO's determination of the employee's eligibility, the claimant or employer may appeal.

Claiming Weekly Benefits

• Author Note: You can check the status of your claimed weeks under View And Maintain Account Information, Weekly Benefit Details. The statuses are Hold (FL DEO has to manually push the payment through after researching information), Payable (this week is approved and the money is on the way), Waiting Week (You don't get paid for this normally), Disqualified (this usually happens if you made too much during a claimed week, answered the questions incorrectly, and a couple of other things)
• EXPIRED - Q: I heard week certification requirements “claiming weeks” are waived, what does that mean? A: In order to better serve you, Governor DeSantis suspended the bi-weekly reporting requirement. This means you do not have to log into CONNECT every two weeks to claim your weeks for Reemployment Assistance.
• Once your Monetary Determination is made and you are eligible for benefits, you will be required to login to CONNECT every two weeks to claim your two previous weeks in order to get payment. You will see a notice on the homepage when you can claim weeks and also when the next date is to claim your next two weeks.
• Depending on the answers you give; you'll either get paid quickly or there may be a hold put on your payment depending on what they need to investigate further in order to process your payments. They do this to ensure that you don't receive an over payment which you would have to pay back if they accidentally release a payment that you weren't qualified to receive.
• Author Note: Please answer these questions honestly. If you do not, you may have to pay back any unemployment that you received in which you shouldn't have because you didn't answer a question that pertains to your current situation. I'll describe each question and what it's asking.
  
• 1. Did you look for work? - If you say YES, you have to enter 5 job contacts per week you claim. If you say NO, this will have to manually reviewed. You CAN say NO for NOW, SEE BELOW
  
• Q: I heard work search requirements are waived, what does that mean?
  
• A: The work search requirement is waived for individuals requesting benefits for the weeks of March 15th, 2020 to September 5th, 2020. However, you must fulfill the work search requirements for any weeks prior to March 15th, 2020.
  
• When completing the request, you will be asked questions about your ability and availability to look for work and any work and earnings you had for the weeks in unemployment you are claiming. If you did not search for work due to the waiver in Emergency Order No. DEO 20-11, you may put “no” when asked if you looked for work that week. Then, proceed through to the next step in the request process. If you answered that you did not search for work, you will not be asked to complete a work search log. However, you will be asked additional questions that need to be answered to proceed to the next step in the request process. Example questions may include: why did you not search for work; did you not have transportation; did you not have child care; or were you out of the area? If you did search for work, you may be asked to complete a work search log.
  
• 2. Did you make an in-person contact at a CareerSource Center? - I say NO. I am unsure of this one. I think if you make 1 in-person contact, you may be able to avoid entering 5 job contacts? I'll have to find more information on this one.
  
• 3. Were you able and available to work if work had been offered? - Saying YES probably fits most people. If you say NO, this will flag your claim for that week and you'll have to give an explanation to FL DEO.
  
• 4. Did you refuse any offer of work or referral for work? - NO probably fits most people. If you say YES, you get flagged and have to give an explanation to FL DEO.
  
• 5. Did you work or earn any money? - If you earned wages/worked during the week you're claiming, say YES and enter the gross wages. Otherwise, say NO.
  
• 6. Did you receive or apply for income from any other sources that you have not previously reported to us? - This would be if you applied to Social Security, cashed out a 401K I believe and some other stuff; unsure of the scope. Most people say NO but definitely do YES if it applies to you.
  

Payments

• After you claim your weeks, you should receive your payment for the week within a few days. To check on the status of your claimed weeks and your payments, login to CONNECT, choose View And Maintain Account Information. Weekly Benefit Details will tell you the status of your claimed weeks. Payment History will tell you how much and where it went (Debit Card or Direct Deposit).
• I advise that you go to View And Maintain Account information and setup your taxes to be taken out. It's 10%. You don't want a surprise tax bill at the end of the year. You can also make changes to Direct Deposit through one of the links on that page.

