TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) — The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has announced a new, mobile-friendly website where Floridians can apply for unemployment benefits.
You can access the application at www.FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication. If you don't already have an open unemployment benefits claim, you should complete their application there.
“The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity is committed to ensuring Floridians are able to receive the benefits owed to them during this global pandemic,” said Ken Lawson, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. “The team is working around the clock to make the process for applying for Reemployment Assistance as easy as possible for Floridians.”
If a you instead choose to submit a paper application for unemployment benefits, you should mail their application to DEO, and a representative will call when the application is processed. You can download the paper application here.
Any Floridian who has lost their job due to COVID-19, is encouraged to complete an application.
The announcement comes after Floridians across the state complained that they were unable to access the old website, therefore delaying their benefits. Earlier this week, DeSantis touted improvements to the system, saying that the DEO added 72 new servers to double user capacity to 120,000 at one time.
The DEO says the following steps need to be completed when applying:
Step 1 – Collect all information needed to complete the Reemployment Application.
You will need the following information to submit an application for Reemployment Assistance benefits. You are encouraged to collect the following documents and information before beginning the application process:
• Social Security number
• Driver’s License or State ID number
• Employment information for the last 18 months for each employer:
• Employer ID - FEIN number (this is found on your W2 or 1099 tax form), if available
• Employer name (name on pay stub), address, and phone number
• First and last day of work
• Gross earnings (before taxes are taken out) covering the last 18 months
• Reason for separation
If you are one of the following, make sure you have this additional information available:
• Not a U.S. Citizen: Alien Registration Number or other work authorization form
• Military employee: Copy of your DD-214 Member 4; If you do not have the Member 4, then a copy of your Member 2-7 may be used.
• Federal employee: SF-8 or SF-50
• Union member: Union name, hall number, and phone number
Step 2 – Submit your Reemployment Assistance application
You can apply online at www.FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication or print an application for Reemployment Assistance at www.FloridaJobs.org/COVID-19. Paper applications may take longer to process than completing an online application.
Paper applications can be mailed to:
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity
P.O. Box 5350
Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350
CareerSource locations across the state are available to assist with completing and submitting your online application. They are also available to provide paper applications. Visit CareerSourceFlorida.com for center locations.
FedEx is also offering Floridians the option to print and mail applications for Reemployment Assistance at locations throughout the state free of charge. Visit https://local.fedex.com/en-us/fl/ to find a participating location near you.
Step 3 – Receive your Reemployment Assistance application confirmation
If you mail your Reemployment Assistance application to DEO, a representative will contact you after your application is processed.
A written determination will be provided electronically and/or by mail to explain if you are monetarily eligible, and if you are, what your weekly benefit amount will be.
For more information about Reemployment Assistance benefits and how to apply, visit DEO’s mobile-friendly site www.FloridaJobs.org/COVID-19.
