How To File for Unemployment and Get It

Here’s what you need to know to get the process started and get back on track.

Am I Eligible for Unemployment Benefits in Florida?

One of the most common questions from those who have just lost their job is, “Do I qualify for Unemployment Benefits?”.

If you’ve been terminated through no fault of your own, you may qualify.</>

Being fired because of company “cut-backs” or the job just “wasn’t a good fit” may qualify you for benefits. However, if your termination was due to misconduct, the chances of receiving unemployment benefits may be difficult.

Requirements for eligibility vary from state-to-state, so be sure to check with your state’s unemployment office to find out what they are.

Filing for Unemployment Benefits? Get Organized.

When filing for unemployment, having the right information on hand will make the filing process much easier and improve your chances of garnering benefits.

Some examples of information you should have on hand,

• Mailing address, including zip code
• Phone number
• Driver’s License number, if available
• Name, Address and Phone Number of your last employer
• Employer’s Federal ID number, located on your pay stub or W2)
• Date employment began and date it ended
• Your salary or hourly rate of pay

Any information you can collect and have on hand regarding your former employer will assist you in the filing process.

Also, prepare yourself for any questions that may be asked regarding the reason for your termination. Including, if you were owed vacation or holiday pay at the time of your termination.

Filing for Unemployment Benefits

The first step in filing for unemployment is contacting your state’s unemployment office. In the state of Florida, you can file online by visiting, www.floridajobs.org.

Filing online offers you the convenience of:

• Filing for benefits weekly or biweekly
• Check the status of your claim
• Check the remaining balance of your benefits

Online filing also offers detailed information regarding the filing process, what to expect and whom to contact if you should have any questions.

You also have the option of accepting your benefits via check, debit card or direct deposit.

Keep in mind some states require that you continue to seek employment throughout the benefits process. Florida offers work search assistance online to make it easier to get back to work.

Moved and Seeking Unemployment

Did you work remotely from another state? Or, did you move from the state in which you worked?

Don’t worry. You can still file for unemployment benefits.

You can contact the Unemployment Office in the state in which you worked. Or, you could simply contact the Unemployment Office in the state in which you currently reside. They can assist in providing you with information as to how to file your claim due to your situation.

Help is available.

My Unemployment Claim Was Denied

If you’ve gone through the unemployment process and received a denial claim, all is not lost.

You can file an appeal. Although, that doesn’t guarantee that your benefits will be granted the second time around.

Before filing for benefits, do your due diligence to make sure you qualify. If you have evidence supporting your claim, it’s imperative that it’s presented when filing for benefits and also through the denial process.

For more information regarding the denial process, be sure to contact your state’s unemployment office.

Start the Unemployment Process

Finding yourself suddenly unemployed and not knowing where you’re next paycheck is coming from or how you are going to put food on the table can be overwhelming and stressful.

Unemployment benefits were designed to help you get back on your feet and give you some peace of mind.

So, utilize them. Contact your state’s Unemployment Office to get the process started today.

If you’ve been wrongfully terminated, contact Wenzel Fenton Cabassa P.A. We’ve got the expertise to fight for your rights and seek the damages you deserve.