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2012

January 9, 2012

An Executive Order allowing Florida’s unemployed workers continued access to full federal funding for Extended Benefits (EB) is issued.

Extended Benefits (EB) - Florida’s EB period was scheduled to end on January 7, 2012. Since Florida must be in an EB period for eligible Floridians to receive payments, an Executive Order authorizing Floridians who qualify to receive those benefits was issued.  The Executive Order allows Florida’s unemployed workers continued access to full federal funding for the Extended Benefits (EB) program.

The last date to establish an EB claim is the week beginning March 4, 2012.  All entitlement to regular benefits and EUC benefits must be exhausted by the week ending March 3, 2012 to establish EB entitlement. 

To receive EB claimants must complete an application on the department’s Internet site.  Individuals previously approved for EB whose payments have lapsed will receive benefits retroactive to January 7, 2012.

EB is payable to individuals that have exhausted all entitlement to regular state benefits on their current claims and have used all Emergency Unemployment Compensation available under federal law.

The last week that EB benefits can be paid is the week ending March 10, 2012 (Even if you have a remaining EB balance). To qualify to receive EB an EB claim must be established no later than March 4, 2012. However, individuals establishing an EB claim effective March 4, 2012 will only be able to receive one week of EB regardless of their EB entitlement.

Important Facts:

• No new tiers of benefits were created.
• The department will notify potentially eligible customers of both programs by mail with instructions on how to receive benefits.

January 4, 2012

Important Information on the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program, Extended Benefits (EB) program, and Duration of Benefits law changes effective January 1, 2012

On December 23, 2011, federal legislation was signed into law allowing a two-month extension of the eligibility dates for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC).

Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) - The new federal law extends the deadline for establishing eligibility in the EUC program, to the week beginning February 26, 2012, and extends the phase-out date for the program to the week ending August 18, 2012.  Four tiers of federal EUC benefits remain available to eligible beneficiaries:

Tier I: Under this new law, unemployed workers currently receiving benefits from their regular state claims have until week ending February 25, 2012 to exhaust their state benefits and establish eligibility for EUC Tier I, which provides up to an additional 20 weeks of benefits.  

Tiers II, III, and IV: Unemployed workers currently receiving benefits on EUC Tiers I, II and III, can now qualify for the next level of benefits if their current tier is exhausted by the week ending March 3, 2012. EUC Tier II provides up to 14 weeks of benefits and Tier III provides up to 13 weeks of additional benefits. Tier IV provides up to 6 (six) additional weeks of benefits.

Those who will exhaust EUC Tiers I, II, and III between now and the week ending March 3, 2012 will be automatically enrolled in the next level of benefits.

Those who received a final payment notice for regular, EUC Tier I, II or III will be automatically enrolled in the next level of EUC and should be able to begin certifying for the additional benefits during their regular claim reporting cycle. 

Customers are encouraged to check their claims online to determine if they have weeks available to claim.

Extended Benefits (EB) - Extended Benefits (EB) – To qualify to receive EB benefits under current state law you must establish an EB claim no later than January 1, 2012.  The last week that EB benefits can be paid is January 7, 2012. 

Important Facts:

• No new tiers of benefits were created.
• The department will notify those who are potentially eligible of both programs by mail with instructions on how to receive benefits.

Duration of Benefits - For all claims filed on or after January 1, 2012, the duration of benefits adjusts from the current maximum of 26 weeks to a range of 12 to 23 weeks, based upon the average unemployment rate in Florida for the three months ending September 30 of the prior year.

The maximum weekly benefit amount will remain at $275.

The Department of Economic Opportunity’s Labor Market Statistics Program determined that the average unemployment rate in Florida during the quarter ending September 30, 2011 was 10.7 percent.  Because of this determination, the maximum available credits for claims established in 2012 are lowered from $7,150 to $6,325 (Max WBA X 23 weeks).

2011

November 23, 2011
Important Information on Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and Extended Benefits (EB) programs

Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) – The last week that EUC benefits can be paid is June 9, 2012.

• Tier I: To qualify to receive Tier I of EUC benefits you must exhaust your regular state claim no later than December 24, 2011.
• Tiers II, III, and IV: To qualify to receive Tier II, Tier III or Tier IV of EUC benefits you must exhaust the prior tier no later than December 31, 2011.

Extended Benefits (EB) – The last week that EB benefits can be paid is January 7, 2012.  To qualify to receive EB benefits you must establish an EB claim no later than January 1, 2012.

If EUC or EB programs are extended or the US Congress approves a new program, this department will notify individuals whose claims have the potential for eligibility according to any new requirements established by federal law.   We will take appropriate action to ensure benefits are provided to those who qualify.

On October 1, 2011, the Unemployment Compensation Program was transferred to the Department of Economic Opportunity, Division of Workforce Services. When this transfer occurred the Agency for Workforce Innovation ceased to exist. With the exception of the name change, our services and contact information remain the same.

July 1, 2011
Unemployment Compensation Hotline Hours

The Department of Economic Opportunity’s Unemployment Compensation Hotline hours of operation can be found here. Online service is available 24/7 at Unemployment Compensation Benefits Center.