Waiting Week

• Your first week that you claim is your waiting week. You never receive a payment for this week.
• EXPIRED - Q: I heard the waiting week for Reemployment Assistance has been waived, what does this mean?
• A: DEO recently announced the waiving of the requirement to wait a week to receive Reemployment Assistance benefits beginning March 29,2020 through September 5th, 2020. Previously, after your claim was filed and accepted, the state of Florida required that you go through a “waiting week” during which no benefits would be paid to you. The waiting week has been waived so eligible Floridians may receive the support they need to help recover from the current economic impacts of COVID-19.
• Waiving the waiting week means that you will be eligible for benefits for the first week of unemployment, which you would generally not otherwise be eligible for if not for the waiver. Your claim first needs to be processed before the waiting week can be paid to determine if you are eligible for those benefits. You also need to claim your first two weeks of benefits before this week may be paid.

Workforce Registration

• Workforce Registration Guide: https://www.employflorida.com/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Work_Registration_Instructions.pdf
• When you're in the CONNECT system, you have to do Workforce Registration. There should be a link for this that will give you instructions as well as lead you to the website to do it. Complete the steps to complete Workforce Registration.
• Q: I heard work registration requirements are waived, what does that mean?
• A: Individuals filing an application for benefits from March 15th, 2020 until September 5th, 2020, will not be required to complete the work registration in Employ Florida. Even though you may be prompted to register, and you may receive messages on screens in the CONNECT system, you do not need to complete the registration if your application is filed between March 15th, 2020 and August 1st, 2020. If you completed your application prior to March 15th, 2020, you must complete the online work registration.

FL DEO CONNECT Homepage When SIGNED IN

• Source: https://imgur.com/a/cS6Hb7k
• Effective Date: When you filed your unemployment application and also when your Benefit Year begins.
• Benefit Year End: It's one year from the Effective Date
• Claim Status: Active (you have an active claim, can't put in another application until benefit year runs out), Ineligible/Not Registered (allows you to put in another unemployment application), Inactive (you can re-open and claim weeks if you still have a balance)
• Weekly Benefit Amounts: Amount you'll receive each week.
• Balance: Amount of money left in your account to claim payments from.
• Monetary Status: Pending (FL DEO has to get to your application to determine wages), Eligible (FL DEO determined that you're qualified to receive benefits based on your wages. You'll see weekly benefit amount, maximum benefit amount, balance get updated), Ineligible (they send out a letter and/or notice in your inbox why you're ineligible, there are directions in the letter on how to appeal)
• Maximum Benefit Amount: The max balance that you qualify and will start with.
• Earnings Disregard:
• If the claimant’s gross earnings during a week are less than the Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA), the Earnings Disregard Amount (8 x Federal minimum wage) is subtracted from the earnings and the remainder is deducted from the WBA to determine the amount payable to the claimant.
• Example 1: Claimant WBA is $100, claimant gross earnings are $100. No payment is due to the claimant.
• Example 2: Claimant WBA is $100, claimant gross earnings are $98. Earnings disregard of $58 is deducted from $98, leaving $40 to be deducted from the claimant’s WBA. A payment of $60 will be issued to the claimant.
• Important Items: This will have any issues here for your account. Check your Inbox, click Search for Notices on any issues.
• Messages: When to claim your weeks, status updates about your application. Check your Inbox, click Search for Notices on any issues

New Post Has Been Made Due To The Amount Of Comments - Use Old Post For Reference, No New Comments Please

IMPORTANT NOTICE #1: YOU MUST CERTIFY WEEKS TO GET PAYMENT NOW STARTING THE WEEK OF MAY 10TH. You have until May 17th to certify the week of May 10th and then it should be back to the bi-weekly certification period where you certify the previous two weeks at a time, every two weeks.

IMPORTANT NOTICE #2: Request To Modify Claim (Application) Filing Effective Date: https://claimdate.myflorida.com/recertification - If you intend to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), you do not need to request a modification to your claim filing date. If you do request to backdate your application prior to April 5, 2020, pursuant to the requirements of the CARES Act, 20 C.F.R. 625.4, and section 443.036 F.S., you may be required to file another application before you can submit your PUA application. You can only change the claim to a date between March 9th, 2020 and April 9th, 2020.

