Unemployment benefits and extra benefits

What programs are included in the CARES Act?
A: Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) – FPUC provides $600 per week to any individual eligible under Florida law for Reemployment Assistance. This benefit is available for weeks claimed between March 29, 2020 – July 31, 2020, in addition to the funds owed under Florida law to individuals.

* Due to the system upgrades in the Reemployment Assistance system, DEO began paying $600 FPUC benefit payments the week of April 13, 2020. If you are eligible for Reemployment Assistance Benefits and have previously provided a bank account in the Reemployment Assistance system, you will receive a direct deposit to your bank account. If you did not provide your bank account, you will receive a check to the mailing address provided on your account.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – PUA provides benefits to those not ordinarily eligible for Reemployment Assistance. This includes individuals who are self-employed or contract employees. PUA will provide individuals with up to $275 per week in benefits.

*You can apply for assistance online at FloridaJobs.org.

Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) – PEUC allows for an additional 13 weeks of benefits added to the end of state Reemployment Assistance benefits. This means claimants may collect unemployment benefits for a longer period of time than under normal circumstances. PEUC will provide individuals with up to $275 in weekly benefits.

*Florida is currently working to distribute these funds to eligible individuals and will be providing more information.

Q: What will the new CARES Act provide me for Reemployment Assistance?
A:  For weeks claimed beginning March 29, 2020, the CARES Act provides eligible individuals with $600 per week in addition to the weekly benefit amount determined under state law.

Q: If I am self-employed, do I need to file a claim online for Reemployment Assistance?
A: Yes, you will first need to file a claim online at FloridaJobs.org to see if you are eligible for a regular claim. After you have submitted your claim, continue to check your Reemployment Assistance account for updates.

Q: Do I need to submit another application to receive the additional $600 per week on my claim?
A: No, if you have filed a new Reemployment Assistance benefits claim and it is being processed; or you have an existing claim, you do not have to file another application to receive additional benefits. DEO began paying the $600 Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation benefits on April 13, 2020. If you are eligible for Reemployment Assistance Benefits and have previously provided bank account information in the Reemployment Assistance system, you will receive a direct deposit to your account. If you did not provide your bank account information, you will receive a check to the mailing address provided on your account.

Q: Am I eligible for benefits if I am an independent contractor?
A: Yes, under the CARES Act, individuals who are self-employed, independent contractors, those that are otherwise ineligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits, and those that have exhausted state and federal benefits may be eligible for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. However, Pandemic Unemployment Assistance eligibility does not include individuals who have the ability to telework and receive pay or individuals who are receiving paid sick leave or other paid leave benefits.

Generally, individuals whose income is only from self-employment or individuals who work as an independent contractor are not normally eligible for Reemployment Assistance benefits. However, if an independent contractor or self-employed individual also received wages through services performed as an employee (i.e., they had another job with an employer) during the base period (first 12 months of the past 15 months), he or she may be eligible for Reemployment Assistance benefits.

Q: Where do gig workers apply?
A: Gig workers apply for benefits the same way any other individual would apply for Reemployment Assistance benefits, online at FloridaJobs.org. They will fill out the regular Reemployment Assistance application to determine if they are eligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits. If they are not eligible, they will be directed to fill out a Pandemic Unemployment Assistance application.

Q: I was denied through the Reemployment Assistance Program, but I may eligible through the federal government.
A: DEO will provide notification to individuals about their potential eligibility for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA). The Reemployment Assistance Program will prompt you to fill out a PUA application. If you have not applied for assistance, please visit FloridaJobs.org to apply. If you are eligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits or PUA benefits, you will receive an additional $600 in Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation for weeks of unemployment beginning March 29, 2020 through July 31, 2020.

Q: What is the duration and maximum amount of benefits I can receive?
A: Florida’s duration of benefits may adjust based on the state’s unemployment rate, but the maximum amount of benefits remains the same. In addition, the CARES Act provides an additional $600 per week to the weekly benefit amount until July 31, 2020.

2019 Claim Maximums: 12 weeks

Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA): $275
Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA): $3300
2020 Claim Maximums: 12 weeks

Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA): $275
Maximum Benefit Amount (MBA): $3300