June 27, 2011
Changes to Unemployment Compensation Law

Legislation signed today will improve the accountability and efficiency of Florida’s unemployment compensation system. This new law enacts several changes, which will take effect over the next several months: 

Effective upon becoming law

Misconduct – Under the new law, misconduct is defined as any action that demonstrates conscious disregard of an employer’s interests and is found to be a deliberate disregard or violation of reasonable standards of behavior, and may include activities that did not occur at the workplace or during working hours.

Examples of misconduct which can result in a denial of benefits can include:

• Chronic absenteeism or tardiness;
• Willful and deliberate violation of a standard or regulation which would jeopardize the employer’s Florida license or certification;
• Violation of an employer’s rules under certain circumstances.

Effective July 1, 2011

Benefit Payments – Claimants receiving benefits by paper check as of July 1, 2011 may continue to do so until the end of their claims. Claimants whose claims were filed after July 1, 2011 must select payments via Florida Unemployment Compensation Debit Card or direct deposit to their bank account.

Effective August 1, 2011

Online Filing and Certification of Weeks – Initial and continued claims must be filed online. The change will improve government efficiency and provide a projected $4.7 million savings annually in administrative costs. DEO’s unemployment compensation hotline will still be available to answer questions about the filing process.

Work Search – Claimants are required on a weekly basis to contact five potential employers and provide this information online during their bi-weekly certification for benefits. A quick, efficient way to contact employers is by using the Employ Florida Marketplace at Employ Florida Marketplace, the state’s online job matching system where you can search thousands of job postings and apply for jobs.

If a claimant is not able to make at least five employer contacts in a week, meeting with a representative at the local One-Stop Career Center for reemployment services may satisfy this requirement for that week.

Skills Review – In order to receive benefits, claimants filing new claims must complete an initial skills review over the Internet. The results of the review will be used by local One-Stop Career Centers to assist claimants with job searches.

Severance Pay – If a claimant’s severance pay per week is equal to or greater than the claimant’s weekly benefit amount, the claimant is not entitled to benefits for that week. Severance pay does not impact the total amount of benefits that can be paid on the claim.

Effective January 1, 2012

Duration of Benefits  

• For all claims filed on or after January 1, 2012, the duration of benefits adjusts from the current maximum of 26 weeks to a range of 12 to 23 weeks, based upon the average unemployment rate in Florida for the third calendar quarter of the previous year.
• For example, the maximum number of weeks for 2012 will be based on the average unemployment rate in Florida for July, August and September 2011.
• When the average unemployment rate is 5 percent or less, the maximum duration of benefits will be 12 weeks.
• For each half-percent increase in the average unemployment rate, an additional week is added to the total available weeks beginning January 1 of the following calendar year.
• Should the average unemployment rate reach 10.5 percent or higher, a maximum of 23 weeks would be payable on a claim established during the following calendar year.

This change is projected to save the state’s Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund an estimated $103 million annually. 

April 21, 2011
Changes to Payment Methods

Please be advised that unemployment compensation benefits will no longer be placed on pre-paid debit cards for claimants who have chosen the direct deposit method of payment.

If your payments are currently being placed on a pre-paid debit card, your existing direct deposit information will be deleted. You will be prompted to enter the routing number of a qualified bank account and you will receive payments by warrant in the mail until you provide a qualified bank routing number.

You may also choose to switch your method of payment to a secure Unemployment Compensation Debit Card. More information on the secure Unemployment Compensation Debit Card, see Debit Card FAQs.

March 24, 2011
Unemployment Compensation Work Search Recommendations

As an Unemployment Compensation claimant, Florida law requires you to actively seek work when claiming benefits.

The department recommends that you contact at least five potential employers each week.

You are also required to maintain a record of your work search contacts. The record should include the name, address and telephone number of the potential employer, the date of the contact and the method of contact.

You may be contacted by the department for a work search review at any time, so please always be prepared to provide information about your work search efforts for the last four weeks and answer questions about your availability for reemployment.

If you are selected for a work search review and are unable to verify your work search efforts, your benefits payments may be suspended.

February 10, 2011
Florida Unemployment Compensation Debit Card Available 
 

The Agency for Workforce Innovation now provides a debit card option to access unemployment compensation benefits in addition to the options of direct deposit or paper check. 

• For those choosing debit cards, weekly payments are loaded onto the Visa-branded card, which can then be used to make purchases or to withdraw funds from an ATM.

• Customers are able to use the new debit card free of charge at thousands of ATMs and retailers across the state:

• In-network ATMs include Wachovia/Wells Fargo and MoneyPass.  More than 1,800 in-network ATMs are located statewide.
• The debit card can be used anywhere Visa-branded debit cards are accepted, including grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, doctors’ offices and online retailers.  Cardholders can also receive cash back on purchases at no additional charge. 

• Benefits include:

• Cardholders receive money faster (one to four days sooner than direct deposit or paper check).
• Additional safety and security.
• Convenience.

• Cardholders can review account transactions and balance online 24/7 or call 888-898-3584 for assistance; five free calls are provided per month.

