I'm confused here in Florida, I thought the Republicans shot down the extension for benefits. According to this release 2 days ago, a 20 week extension was approved?? www.miamiherald.com Can anyone help clarify this for me and when it would take effect? Thanks!
I ran out of unemployment benefits. I applied for food stamps and medicaid to help me thru until either I find any job and if not I pray the Florida government follows california and gets a 3rd tier started for those who not only have not found a job, but need prescriptions, medical care and food. I cashed in $12,000.00 in IRA savings last year and payed taxes and a penalty for it. I also had taxes taken out of my unemployment checks. Now I continue to have living expenses, and more people each day are signing up for unemployment. My chances of finding work looks dim each day. Too many people applying for the same job. I'm out there competing against college educated people for unskilled jobs. My chance of getting hired does not look real great, yet I am still spending money in gas to apply. I hope someone will give me a chance. As it goes for retraining, please tell me where do I get this for free. I did get $200.00 in food stamps to help until August 31st. As for medicaid, I was denied. I was told I did not qualify. So, I just can not afford to get my medicine. So, what does Florida government want us to do? They certainly are not taking a pay cut and they all have health insurance payed by the tax[payers. Where do we sign a petition for them to get going on helping the people of Florida? There isn't enough street corners for us all to stand at with signs.
For Florida, I don't think Obama has correct data in his reporting of the situation. They approved the bill the end of May. The money for EB extension was delayed so they could reprogram their computer system. They say they are going to start mailing out checks the beginning of July but to me that means you won't get it until the end of the month. Why does the check have to be mailed in the first place when they already have banking info from claiming regular unemployment benefits? I logged in to EB as soon as it was available and took care of the first three weeks I qualified for but what about the next 4-6 weeks we have to wait? There isn't anywhere on the Web site right now to claim those weeks from now to the end of July so more computer updates? I called and after several tries finally got thru. The recording referred me to another number now for EB benefits only. The girl I spoke to could not tell me what the process was after I filled out the form on the Web site except to wait until July. I think they are holding the money as long as they can and collecting interest on it. What else could be causing the holdup? Maybe everyone should send an email to Obama and tell him the money hasn't even gotten to us yet and ask him how can they tell if the stimulus is working or not if the states are still holding onto the money? For questions comments or concerns for Obama www.whitehouse.gov
Congressman McDermott Introduces Legislation to Extend Unemployment Benefits December 3, 2009 Without extension, more than one million Americans set to lose unemployment assistance in January
WASHINGTON, DC— Yesterday, Congressman Jim McDermott (D-WA) introduced the Helping Unemployed Workers Act (HR 4183) which would extend emergency unemployment compensation through March 2011. The program is set to expire at the end of the year and without an extension, roughly one million Americans will lose their emergency benefits in January 2010. The bill would also continue other unemployment provisions included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, such as the inclusion of an additional $25 per week in every benefit check. The unemployment rate rose in October to 10.2 percent and many economists are still predicting increases in 2010.
“The unemployment rate is what we call a lagging indicator—even when the economy improves in other areas, the number of people without jobs may actually increase,” Rep. McDermott said. “There are six people competing for every available a job and if we don’t act to extend these benefits now, more than one million Americans will be left out in the cold next month. We are talking about people who are playing by the rules, looking for work and who will immediately spend this money, quickly getting it into the economy.”
Beginning in June 2008, Congress and the President have responded to the sharp growth in our nation’s unemployment by incrementally creating 4 different tiers of federally-funded emergency unemployment compensation to help cope with the enormous increase in the number of unemployed Americans.
In addition to extending the emergency unemployment compensation program, the bill would provide temporary funding for shared work programs, which allow employers to reduce their employees’ hours or days- worked in order to avoid layoffs and continue providing critical benefits like health insurance and child care. Unemployment insurance would then cover a portion of lost wages to compensate for reduced hours. A similar approach has been used in Germany, where the unemployment rate stands at 7.6 percent, a decrease from earlier this year. As Congress moves to extend legislation to help unemployed Americans, Rep. McDermott is emphasizing that it must also redouble efforts to prevent layoffs in the first place.