IMPORTANT NOTICE #3: All regular Florida State unemployment claims will be back dated to March 9th, 2020 or forward depending on when you lost your job/furloughed because of the website issues. Don't back date your claim date if you intend to apply for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

IMPORTANT NOTICE #4: If you applied on April 4th, 2020 or before and are marked ineligible, you may be eligible for PUA, PLEASE FOLLOW THIS FLOW CHART: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-cares-act-need-to-know-flowchart-042720.pdf?sfvrsn=a3b746b0_4 and application is here: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act IF YOU'RE INELIGIBLE AGAIN AFTER RE-APPLYING, THE PUA LINK WILL SHOW UP 24-48 HOURS LATER TO SIGN UP FOR IT.

IMPORTANT NOTICE #5: If your Claim Status is Inactive and Monetary Status is Eligible, it did this because weeks weren't claimed. Supposedly FL DEO is fixing this. You probably should wait for more information or let them do their magic. It's an error that happened because they waived claiming weeks.

FL UNEMPLOYMENT EXECUTIVE ORDER START AND EXPIRATION DATES

Work Search Requirements - Started: March 29th, 2020 - Expires: May 30th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 15th - March 21st, March 22nd - March 28th] March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on March 29th.
• When claiming weeks, you can say NO to Question #1 for all the weeks above. How to do the rest is in my Claiming Weekly Benefits section. Normally, you have to submit 5 job contacts per week.

Workforce Registration - Started: March 29th, 2020 - Expires: May 30th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 15th - March 21st, March 22nd - March 28th] March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th, May 10th - May 16th, May 17th - May 23rd, May 24th - May 30th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on March 29th.
• You don't have to register on Employflorida.com for all the weeks above. Normally, you have to register.

EXPIRED - Waiting Week - Started: March 29, 2020 - Expires: May 9th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th, April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th
• You'll get paid for your waiting week if it's within all the weeks above. Normally, you don't get paid for it.

EXPIRED - Certifying/Claiming Weeks - Started: April 16th, 2020 - Expires: May 9th, 2020

• Claimed Weeks Affected: [March 29th - April 4th, April 5th - April 11th] April 12th - April 18th, April 19th - April 25th, April 26th - May 2nd, May 3rd - May 9th
• [ Date Range in brackets ] represents weeks for those that had an existing unemployment claim on April 16th.
• You don't have to claim/certify weeks for all the weeks above. Normally, you claim/certify every two weeks for the previous two weeks.

AVAILABLE NOW - Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• Author Note: THIS IS AUTOMATIC. You DO NOT have to do anything. The payments may be a little delayed but you WILL GET them in the same method you chose to get unemployment. Your Payment History in CONNECT will not show these payments. YOU MUST GET AT LEAST $1.00 from regular unemployment OR PUA or PEUC to qualify for the $600 payment for that claimed week.
• Provides an additional $600 per week to any individual eligible under Florida law for Reemployment Assistance. This benefit is available for weeks claimed March 29, 2020 – July 31, 2020 in addition to the funds owed under Florida law to individuals.
• For every week you claim, you will receive your regular unemployment compensation + FPUC ($600) OR Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) + FPUC ($600) OR Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC - Additional 13 weeks) + FPUC ($600)
• This runs out like states above on July 31st, 2020. It doesn't matter if you got the full four months or the last two weeks in July; it still ends on that date.

AVAILABLE NOW - Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• PUA CARES Act Process: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-cares-act-need-to-know-flowchart-042720.pdf?sfvrsn=a3b746b0_4
• Applying for PUA: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/applying-for-pua-and-faq-04-26-20.pdf?sfvrsn=84b746b0_2
• PUA Claimant Guide: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/pua-claimant-guide.pdf?sfvrsn=c2b746b0_12
• COVID-19 Pandemic Scenarios & Benefits: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centecares-act/covid-19-pandemic-scenarios-and-benefits-available-4-27-20.pdf?sfvrsn=98b746b0_4
• Author Note: Please review the follow resources at the Source link above to see how to apply, etc.
• Provides up to $275 in weekly benefits to those not ordinarily eligible for Reemployment Assistance, in addition to the FPUC funding. This includes individuals who are self-employed or contract employees. This also includes those that were ineligible for state unemployment benefits that are out of work because of COVID-19 related reasons, reduction in hours, etc.
• PUA is backdated to January 27th, 2020 or when your job became affected by COVID-19, whichever is sooner. PUA ends December 31st, 2020. I believe the duration is 39 weeks.