2010

December 22, 2010
Important Information for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and Extended Benefits (EB) Customers About Claiming Weeks

EUC

• Beneficiaries who believe they may be eligible for EUC benefits may begin certifying for benefits as early as Wednesday, December 22, 2010.  
• EUC beneficiaries may certify at www.floridajobs.org or by calling (800) 204-2418.

EB

• Beneficiaries who believe they may be eligible for EB may begin certifying for benefits as early as early as Thursday, December 23, 2010.
• EB beneficiaries may only certify online at www.floridajobs.org or by mail using the Weekly Claim Certification form you will receive every two weeks from the Department of Economic Opportunity.

December 17, 2010
President Signs Extension of Federally Funded Unemployment Compensation Programs, Governor Issues Executive Order

Today President Obama signed into law an extension of the eligibility dates for the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) and Extended Benefits (EB) programs by approximately 13 months. The agency anticipates beginning to pay benefits for both programs next week.

Extended Benefits (EB) - Florida’s EB period ended on December 4, 2010. Since Florida must be in an EB period for eligible Floridians to receive payments, Governor Charlie Crist signed an Executive Order authorizing Floridians who qualify to receive those benefits.  Qualifying individuals will receive the benefits retroactive to December 4 if their benefits lapsed.

The EB program pays up to 20 weeks of additional benefits to individuals who previously exhausted the up-to-79 weeks of regular state and federal EUC benefits. DEO estimates the Governor’s Executive Order will result in an additional $650 million in benefit payments for long-term unemployed Floridians.  The new law provides an extension of full federal funding for EB through January 7, 2012.

Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) - The new federal law also extends the deadline for establishing eligibility in the federal EUC program by approximately 13 months, retroactive to November 2010, and extends the phase-out date for the program to June 9, 2012.  Four tiers of federal EUC benefits remain available to eligible beneficiaries:

• Tier I: Under this new law, unemployed workers currently receiving benefits from their regular state claims have until December 24, 2011 to exhaust their state benefits and establish eligibility for EUC Tier I, which provides up to an additional 20 weeks of benefits.  

• Tiers II and III: Unemployed workers currently receiving benefits on EUC Tiers I, II, or III can now qualify for the next level of benefits if their current tier is exhausted by December 31, 2011.  EUC Tier II provides up to 14 weeks of benefits and Tier III provides up to 13 weeks of additional benefits. 

• Tier IV: Those who exhaust Tier III benefits by December 31, 2011 can establish eligibility for Tier IV benefits, which provides up to 6 additional weeks of benefits.
   
• Those who will exhaust EUC Tiers I, II, and III between now and the dates provided above will be automatically enrolled in the next level of benefits.

• Those who received a final payment notice for regular, EUC Tier I, II, or III will be automatically enrolled in the next level of EUC and should be able to begin certifying for the additional benefits during their regular claim reporting cycle.  Some customers will be able to claim weeks of unemployment as soon as next week.

Customers are encouraged to check their claims online or by calling the agency’s toll-free number (800-204-2418) to determine if they have weeks available to claim.

Important Facts:

• No new tiers of benefits were created.
• The department will notify potentially eligible customers of both programs by mail with instructions on how to receive benefits

December 14, 2010
Update-DEO Monitoring Proposed Extension

The department continues to monitor the status of legislation in Congress (HR 4853) that would extend the deadline for establishing eligibility in the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program by approximately 13 months. This latest proposal would be retroactive to November, and extends the phase-out date for the program to June 9, 2012.

For customers to continue to receive Extended Benefits (EB), Florida must be in an EB period, which ended on December 4. Action is required by the Florida Legislature and/or the Governor to extend Florida’s EB period.

A final vote on the legislation could come this week. If the legislation becomes law, the department will mail notices of the new eligibility dates to potentially eligible beneficiaries. 

Updated December 8, 2010 – 4:10 p.m.
AWI Monitoring Proposed Extension

President Obama addressed the nation this week on topics including a potential extension of Unemployment Compensation benefits.

There are several proposals under consideration by Congress to extend the qualifying deadlines for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) for varying lengths of time.  It is not clear at this time which proposal leadership will agree to enact and send to the president. 

If an EUC extension is passed, customers who exhaust their entitlement to regular state benefits may be eligible to receive EUC, or if they have not yet exhausted all four tiers of EUC, they may be able to establish eligibility for the next tier when their current tier is exhausted.

For customers to continue to receive Extended Benefits (EB), Florida must be in an EB period, which ended on December 4. If full federal funding for EB is contained in the final legislation, it would take action by the Florida Legislature and/or the Governor to extend Florida’s EB period.

We will continue to closely monitor these details and will post updates to this site as they become available.

November 8, 2010
Important Dates for Unemployment Compensation Beneficiaries

Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC)

• November 20, 2010 – Under current federal law, customers receiving regular state unemployment benefits must exhaust those benefits by the week ending November 20, 2010 to be eligible for additional federal EUC benefits.
  
  
• November 27, 2010 - Under current federal law, customers already receiving federal EUC benefits may be eligible for the next tier (EUC Tiers II, III, or IV) provided their previous tier is exhausted by the week ending November 27, 2010. 
  
