Department of Economic Opportunity releases COVID-19 Reemployment Assistance FAQs

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has released COVID-19 frequently asked questions related to Reemployment Assistance. 

The document says, "If your employment has been negatively impacted as a result of the mitigation efforts in Florida to stop the spread of COVID-19, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance." 

It also says individuals who may be eligible for Reemployment Assistance may include:

• Those who are quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency,
• Those who are laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employer due to COVID-19 concerns, or
• Those who are caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19.

Individuals whose employment has been impacted, but are still receiving wages through paid leave are not eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance.

The document from March 17 also included the following frequently asked questions: 

What is Reemployment Assistance?

Reemployment Assistance provides temporary wage replacement (unemployment insurance) benefits to eligible individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own.

Am I eligible for Reemployment Assistance?

If you have a history of wages in the state of Florida, you are actively able and available to seek and accept new employment, and you are currently unemployed or work reduced hours through no fault of your own, you may be eligible to receive Reemployment Assistance benefits.

How do I file a Reemployment Assistance claim?

Reemployment Assistance claims are handled by the CONNECT system. You can file your claim by accessing CONNECT through www.floridajobs.org in the Reemployment Assistance Service Center in the right hand corner of the page.

People who need assistance filing a claim online because of legal reasons, computer illiteracy, language barriers, or disabilities may call 1-800-681-8102.

What will I need to complete an application?

You will need the following information to complete an application:

• Social Security Number
• Driver’s License or State ID
• Your last 18 months of employment (including name, separation reason, earnings, and dates of work)
• Work authorization (if not a US citizen)
• DD-214 member 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 (if a military employee)
• SF 8 or SF 50 (if a federal employee)

What happens after I file a claim?

Your claim has two levels of review after you complete an application:

• Your history of wages are reviewed to determine if you have earned enough to qualify for benefits
• Any issues (such as job separation) found during your application are reviewed to determine eligibility

You must login to the CONNECT system every two weeks to request benefit payment. Your first date to return to CONNECT is provided at the end of your application. You must request benefits even while your claim is being reviewed. During your request, you will need to report your job searches, work and any earnings.

How do I receive payments after filing a claim and requesting benefits?

If you are determined eligible after all reviews are complete, payments will be distributed by direct deposit or through the Way2Go debit card based on your initial application. Debit cards are mailed after the first payment is processed and may take 7-10 business days to receive by mail. Payments take 1-2 business to arrive after being processed.