NOT AVAILABLE - Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

• Source: http://www.floridajobs.org/cares-act
• Author Note: FLORIDA DEO is currently working on making this available to all those that are currently exhausted with a benefit year that hasn't ended yet.
• Allows for an additional 13 weeks of benefits added to the end of state Reemployment Assistance benefits, in addition to the FPUC funding. This means claimants may collect unemployment benefits for a longer period of time than under normal circumstances. PEUC will provide individuals with up to $275 in weekly benefits.
• Begins March 29th, 2020 and ends December 31, 2020. If your benefit year ended before July 1st, 2019... you're ineligible. If your benefit year didn't end yet, you're eligible whenever this begins.
• It will be back dated to March 29th, 2020.

AVAILABLE - IRS.GOV $1200 Stimulus Checks Are GOING OUT!

• Source: https://www.irs.gov/coronavirus/economic-impact-payments
• Follow the information on the page to see what applies to you.

USEFUL AND IMPORTANT UNEMPLOYMENT RELATED WEBSITES

• Florida Unemployment - File New Claim: https://fileaclaim.myflorida.com/
• Florida DEO CONNECT: https://connect.myflorida.com/
• FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centeunemployment/connect/english_external_guide_claimant.pdf?sfvrsn=e18878b0_2
• Florida FOOD BENEFITS: https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/ - Everyone should apply even if you don't think you'd qualify.
• Florida DEO Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide - COVID-19: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centenew-individual-faq-includes-cares-act-final.pdf?sfvrsn=5f2547b0_38
• Florida DEO Twitter: https://twitter.com/FLDEO
• Florida DEO Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/FLDEO
• Unemployment Subreddit: https://old.reddit.com/Unemployment
• Florida Unemployment - Chapter 443 - 2019 Florida Statutes: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2019/Chapter443

FILE YOUR CLAIM -- Filing Unemployment From Beginning To End

• Source: https://twitter.com/FLDEO/status/1254493599200395266/photo/1
• FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook: http://floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/reemployment-assistance-centeunemployment/connect/english_external_guide_claimant.pdf?sfvrsn=e18878b0_2
• Author Note: If you receive a notification in your Inbox or a letter in the mail, read every single word to see what it's asking you to do. When you look at your Inbox, hit SEARCH to see everything in it. The FL DEO CONNECT Claimant Handbook will answer a lot of questions that I've linked above. Please read it. It's very thorough and you can look at the table of contents and CTRL+F to where you need to go.

File Your Claim

• Author Note: The best browser to use is Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer. Be patient and let the pages load. If you have a CONNECT login, you can apply or re-apply for Reemployment Assistance on the left side of the home page once you login.
• To file or complete your Reemployment Assistance application, visit https://fileaclaim.myflorida.com/ .
• As an alternative, you can file and submit a paper application by mail. Please visit http://floridajobs.org/Reemployment-Assistance-Service-Centereemployment-assistance/claimants/rapaperapplication for instructions on how to submit a paper application.
• Once you complete your paper or online application, FL DEO will send you a notification by e-mail or mail with directions explaining how to log on to CONNECT and proceed with your claim. If you filed through CONNECT, your application would go to the Verification step.
• PIN# Resets: IF YOU APPLIED ON NEW MOBILE WEBSITE, THEY'LL SEND YOU A LETTER AND/OR E-MAIL WITH ALL THIS INFORMATION ON HOW TO LOGIN. On the CONNECT site https://connect.myflorida.com, you can enter your Social Security Number OR Claimant Number and then hit Forgot PIN. This may allow you to reset it. If it doesn't, you can call these numbers: FL DEO Main Line (800) 204-2418 - normally very busy OR FL DEO (800) 297-0586 - hang up if the recording doesn't change, you'll know OR FL DEO (866) 352-2345 - Option #7.