  
• November 28, 2010 - Under current federal law, whichever tier EUC customers are in as of November 28, 2010 will be the final tier for which they will qualify.  While EUC customers will be allowed to complete their current tier, they will not be able to advance to the next tier.
  
  
• April 30, 2011 - Under current federal law, EUC benefits will not be paid after the week ending April 30, 2011.
  
  
• At this time, no additional EUC benefits have been enacted by Congress.  Only the federal government can extend the EUC program.
  
  
• The Agency for Workforce Innovation will notify customers by mail when they receive their final EUC payments.

Extended Benefits (EB)

• November 27, 2010 - Under current law, customers who exhaust all entitlement to regular state benefits and EUC by the week ending November 27, 2010 can establish eligibility for EB.

• December 4, 2010 – Due to federal funding limitations, Extended Benefits (EB) will no longer be paid after the week ending December 4, 2010.  Amounts remaining on customers’ EB accounts beyond the week ending December 4 will no longer be payable.

• The Agency for Workforce Innovation will notify customers by mail when they receive their final EB payments. 

Federal Additional Compensation (FAC)

• December 11, 2010 - Under current federal law, FAC (the additional $25 weekly benefits) will not be paid after the week ending December 11, 2010.
  
  
• The Agency for Workforce Innovation will notify customers by mail when they receive their final FAC payments. 

August 9, 2010
Many EUC Customers Can Begin Claiming Weeks; EB Customers Can Begin Claiming August 10 

Starting today, August 9, many Floridians whose Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits have lapsed can begin claiming retroactive weeks of benefits under the new federal law that extends eligibility deadlines.

Since claims for customers whose benefits had lapsed will be entered into the system incrementally and processed each day, the agency suggests customers should check the status of their claim once per day starting today, August 9.  You may claim your weeks once your claim has been updated to show you that weeks are available.  There is no need to check more than once per day since each day’s claims are updated overnight.

Customers who are eligible for Extended Benefits (EB) can begin claiming retroactive weeks starting tomorrow, August 10.  EB weeks must be certified online or by mail using the application you will receive from the agency.

• Certifying online at https://www2.myflorida.com/flccid/ is the quickest and most efficient way to process claims.
• For EUC customers who do not have Internet access, the UC hotline - (800) 204-2418 – is available Monday-Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call volume tends to be lighter later in the week.
• AWI is in the process of notifying all potentially eligible customers by mail of their status and next steps to receive benefits. 

EUC

• Tier I: Under the new law, unemployed workers receiving benefits from their regular state claims have until November 20, 2010 to exhaust their state benefits and establish eligibility for EUC Tier I, which provides up to an additional 20 weeks of benefits.  
• Tiers II and III: Unemployed workers currently receiving benefits on EUC Tiers I, II, or III may qualify for the next level of benefits if their current tier is exhausted by November 27, 2010.  EUC Tier II provides up to 14 weeks of benefits and Tier III provides up to 13 weeks of additional benefits. 
• Tier IV: Those who exhaust Tier III benefits by November 27, 2010 could establish eligibility for Tier IV benefits, which provides up to 6 additional weeks of benefits.  
• Those who received a final payment notice for regular, EUC Tier I, II, or III will receive a wage determination letter in the mail and will automatically be enrolled in the next level of EUC.  Customers should be able to begin certifying for the additional benefits this week and will be paid retroactively.
• Those who will exhaust EUC Tiers I, II, and III between July 22, 2010 and November 27, 2010 will be automatically enrolled in the next level of benefits.  They will receive a wage determination letter in the mail and can continue claiming weeks.
• Customers can be paid EUC until April 30, 2011.

EB

• The EB program pays up to 20 weeks of additional benefits to individuals who have no further entitlement to regular or EUC benefits if the state is in an extended benefits period. 
• Governor Crist’s Executive Order allows eligible Floridians to receive EB payments through December 4, 2010.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The new law does not create any additional tiers of benefits.
• Customers who are potentially eligible for additional benefits will be notified by mail and can begin certifying for weeks starting this week.

August 6, 2010
AWI Issues Guidelines for Customers Receiving Unemployment Compensation Extensions

Today the agency provided guidelines for EB and EUC customers who are receiving benefit extensions. 

July 6, 2010
USDOL Posts EUC Fact Sheet

The U.S. Department of Labor has posted a fact sheet concerning the current status of the Emergency Unemployment Compensation program at the following website:  http://www.unemploymentinsurance.doleta.gov/unemploy/supp_act.asp.

June 25, 2010
EUC Legislation Still Pending

As of June 24, 2010, the U.S. Senate has not passed legislation extending the dates for the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program.  Although the U.S. House of Representatives has passed an extension, the Agency for Workforce Innovation is not able to process new claims for EUC until or unless the Senate agrees and the president signs the measure into law.

Currently, the final week for payment under the existing EUC program is November 6, 2010.

Please note that the proposals for the EUC program being considered in Congress do not include the creation of an additional Tier V of benefits.

