TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) issued reemployment assistance updates on the Reemployment Assistance (RA) Claims Dashboard. As of April 30, DEO has verified 960,410 unique claims and paid 426,623 claimants a total of more than $598.8 million.

Updates:

• Today, DEO extended Emergency Order 20-011 waiving certain state requirements for Reemployment Assistance. The online work registration and work search requirements of section 443.091, F.S. will continue to be suspended consistent with the "emergency flexibility" guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. These actions will enable DEO to move quickly to expedite Reemployment Assistance payments as Floridians go back to work. These suspensions shall expire on May 9, 2020.

• DEO recognizes that Floridians have had a hard time applying for Reemployment Assistance due to no fault of their own. If a claimant would like to request to modify their claim filing effective date, they should visit www.FloridaJobs.org and select the link “Request to Modify Claim (Application) Filing Effective Date.”
  
  

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance:

• The Federal Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides unemployment benefits to those that may not otherwise be eligible under Florida’s state Reemployment Assistance program, including independent contractors and individuals who are self-employed. Individuals who have been impacted by COVID-19 and believe they may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, can visit FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim" to apply and be considered for PUA.
  • Click here for PUA Application Process.
  • Click here for PUA Frequently Asked Questions.
  • Click here for COVID-19 Employment Scenarios.

• Applicants should utilize the following criteria when applying for PUA:
  • Individuals who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or after April 5,2020, and were deemed ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits will receive additional application information from the Department. They can also visit FloridaJobs.org/cares-act for more information regarding these programs.
  • Pursuant to the requirements of the CARES Act, 20 C.F.R. 625.4, and section 443.036, F.S., those who are self-employed, contract employees, gig workers, or others who applied for the state’s Reemployment Assistance benefits on or before April 4, 2020, should apply at FloridaJobs.org and select “File a Claim” to request PUA.
  • Unemployed Floridians who have not yet applied for any benefit should apply at FloridaJobs.org and will be considered for all existing programs, including PUA.
    
    

ADDITIONAL UPDATES:

• DEO will be continuing to process claims and making payments over the weekend and will be unavailable to existing claimants. This schedule does not affect individuals that wish to file a new claim. Individuals can file a new claim 24 hours a day, seven days per week at FloridaJobs.org and select "File a Claim."

• Individuals who have questions regarding their claim can call 1-833 FL APPLY (1-833-352-7759) 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. General questions that are not claim specific can be answered 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Claimants can log-in again starting Monday, May 4 at 8:00 a.m.

HOW TO APPLY FOR REEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE:

DEO has a mobile-friendly online application for individuals filing a new Reemployment Assistance claim available here. For a step by step guide on how to apply read more here. For the Reemployment Assistance Resource Guide which includes frequently asked questions, please click here. For additional information about Reemployment Assistance benefits visit www.FloridaJobs.org/COVID-19.

About DEO

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity combines the state’s economic, workforce and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.

###