I was told a lie and told to look at Kelly Services for a job, DUH!!!
Senate Bill 810 was amended to provide for extended benefits, and my understanding is that an effort will be made this morning in the House to amend a bill (House Bill 7147) to do the same thing.
April 22, 2009
Governor Crist has asked the Agency for Workforce Innovation to respond to your inquiry concerning the extended benefits (EB) program.
As you are probably aware, the Florida Legislature has the responsibility for enacting the laws of the state and with the assistance of his various departments and agencies; the Governor is responsible for executing the laws.
Currently, no bill has been introduced into the current Regular Session of the Florida Legislature that would amend Florida’s current EB program as provided in section 443.1115, Florida Statutes. Florida’s EB program is tied to the rate of insured unemployment rate rather than the total unemployment rate. While Florida is not currently in an EB period, if, in the coming months the insured unemployment rate rises to the level required to trigger “on” the EB program, the additional benefit payments will be made to eligible Florida workers.
Our records show the Emergency Tier I benefits in the amount of $XXXX was added to your claim on April 14, 2009. If you are still unemployed when you exhaust the Tier I benefits, Tier II benefits in the amount of $XXXX will be added to your claim.
You might be interested in contacting Kelly Services in the Orlando area to check for positions with the State of Florida. I know our agency uses them for the Orlando Call Center and the Adjudication Hub. You may contact Kelly Services @ 407 228 9812 to apply for positions with our agency.
Thank you for your interest in assistance to Florida’s workforce.
A big question is whether these tier three benefits are being paid for by Obama's ARRA [American Recovery and Reinvestment] funds? I ask because something doesn't smell right here.For one thing, some media reports are saying that employers' unemployment taxes will go up to pay for this. Why would that be necessary if the ARRA funds are footing the bill?Check out the following article, It came out two days _after_ the FL Senate passed SR 810. It was written by two democratic FL senators and is calling for FL to accept the ARRA funds, Which sorta sounds like the republican majority in Tallahassee chose to fund SR 810 some other way. Now, why would they do a dumb thing like that?weblogs.sun-sentinel.com
Could it be that the republican majority in Tallahassee is trying to avoid having to pay benefits to people who leave work due to disability or domestic violence [which is a required change to get ARRA]?Could it really be that the right wingers in Tallahassee would rather raise taxes on employers and smokers, and lay off cops, and close libraries rather than provide unemployment benefits to people who are disabled and victims of domestic violence?Final point. Please note that the fluidnow website says, after four weeks of tier three benefits, you _must_ apply for and accept _any_ job that pays at least minimum wage, even if it is not in your field. And, also, note, unlike before, that you _will_ be required to provide work search records every two weeks when you claim your weeks.Are those right wingers really so cold blooded as to have come up with a scheme to avoid accepting ARRA funds by trimming the middle-class off unemployment by forcing them to accept minimum wage jobs at McDs or BK or places like that? Yeah, that would get them off unemployment and into a job., And, it would also guarantee a lot more home foreclosures.
Florida The way they have the dates set up are ridiculous! I was laid off earlier this year and my benefits run out in January. I am not eligible for any more claims for 2010 though there are people that have been getting benefits for 2 years and still eligible claiming getting benefits? It seems like the Government is more concerned about changing the 100 year law concerning health care before Christmas, than people that want to work that are going to be living in their car. I voted for Obama and I guess that was a mistake! The unemployment rate here in Florida is still above 10 percent though the dates have ended to claim benefits. I don't expect the government to create a bunch of jobs overnight but I do expect them to take care of the unfortunate Americans that have been layed off from work. I will seriously consider voting Republican in the next Election.