Verification: Wages And Identity

• Author Note: Some may get a notice that says on the home page that it's unable to identify you but you shouldn't have to do anything, just wait and it'll resolve itself. If you get a FL DEO letter in the mail asking you to mail in identify verification; send a signed copy of your Social Security Card, valid Driver's License, and Birth Certificate to FL DEO Fax: ( 321) 332-6608 - AND/OR FL DEO E-mail: identityrequest@deo.myflorida.com also there was a number, not sure if it still works: FL DEO (888) 993-9713 that you can call.
• During the verification process, FL DEO will confirm your identity and investigate whether you have received wages from your previous employer. FL DEO will also check whether you filed an unemployment claim in another state.
• Note: A claim is "verified" when FL DEO has confirmed an individual's identity through the Social Security Administration and verified that the claimant (a) has received wages in Florida and (b) is not receiving wages in or from any other state.

Monetary Determination

• Author Note: If you file in January/February/March, they look at wages between October 2018 through September 2019. If you file in April/May/June, they look at wages between January 2019 through December 2019. The notice or letter will tell you how to APPEAL this determination and the amount of days you have to do so.
• Once your information is correct and FL DEO has verified your claim, FL DEO will determine if you are eligible to receive benefits and the amount you qualify to receive.
• FL DEO will notify you of your eligibility status and the amount of benefits you qualify to receive.
• In addition to FL DEO's notification, the CONNECT Inbox will provide information about FL DEO's determination on claimant eligibility.
• If a claimant or employer disagrees with FL DEO's determination of the employee's eligibility, the claimant or employer may appeal.

Claiming Weekly Benefits

• Author Note: You can check the status of your claimed weeks under View And Maintain Account Information, Weekly Benefit Details. The statuses are Hold (FL DEO has to manually push the payment through after researching information), Payable (this week is approved and the money is on the way), Waiting Week (You don't get paid for this normally), Disqualified (this usually happens if you made too much during a claimed week, answered the questions incorrectly, and a couple of other things)
• EXPIRED - Q: I heard week certification requirements “claiming weeks” are waived, what does that mean? A: In order to better serve you, Governor DeSantis suspended the bi-weekly reporting requirement. This means you do not have to log into CONNECT every two weeks to claim your weeks for Reemployment Assistance.
• Once your Monetary Determination is made and you are eligible for benefits, you will be required to login to CONNECT every two weeks to claim your two previous weeks in order to get payment. You will see a notice on the homepage when you can claim weeks and also when the next date is to claim your next two weeks.
• Depending on the answers you give; you'll either get paid quickly or there may be a hold put on your payment depending on what they need to investigate further in order to process your payments. They do this to ensure that you don't receive an overpayment which you would have to pay back if they accidentally release a payment that you weren't qualified to receive.
• Author Note: Please answer these questions honestly. If you do not, you may have to pay back any unemployment that you received in which you shouldn't have because you didn't answer a question that pertains to your current situation. I'll describe each question and what it's asking.
  
• 1. Did you look for work? - If you say YES, you have to enter 5 job contacts per week you claim. If you say NO, this will have to manually reviewed. You CAN say NO for NOW, SEE BELOW
  
• Q: I heard work search requirements are waived, what does that mean?
  
• A: The work search requirement is waived for individuals requesting benefits for the weeks of March 15th, 2020 to May 30th, 2020. However, you must fulfill the work search requirements for any weeks prior to March 15th, 2020.
  
• When completing the request, you will be asked questions about your ability and availability to look for work and any work and earnings you had for the weeks in unemployment you are claiming. If you did not search for work due to the waiver in Emergency Order No. DEO 20-11, you may put “no” when asked if you looked for work that week. Then, proceed through to the next step in the request process. If you answered that you did not search for work, you will not be asked to complete a work search log. However, you will be asked additional questions that need to be answered to proceed to the next step in the request process. Example questions may include: why did you not search for work; did you not have transportation; did you not have child care; or were you out of the area? If you did search for work, you may be asked to complete a work search log.
  
• 2. Did you make an in-person contact at a CareerSource Center? - I say NO. I am unsure of this one. I think if you make 1 in-person contact, you may be able to avoid entering 5 job contacts? I'll have to find more information on this one.
  
• 3. Were you able and available to work if work had been offered? - Saying YES probably fits most people. If you say NO, this will flag your claim for that week and you'll have to give an explanation to FL DEO.
  