May 19, 2010
AWI Begins Accepting Online Applications for EB 

SB 1736, signed into law on May 17, 2010 by Governor Crist, helps job seekers and Florida’s economy:

• This legislation utilizes federal stimulus funds provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and will bring an estimated $128 million in benefits to approximately 107,000 Floridians.
• The temporary Extended Benefits (EB) program created in 2009 provides unemployed Floridians up to an additional 20 weeks of benefits during periods of high unemployment.
• This legislation extends the time EB can be paid to June 5, 2010. 
• Payments will be made retroactively to February 28, 2010 to eligible beneficiaries.
• This legislation does not add any additional weeks of EB if all entitlement to EB has already been exhausted.  

April 30, 2010
Florida Legislature Approves Unemployment Compensation Bill

On April 28, 2010, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 1736, which authorizes the Agency for Workforce Innovation to resume paying Unemployment Compensation Extended Benefits (EB) through the week of June 5, 2010 to eligible individuals who have exhausted all other state and federal unemployment benefits.  When the bill becomes law, the agency anticipates accepting applications and making payments within the same week. Applications will be accepted online through our Internet site or via paper applications, which the agency will mail to those we identify as potentially eligible.  Please visit this page often, as we will post updates as soon as additional information on EB becomes available.

Eligible individuals may include:

• Those who previously received EB and still have EB entitlement could receive up to 20 weeks, which would include weeks previously paid.
• Those who have exhausted all regular and federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits or will exhaust all benefits prior to June 5, 2010 could receive up to 14 weeks of benefits, depending on the date they exhaust EUC benefits.
• The legislation does not provide for EB entitlement remaining on claims after June 5, 2010.

April 20, 2010
Potentially Eligible EUC Customers Must Certify for Weeks of Benefits

Due to the qualifying date for federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) being extended, many unemployed workers may now be able to receive EUC payments.  If you received a notice of final payment, were unable to collect EUC Tier I or advance to the next Tier of EUC, please click the “Claim Your Weeks” option under Quick Links on the left-hand side of this page or call 1-800-204-2418 to claim any available weeks.

The new federal law does not create any additional unemployment compensation benefits beyond EUC Tier IV – it  extends the date of entry to the EUC program for people who may be eligible for these additional benefits.  See specific eligibility dates below. 

April 16, 2010
President Signs Eligibility Extension for EUC and FAC

EUC

Last night, President Obama signed a law extending the date to establish eligibility for federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC). 

• Tier I: Under this new law, unemployed workers currently receiving benefits from their regular state claims have until *May 22, 2010 to exhaust their state benefits and establish eligibility for EUC Tier I, which provides up to an additional 20 weeks of benefits.

• Tiers II and III: Unemployed workers currently receiving benefits on EUC Tiers I, II, or III can now qualify for the next level of benefits if their current tier is exhausted by *May 29, 2010. EUC Tier II provides up to 14 weeks of benefits and Tier III provides up to 13 weeks of additional benefits.

• Tier IV: Those who exhaust Tier III benefits by *May 29, 2010 can establish eligibility for Tier IV benefits, which provides up to 6 additional weeks of benefits.
   
• Those who will exhaust EUC Tiers I, II, and III between *November 1 and May 29, 2010 will be automatically enrolled in the next level of benefits.

• Those who received a final payment notice for regular, EUC Tier I, II, or III will be automatically enrolled in the next level of EUC and should be able to begin certifying for the additional benefits by *April 23, 2010.

FAC

Customers who establish an unemployment compensation claim by *May 30, 2010 will be eligible to receive Federal Additional Compensation payments of $25 weekly, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  Eligible customers will automatically receive a retroactive FAC payment, due to the extension of the eligibility period.

EB

This federal legislation also provided an extension of federal funding for Extended Benefits (EB) in states that are currently in an EB period.  We are currently monitoring legislation pending in the Florida Legislature (SB 1736) that would make the necessary statutory revisions to allow Florida to take advantage of this additional federal funding.  Please visit this page often, as we will post updates as soon as additional information on EB becomes available.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• The new law did not create any additional tiers of benefits.
• Customers who are potentially eligible for additional EUC benefits will be notified by mail.

*Dates Subject to Change – Please note this is the current interpretation of how the Eligibility Extension law will affect Florida’s Unemployment Compensation program. As soon as official guidance is received from the United States Department of Labor, this information will be updated to reflect any date or procedural changes.  Please check this site regularly.

April 14, 2010
EUC Eligibility Dates Have Not Been Extended 

Federal legislation to extend the filing date to establish eligibility for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Tier I, Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV has not been approved.  The U.S. House has passed such a measure, but the U.S. Senate has not taken action.  Both chambers would have to agree and the president would have to sign the legislation before it could become law.

Unemployment Compensation customers exhausting regular state benefits or exhausting a Tier of federal EUC after the last eligibility date (see below) will receive a final payment notice.  The agency will post additional information to this Web page as it becomes available.

Under current law:

• The last day to be eligible for EUC Tier I was March 28, 2010.
• The last day to be eligible for EUC Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV was April 4, 2010. 

The last week to be paid on EUC Tier I, Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV is the week ending September 4, 2010.