Who is eligible to receive Extended Benefits? Extended Benefits (EB) are available only to individuals who meet all eligibility conditions during an EB period. This includes additional eligibility requirements that do not apply to regular UC. The individual must exhaust all entitlement to regular and EUC benefits before receiving EB. You may be eligible for EB if:
You are totally or partially unemployed. You exhaust all entitlement to regular and emergency unemployment compensation (EUC) benefits prior to February 22, 2009 but your benefit year ends after February 22, 2009. You exhaust all entitlement to regular and emergency unemployment compensation benefits after February 22, 2009. You are not eligible for unemployment compensation benefits in any state (including Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, The District of Columbia) or Canada. You satisfy all requirements of the Florida UC Law that apply to regular UC and EB, such as being able and available for work, and have not been disqualified from receiving benefits based on your reason for separation. You actively seek work for each EB week claimed and provide the work search record as instructed. You do not refuse an offer of suitable work or fail to apply for suitable work.
SO IT SAYS IF YOU EXAUST BEFORE &/OR AFTER FEB 22 09, THIS IS FROM THE WEB SITE, I WOULD ASSUME THAT PEOPLE THAT HAVE USED UP THEIR EU & REG CREDITS CAN TAKE ON THIS NEW EXTENSION...
My benefits started in 07/07 I did my six months then a year later 07-06-08 (public law 110-252) I got the info & claimed my 13 weeks under 1st extension act, then bush signed into law the extension in nov for 2o weeks (public law 110-449) ,my reg 6 months started again in nov under a new claim & this past monday I claimed my last week under my reg six months, then today I got a letter emergency UC monetary determination,says I'm eligible,but they deduct or reduce the total because of the EUC benefits prev. Paid on the claim ; the total credits avail are $5388 minus $3367 with a bal of $2021, so they DO NOT give you the 13 plus the 20 weeks, I'm grateful for the 3-4 more checks, I just hope the new senate 810 florida signed that is supposed to go into effect in july ,another extension, includes me ...?because by then the remaining funds will have been used up on my avail credits. So I guess we shall see if the people that have used up all the EU credits will be getting the new benefits.
No, checks haven't gone out the beginning of July as we were told.. I only recieved two weeks worth the middle of July. Due to repeated errors and gliches on their website it took 2 days to do it on line. Then they sent us those glorious mail ins to send in. I sent mine in and got nothing. Could not get through on numbers and the extended benefits number is not even hooked into Unemployment computers so all they can give in general information which is incorrect at times. Finally reached an actual unemployment rep and was told they have piles of the mail ins sitting around. So since the website is now working (they must have really fast and smart programmers that took a month or more to get it up and running) to go ahead and apply online even if I had already sent in the mail outs. So far still only received two week's from them. Guess Florida is using the money for other things or is hoping people will give up and not reapply. This has been the slowest and most frustrating and degrading way to treat the unemployed. The government caused the unemployment crisis, then gave billions to mortgage companies and banks immediately, and again screwed and are still screwing the the major taxpayers of out nation the middle and "used to be" middle class.
There has been no extension in Florida,we are not even eligible for it till the politicians allow it.there is at least 5 other states that have gotten from 13 to 20 additional weeks approved with a third extension.I would like to know why Florida which is one of the highest unemployed states is not even eligible for it. What are the politicians here waiting for. My benefits run out next week and so do thousands of other people.at least in the other states they approved it and did it before the people's benefits expire. Please somebody explain to me why we are not being helped?????
Call the gov office speak yr mind I do everyday there are open also call yr local area Representative. The republicans don't want to pass the extension we need to put pressure on them it goes to vote this week or next, I got that from the gov. Office shelli
I just checked the state's unemployment website and it doesn't look like we will actually see anything until July. Am I reading this right??? Yes, it does state that your first claim week would be February 22nd but if we are not going to receive our first check till sometime in July then how does that help the people that have exhausted their Tier 2 benefits the first week of April?
