ABC’s and 1-2-3’s of Filing an Unemployment Claim

ABC’s

A. Do I qualify?

In order to qualify for benefits, you must:

• have lost your job through no fault of your own
• be actively looking for a new job
• be ready to take a new job when offered
• meet wage requirements based on your previous job(s)

B. How do I apply?

The best way to file a claim is online at www.floridajobs.org.  Click on the “File for Unemployment” button and follow the directions.  

If you don’t have internet access, you can file over the phone at 800-204-2418, which may also be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.  Please be patient; call volume is high, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays, and you may experience delays in getting through to an agent.  Call Center hours are:

• Monday – Friday 7:30 AM to 7 PM
• Saturdays 8 AM to 4 PM

 C.What’s next?        

• If you file online, you will receive a confirmation number and instructions on what actions to take and how to claim your benefits. 
• If you file by phone, you will be instructed on how to claim your benefits through the automated certification process online or via phone. 

1-2-3’s    

1. It typically takes three to four weeks to get your first check.
   
   
2. After you file your claim, you will need to certify every two weeks either online or over the telephone that you are looking for a new job. 
   
   
3. Help is available to find a new job at your local One-Stop Career Center and through Florida’s job-matching and workforce resources website, www.employflorida.com.