• 4. Did you refuse any offer of work or referral for work? - NO probably fits most people. If you say YES, you get flagged and have to give an explanation to FL DEO.
  
• 5. Did you work or earn any money? - If you earned wages/worked during the week you're claiming, say YES and enter the gross wages. Otherwise, say NO.
  
• 6. Did you receive or apply for income from any other sources that you have not previously reported to us? - This would be if you applied to Social Security, cashed out a 401K I believe and some other stuff; unsure of the scope. Most people say NO but definitely do YES if it applies to you.
  

Payments

• After you claim your weeks, you should receive your payment for the week within a few days. To check on the status of your claimed weeks and your payments, login to CONNECT, choose View And Maintain Account Information. Weekly Benefit Details will tell you the status of your claimed weeks. Payment History will tell you how much and where it went (Debit Card or Direct Deposit).
• I advise that you go to View And Maintain Account information and setup your taxes to be taken out. It's 10%. You don't want a surprise tax bill at the end of the year. You can also make changes to Direct Deposit through one of the links on that page.

Waiting Week

• Your first week that you claim is your waiting week. You never receive a payment for this week.
• EXPIRED - Q: I heard the waiting week for Reemployment Assistance has been waived, what does this mean?
• A: DEO recently announced the waiving of the requirement to wait a week to receive Reemployment Assistance benefits beginning March 29,2020 through May 9, 2020. Previously, after your claim was filed and accepted, the state of Florida required that you go through a “waiting week” during which no benefits would be paid to you. The waiting week has been waived so eligible Floridians may receive the support they need to help recover from the current economic impacts of COVID-19.
• Waiving the waiting week means that you will be eligible for benefits for the first week of unemployment, which you would generally not otherwise be eligible for if not for the waiver. Your claim first needs to be processed before the waiting week can be paid to determine if you are eligible for those benefits. You also need to claim your first two weeks of benefits before this week may be paid.

Workforce Registration

• Workforce Registration Guide: https://www.employflorida.com/admin/gsipub/htmlarea/uploads/Work_Registration_Instructions.pdf
• When you're in the CONNECT system, you have to do Workforce Registration. There should be a link for this that will give you instructions as well as lead you to the website to do it. Complete the steps to complete Workforce Registration.
• Q: I heard work registration requirements are waived, what does that mean?
• A: Individuals filing an application for benefits from March 15th, 2020 until May 30th, 2020, will not be required to complete the work registration in Employ Florida. Even though you may be prompted to register, and you may receive messages on screens in the CONNECT system, you do not need to complete the registration if your application is filed between March 15th, 2020 and May 30th, 2020. If you completed your application prior to March 15th, 2020, you must complete the online work registration.

FL DEO CONNECT Homepage When SIGNED IN

• Source: https://imgur.com/a/cS6Hb7k
• Effective Date: When you filed your unemployment application and also when your Benefit Year begins.
• Benefit Year End: It's one year from the Effective Date
• Claim Status: Active (you have an active claim, can't put in another application until benefit year runs out), Ineligible/Not Registered (allows you to put in another unemployment application), Inactive (you can re-open and claim weeks if you still have a balance)
• Weekly Benefit Amounts: Amount you'll receive each week.
• Balance: Amount of money left in your account to claim payments from.
• Monetary Status: Pending (FL DEO has to get to your application to determine wages), Eligible (FL DEO determined that you're qualified to receive benefits based on your wages. You'll see weekly benefit amount, maximum benefit amount, balance get updated), Ineligible (they send out a letter and/or notice in your inbox why you're ineligible, there are directions in the letter on how to appeal)
• Maximum Benefit Amount: The max balance that you qualify and will start with.
• Earnings Disregard: $58.00 (You can make up to Weekly Benefit Amount - $1.00 + $58.00 to still get at least $1.00 from unemployment. (For example if your weekly benefit amount is $275 the formula is $275 - $1.00 + $58.00 = $332)
• Important Items: This will have any issues here for your account. Check your Inbox, click Search for Notices on any issues.
• Messages: When to claim your weeks, status updates about your application. Check your Inbox, click Search for Notices on any issues