Why does Florida have to update computers when they did not have to when the Bush extension happened? It has to be bull!!! Either they are hoping somehow the people who ran out in March-April will disappear or they want Obama's administration to look bad. Is there anything we can do but swallow this crock?
I am so sick of getting the "I don't know" or "can't tell you anything at this time". This is ridiculous that the state is treating its citizens like this ...WE NEED HELP!!! Please someone get this 3rd tier extension passed! I have 2 kids at home and I need the help! Have been looking for so long to find a job and I can't find anything.
On the phone for hours they do not know anything I wonder if obama worries about putting food on the table for his children gov christie do something for florida you don't have care in the world! I have 30.00 left in my pocket how do I pay rent and bills with that!1 no jobs to be found!
The question is when are we going to get a check. My benefits ran out 7 weeks ago. There is no reason they should have left us without money for this long. These people are ruining lives instead of helping us at are worst time.how long is it going to be?????
Just called unemployment today Tallahassee july 26th 3pm and asked about the florida unemployment ben since it was passed on the 22nd of july into law and here it is 4days later and all they could tell me is we have no clue.What the hell is that. Lets all get together and sue the state!!!!!
This state is the worst ( florida). I am collecting from NY as my prior employer was located there and paid into there pool. However since I live in Florida, I am not entitled to more then the normal 26 weeks plus 2 additional weeks. NY and most other states are allowing 99 weeks of insurance. WHY IS FLORIDA SO MESSED UP !!!
When I moved here many years ago I realized how stupid this state is. But now with unemployment at record levels in Florida they still do not seem to see the big picture.
Hey all you law makers get with it and support those who need your help.
As of now Florida has only the EUC 08 extensions for 33 weeks after you exhaust your regular 26 weeks. As another poster said Florida state legislation didn't change the states EB program laws to accept the funds from the Federal gov't. Which will give unemployed persons in the state of Florida 20 weeks more of benefits after they exhausted all of their EUC 08 benefits. I really don't understand it either why a state would not accept these federal funds that are 100% paid by feds, and if they changed the states EB program laws they could have a sunset clause in the new laws..
They have bill S516 in the Florida senate which is for the unemployment benefits but they are not doing anything with it. Go to flsenate.gov and you will see what the bill says.Please if anybody knows anything new in Florida please let me know. I already have e-mailed the governors office a few times but have not heard anything back yet. I am praying that these people come to there senses and help us out.
YES YES YES Florida did pass the tier3 eb benefits .Every-ones approved your benefits had to expire(or run out) after 2/22/09 if your benefits ran out before 2/22/09 you can't collect tier3 eb benefits so good luck guys ,I do know what its like to run out of benefits & be on the verge of going broke. Something that happens to the unemployed. I wish you all luck , however look on the bright side, your unemployment is continued for another 20 weeks.HAPPL JOB HUNTING from oneco jim
Hey, Don't forget, you must have a list of at least 2 per week of places you applied to either in person or on the internet jobs applied for in order to received back unemployment if you are planning on going back to Feb. 22nd. My unemployment ran out March 17th. I recieved 1 check for $66.00 from the $25.00 extra given out. I was stupid and allowed the taxes withheld. I am not sure I will have them do that again. Remember, you must show proof you are searching weekly for any kind of work. Minimum wage goes up to $7.25 in July for florida.
Checks will go out early July, make sure you go to fluidnow dotcom and click on the file for EB benefits link, it will prompt you for your SSN and then take you through the EB form not the regular claim form. If you qualify you will get a confirmation number at the end. It will also let you confirm weeks you have not received benefits retro back to February. This retro claim will be paid lump sum when they pay out in early July. Hope this helps, and of course all of this information can be found at the website.