April 5, 2010
EUC Eligibility Dates Have Not Been Extended

Federal legislation to extend the filing date to establish eligibility for Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) Tier I, Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV was not approved last week prior to Congress adjourning for a two-week recess.  The U.S. Senate may consider the legislation when Congress reconvenes the week of April 12. 
    
Unemployment Compensation customers exhausting regular state benefits or exhausting a Tier of federal EUC after the last eligibility date (see below) will receive a final payment notice.  The agency will post additional information to this Web page as it becomes available.

Under current law:

• The last day to be eligible for EUC Tier I was March 28, 2010.
• The last day to be eligible for EUC Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV was April 4, 2010.

The last week to be paid on EUC Tier I, Tier II, Tier III and Tier IV is the week ending September 4, 2010.

March 4, 2010
President Signs Eligibility Extension for EUC; Governor Signs Legislation for Additional EB

EUC
This week President Obama signed a law adding a one-month extension to the last date to establish eligibility for federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC).

• Tier I: Under this new law, unemployed workers currently receiving benefits from their regular state claims now have until March 27, 2010 to exhaust their state benefits and establish eligibility for EUC Tier I, which provides up to an additional 20 weeks of benefits.

• Tiers II and III: Unemployed workers currently receiving benefits on EUC Tiers I, II, or III can now qualify for the next level of benefits if their current tier is exhausted by April 3, 2010.  EUC Tier II provides up to 14 weeks of benefits and Tier III provides up to 13 weeks of additional benefits.

• Tier IV: Those who exhaust Tier III benefits by April 3, 2010 can establish eligibility for Tier IV benefits, which provides up to 6 additional weeks of benefits.

The new law did not create any additional tiers of benefits.

• Unemployed workers who exhausted all benefits (regular state benefits, EUC Tiers I, II, and Extended Benefits (EB) prior to November , 2009 need to apply for EUC Tier III.

• Those who will exhaust EUC Tiers I, II, and III between November 1 and March 27, 2010 will be automatically enrolled in the next level of benefits.

EB
This week Governor Crist signed a law that extended Florida’s Extended Benefits (EB) program until February 27, 2010 for certain eligible unemployed workers who had exhausted all state and EUC benefits. 

• The agency is notifying potentially eligible Floridians by mail.  This includes those who received EB prior to November 8, 2009 but still have EB available on their claims after exhausting EUC Tiers III and IV.

• Payments for up to eight weeks will be made retroactively.

• Those who believe they may be eligible for EB may apply online beginning March 9, 2010 at www.floridajobs.org or by mail or fax using the application they will receive from the agency.

February 26, 2010
U.S. House Passes Eligibility Extension for EUC; Senate to Consider

The U.S. House passed legislation Thursday that would extend the window of eligibility until April 5, 2010 for additional federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits.  The measure also includes a 30-day extension of health care subsidies under the COBRA program.  The U.S. Senate may consider the measure next week.  The legislation would need to pass both chambers and be signed by the president to take effect. 

Under current law, unemployed workers who were receiving benefits from their regular state claim had to have exhausted these benefits by February 20, 2010 to have been eligible for EUC Tier I, which provides up to an additional 20 weeks of benefits.  

Likewise, unemployed workers currently receiving EUC benefits on Tiers I, II, or III must exhaust their current tier of benefits by February 27, 2010 to be eligible for the next tier.

Under current law, EUC Tier II provides up to 14 weeks of benefits and Tier III provides up to 13 weeks of additional benefits.  You must exhaust Tier III benefits by February 27, 2010 to establish eligibility for Tier IV benefits, which provides up to 6 additional weeks of benefits.

In the event that Congress extends eligibility after the deadline has passed, customers who will be eligible for EUC benefits retroactively will be notified by mail.

February 16, 2010
FAC Program Eligibility Deadline February 28

Under current law, Federal Additional Compensation payments of $25 weekly, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will not be available to people whose claims are effective after February 28, 2010.  If your claim began prior to February 28, you will continue to receive the additional $25 weekly until your claim ends or until the program ends September 4, 2010, whichever comes first.

The U.S. Congress is currently considering legislation that would extend the eligibility time period for Federal Additional Compensation payments.

February 11, 2010
Congress Considers Extending Eligibility for EUC

The U.S. Congress is considering legislation that would extend the window of eligibility until May 31, 2010 for additional federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits.

Under current law, unemployed workers who are receiving benefits from their regular state claim must exhaust these benefits by February 20, 2010 to be potentially eligible for EUC Tier I, which provides up to an additional 20 weeks of benefits.

Likewise, unemployed workers currently receiving EUC benefits on Tiers I, II, or III must exhaust their current tier of benefits by February 27, 2010 to be eligible for the next tier.

Under current law, EUC Tier II provides up to 14 weeks of benefits and Tier III provides up to 13 weeks of additional benefits.  Those who exhaust Tier III benefits by February 27, 2010 can establish eligibility for Tier IV benefits, which provides up to 6 additional weeks of benefits.

2009

December 28, 2009

President Signs Legislation Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment UPDATE

The new law extends the eligibility date so more people qualify for additional benefits that were due to expire before the end of 2009.

