The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) launched a new, mobile-friendly online application for those seeking reemployment assistance.
Floridians who do not have a current open Reemployment Assistance claim are encouraged to apply online at www.FloridaJobs.org/RAApplication.
The announcement comes as Floridians aired their frustrations in getting unemployment benefits. Many, especially in South Florida, turned to paper applications after struggling to apply online through DEO's old pages.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
- Florida residents turning to paper unemployment applications to avoid faulty website
- People packed together in long lines for unemployment forms in South Florida
- DeSantis facing calls to expand unemployment benefits
- Tampa Bay area hospitality workers facing challenges applying for unemployment benefits
“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 in a press release. “The team is working around the clock to make the process for applying for Reemployment Assistance as easy as possible for Floridians.”
The following are the steps needed to complete an application online or by mail.
Step 1 – Collect all information needed to complete the Reemployment Application.
DEO says those looking to apply will need the following information and documents:
- 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
DEO also said 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 OpportunityP.O. Box 5350Tallahassee, 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.
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 details on how to apply, you can click here.