Tonight is May 1st. It looks like Governor Crist is signing the bill!!!!! According to the Miami Herald. We get the 20 extra weeks. Georgia does not want to let go of the new Govt money until May 25th. It would have been July 1st if they could've. Business owners lobbyed to NOT pass laws that would make them responsible for job separations due to spouse abuse or relocation to one's spouses new job area. It is not clear if those already finished with Tier II will be sent a form in the mail each week or whether they can claim the new EB benefits on line. In some states it is by mail only and requires a substantial job search with 4 contacts per week. It seems the rules for the Extended Benefits in the ARRA package are a bit tougher. Unfortunately I remember that when the Tier II came available on Nov.21, 2008, no one was notified by mail of potential eligibility until the middle of January 2009!!!!! Everyone panicked waiting 3 weeks to see if their mailed in forms were accepted. Will this stressful nightmare happen again? The Agency for Workforce Innovation isn't talking right now. They claim to know NOTHING of the bill passing anytime soon. The computers are behind. .. Loose lips sink ships. www.bradenton.com
UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION EXTENDED BENEFITS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Download a complete list of questions and answers. (pdf)
On April 29, 2009, the Florida Legislature passed Senate Bill 810, authorizing the Agency for Workforce Innovation to begin paying Extended Unemployment Compensation Benefits to people who have exhausted all other state and federal unemployment benefits and meet eligibility requirements. This bill has a provision that will result in the Agency for Workforce Innovation implementing EB retroactively to the week beginning February 22, 2009.
Extended Benefits Program anticipated Timeline:
Notices and applications to potentially eligible individuals – early June 2009 Payments – early July 2009 to December 2009 Initial payments to consist of a retroactive “lump sum” to eligible claimants for retroactive weeks beginning February 22, 2009 – early July 2009
I ran out of benefits last week and when I finally got through this morning and was told that I had exhausted all tier 1 and 2 benefits. I was also told a tier 3 may be coming, but no definite answers.
I am in my extension period.After they finished is there another help? I am a mother of five children and I pay our rent with the unemployment benefits.
Yeah it says the notices/applications will be mailed by july because they are updating their computers to be able to process the extended benefits, what a crock!
FL Legislature approve the unemployment benefits extension last week of April 2009, it's on the governors desk for signing, total of 9 additional months.
Yes there is an eb extension in florida retro back till feb 22 2009.you have to gave exhausted all other extensions though.check out the info on florida's unemployment website.
I think they are sending check on july .. For me my euc benefits just started 2 days ago for 20weeks after that will be october I will be able to apply for eb benefits also
I contacted unemployment today may 22..009 the worker told me the eb extension was still on the table waiting to be passed but as of may 22 it wasnt passed yet I received my last check for 25.00 2 weeks ago
I have exhausted all unemployment benefits, regular, extended, and emergency benefits as of august 2009 . I'm I entitled to this latest extension. Currently still unemployed in florida.
Everybody on Unemployment in the United States got an extension until July (from 6 months to 9 months). Everybody on Unemployment also got a $25 increase, your unemployment check will show an increase at the end of April retroactive to March 22. Thank You President O'Bama.
Please get the word out to all of the media you can think of!! (CNN, ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox) The last day of the legislature is May 1st!!! Even Puerto Rico has accepted the benefits from ARRA but a few states are refusing help due to their political afiliations. If Florida does not "trigger on" in the next couple of days, it will just not happen. E-mail or phone Gov. Crist's office saying that the Governor of Kentucky has signed an Executive Order which would bypass all of those other inhumane lawmakers. Have everyone you know help. We are Americans not just Floridians. And if they give you any bull refer to this article: www.fcfep.org
I think we are screwed here in Florida. Hard to believe we are being punished for living somewhere different when even territories are receiving this. I can't seem to get the media interested but does anyone know if it is possible to file a class action lawsuit for our legislators not acting in our interests, in fact to our detriment? I believe a lawsuit has been started against the state of South Carolina for refusing stimulus funds, but how does one go about starting this. Thank you.