• Ensures people who are qualified will continue to receive benefits without delay
• Extends the additional $25 a week benefit to those whose benefit year began before February 28, 2010.

Additional details:

• Extends qualifying date – Customers must exhaust available state benefits on or before February 20, 2010 to establish EUC Tier I.
• Additional tiers – Customers must exhaust Tiers I, II, or III by February 27, 2010 to be eligible for the next tier.
• Final payment - The last week for which EUC could be paid is the week ending July 31, 2010.
• FAC - The legislation also extends the $25 weekly Federal Additional Compensation for claims with benefit years beginning prior to February 28, 2010.
• The last FAC payment is for the week ending September 4, 2010.
• No disruption – Eligible customers will automatically receive any additional weeks to which they are entitled.
  Overview of UC “tiers” of benefits
  Unemployment Compensation customers are entitled to up to 26 weeks of state regular benefits.

For those who exhausted all state benefits, federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation became law in 2008 providing:

• Up to 20 additional weeks of Tier I benefits
  Up to 13 additional weeks of Tier II benefits

Under the Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 signed into law Nov. 6, 2009, the federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation extension added:

• a 14th additional week of benefits to Tier II
  Up to 13 additional weeks of Tier III benefits
  Up to 6 additional weeks of Tier IV benefits

The latest extension adds approximately two months to the date to qualify for EUC. Prior to this legislation, the last date to qualify for Tier I would have been December 20, 2009 and for Tiers II, III and IV would have been December 27, 2009.

December 20, 2009
U.S. Senate Passed Legislation Extending Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation

The U.S. Senate passed legislation over the weekend providing for a two-month extension of federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation, including the extra $25 Recovery Act-funded weekly benefit and 100 percent federal funding for the State Extended Benefits program. The COBRA health care subsidy was included as well. The bill is now awaiting the president's signature.

December 18, 2009
Congress Considers Extending Deadline for Emergency Unemployment Compensation

• The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that would extend the deadline through February 2010 for entering a tier of federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation.
• EUC is payable after customers exhaust their initial state claims of up to 26 weeks.
• If the U.S. Senate agrees and the president signs the bill, the Agency for Workforce Innovation will make the necessary changes to allow customers to enter or continue in Extended Emergency Unemployment Compensation through February 2010.
• Federal Additional Compensation (FAC) of $25 weekly would also continue.  
• No new tiers have been proposed.

December 10, 2009
Additional Information on Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program Tier III

AWI is now accepting online applications at www.floridajobs.org for additional unemployment compensation benefits available under The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009.

• If you exhausted your benefits for Tier II, were receiving Extended Benefits (EB) on or after the week ending November 7, or will exhaust Tier II or Tier III by the week ending December 26, you DO NOT have to file for the extension.
• Because of the volume of claims transitioning from Tier II and EB, we are processing claims in batches of 35,000 per day.  Therefore, some claims are set up before others.  We will process all of the claims by this weekend. 
• Once we set up your extension, we will send you a determination notice in the mail. 
• Once claims are set up, customers should be able to claim weeks immediately provided there are no issues to resolve on their claims.

December 9, 2009
AWI Processing Thousands of EUC III Applications

Since launching the online application for Emergency Unemployment Compensation Tier III on Monday, December 7: 

• 14,871 – online applications completed  
• 39,261 – customer claims rolled over to the new extension 
• 50,417  – customers receiving payments 
• $27,603,307– benefits paid under the new program to date

December 7, 2009
Online Application for Emergency Unemployment Compensation Now Available

AWI is now accepting online applications at www.floridajobs.org for additional unemployment compensation benefits available under The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009.

This emergency unemployment compensation extension provides up to 20 additional weeks of benefits for unemployed workers who have exhausted all benefits or will by the week ending December 26, 2009. Those who exhausted all benefits prior to November 1, 2009 will need to apply; those who will exhaust between November 1 and December 26, or approximately two-thirds of eligible beneficiaries,have been or will be automatically enrolled. 

November 6, 2009
President Signs Bill

On Friday, November 6, President Obama signed the Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 into law.  The new law provides additional weeks of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) for thousands of Floridians who have exhausted all benefits or will by the end of the year.

Our top priority is paying our eligible customers as quickly as possible and we will begin making payments within 4 to 6 weeks. We will post regular updates to our Web site and expand call center coverage to assist customers.  Some customers will automatically be eligible for the extension; those who need to file applications will receive instructions.

November 5, 2009 – UPDATED 3:00 p.m.
Legislation Headed to White House

On Thursday, November 5, 2009, the U.S. House concurred with legislation passed by the U.S. Senate to extend emergency unemployment benefits by up to 20 weeks for eligible Floridians.  The bill (H.R. 3548) now moves to the White House for the president to consider.

November 5, 2009
Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Passes U.S. Senate
One Step Closer to Becoming Law

On Wednesday, November 4, 2009, the proposal to extend emergency unemployment benefits by up to 20 weeks for eligible Floridians passed the U.S. Senate.

The proposal must pass through additional steps before eligible Floridians could receive their payments. Congress must agree on the bill and President Obama must sign it into law before the U.S. Department of Labor (US DOL) can direct states on how to distribute the additional funds.

We at the Agency for Workforce Innovation are following the issue very closely and preparing for timely distribution of benefits once it becomes law.

When the agency receives guidelines from US DOL, all customers who are potentially eligible will receive notification in the mail; those who need to file applications will receive instructions. Customers who have already exhausted their benefits should not file an application for additional benefits until this law takes effect.

We will provide additional information as it becomes available. In addition, see federal legislation and senate vote, 

October 28, 2009
Pending Legislation – Emergency Unemployment Compensation

The U.S. Congress is considering legislation (H.R. 3548) that would provide additional Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits to eligible unemployed workers who have exhausted all benefits or will by the end of the year.

The proposal to extend emergency unemployment benefits up to 13 weeks in Florida moved one step closer to approval last night after the U.S. Senate voted to limit debate and consider the bill for a vote.  There are several stages the proposal must pass through before eligible Floridians receive their payments.  It must be agreed on by the U.S. Congress and signed by the President before the U.S. Department of Labor can direct states on how to distribute the additional funds.  We are following the issue very closely and preparing for timely distribution of benefits once the legislation is approved.

For additional information, please see the more detailed explanation below.  We will post updated information on this Web site as it becomes available.

H.R. 3548 - Emergency Unemployment Compensation

The version of the bill which passed the U.S. House creates another extension of Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) benefits of up to 13 weeks in states with an unemployment rate of at least 8.5 percent.  Florida would qualify because the current unemployment rate is 11.0 percent.

An amended version is now pending in the U.S. Senate, following a vote last night to limit debate.  The full bill could be heard in the Senate as early as today.

If the amended bill passes the Senate, the House could then pass the amended version or the House and the Senate will appoint members to work out the differences in “conference”.  After the “conferees” have come to an agreement, both chambers would have to adopt and pass the conference report. The conference report would then be sent to the President to be signed it into law.

The legislation would not provide EUC benefits for any week of unemployment occurring before the law takes effect.  The legislation also does not extend the current deadline for establishing EUC eligibility beyond the end of 2009.

If the President signs the bill, the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) will issue guidelines on how to implement the program.
 
The Agency for Workforce Innovation (AWI) is monitoring this legislation very closely and planning for implementation should the law pass.  AWI will begin programming our systems once we receive federal guidance and distribute these benefits as quickly as possible.

All customers who are potentially eligible will receive notification in the mail; those who need to file applications will receive instructions.  Customers who have already exhausted their benefits should not file an application for additional benefits until this law takes effect.

We appreciate your patience and will provide additional information as it becomes available.

Summary:

• The U.S. Congress is currently working on a potential extension.
• The extension has not yet become law.
• People potentially eligible for additional benefits (having exhausted all entitlement to regular, EUC Tier I, EUC Tier II and Extended Benefits (EB)) will be mailed a notification on how to apply for the additional benefits.  
• Under the proposal being considered by the U.S. Senate, EUC Tier II claims would be redetermined to provide one week of additional eligibility for people currently receiving Tier II, those who have already exhausted Tier II, and those who are now receiving or have exhausted EB.
• Once the additional week has been paid, EUC Tier III will automatically be established for people in continuous reporting status.   
• People not currently claiming benefits will need to file an initial claim application to be considered for the additional benefits.

October 7, 2009
Financial Aid for Job Training and Education

The Agency for Workforce Innovation is notifying unemployment compensation customers via mail about recently-expanded opportunities to receive federal or state financial aid for job training and education.  Under new federal guidelines, workers who are receiving unemployment compensation benefits will receive special consideration for financial aid, and may also be able to continue receiving unemployment compensation benefits while enrolled in training or school.

If enrollment in a training or education program affects a customer's being able and available for work, the Agency will determine whether unemployment benefits will continue to be paid.  This verification process may result in a brief delay of payments. For more information about these and other education and training opportunities go to:  call 1-800-4FEDAID (1-800-433-3243).

August 31, 2009
Federal Advances to Trust Fund Will Not Impact Benefits

The State began receiving advances to pay unemployment compensation benefits on August 24, 2009.

Most importantly, this process will have no impact on our unemployment compensation customers.  Eligible customers will continue to receive their benefits in the manner in which they were previously received.

To date, 20 states including Florida have requested advances.  The Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund will continue to be replenished using federal dollars on an ongoing basis until the Fund regains solvency.

August 28, 2009
Work Search Requirements

All Unemployment Compensation programs require a systematic and sustained effort to search for suitable work. The Extended Benefits (EB) program is different in that federal law requires beneficiaries to submit tangible evidence of their search efforts for each week that they claim benefits.

A random review of the work search efforts of beneficiaries will be conducted to ensure the requirements of the EB laws are being met. This review will in no way affect or delay the payment of EB benefits.

August 4, 2009
AWI Receives Grant to Help Unemployed Floridians Find Jobs

The U.S. Department of Labor has announced Florida as one of 25 states to receive a share of $26.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants for the Re-employment and Eligibility Assessment (REA) Initiative.  Florida will receive $3,078,796 to provide unemployment compensation beneficiaries with additional assistance in finding jobs.