Reemployment Assistance Updates
American Rescue Plan Act of 2021
- As a result of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which was signed into law on March 11, 2021, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) and Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefit programs have been extended to September 6, 2021.
- Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides an additional $300 for eligible claimants, has also been extended to September 6, 2021.
- Claimants should continue to request their benefit payments as weeks become available in their CONNECT account if they remain unemployed. The Department encourages individuals to continue checking their CONNECT account every 48 hours for additional updates or notifications from the Department.
Quarter Change
- On a quarterly basis, pursuant to Federal guidance, DEO must determine whether individuals who are currently receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) or Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) are instead eligible for state Reemployment Assistance benefits.
- Claimants who are currently receiving PUA or PEUC may need to take specific actions on their claim when they log-in to CONNECT after April 1, 2021, when the new quarter comes into effect.
- Claimants will receive an additional notification with specific instructions regarding their claim. For more information about Quarter Change, click here.
- The Department encourages all individuals to log-in to CONNECT and ensure their contact information is accurate and up-to-date.
Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation
- Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) is a federally funded program that provides an additional $100 per week to eligible individuals in addition to the benefits they are currently receiving. MEUC is not available to claimants who are currently receiving Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.
- Claimants may be eligible for MEUC if they have received at least $5,000 in net income from self-employment for the tax year prior to their initial claim.
- MEUC benefits are in addition to the $300 supplemental Federal Pandemic Unemployment Benefits (FPUC) benefit programs, which expires on September 6, 2021.
- Florida is one of the few states to fully implement MEUC benefits for eligible claimants.
- Eligible claimants can apply for MEUC benefits here. For information on how to apply for MEUC, click here.
Waiver Update
- Governor Ron DeSantis has directed DEO to continue waiving the work search and work registration requirements through May 29, 2021, and the waiting week requirement through June 26, 2021.
- DEO recently launched a Reemployment Assistance Help Center, an online portal where claimants or employers can receive and provide additional information to the Department regarding Reemployment Assistance. Individuals can also notify the Department of suspected Reemployment Assistance fraud or identity theft.
Identity Verification Process
- In 2020, the Department partnered with ID.me, a trusted technology partner, assisting claimants who were locked out of their accounts. The Department has recently expanded that partnership to help keep Floridians’ identities secure from fraudulent activity and bolster current fraud prevention measures.
- Any new claimant filing for Reemployment Assistance will need to verify their identity through ID.me. For more information about ID.me visit the claimant resource page, here.
1099-G Tax Form Information
- The Department completed electronically processing 1099-G Tax Forms for all claimants on January 17, 2021. All claimants should have access to their 1099-G Tax Form in their CONNECT account. Claimants who opted to receive communication from the Department through U.S. Mail should have received their 1099-G tax form no later than January 31, 2021.
- When viewing your 1099-G Tax Form in CONNECT, be sure to enable pop-ups on your web browser. Pop-up blockers restrict you from viewing your 1099-G Tax Forms and other important documents from the Department.
- If a claimant did not receive their 1099-G tax form, they received a 1099-G Tax Form by mistake, their 1099-G Tax Form is incorrect, or they cannot access their 1099-G Tax Form, visit 1099grequest.myflorida.com.
- Claimants can now communicate online with a live Reemployment Assistance Customer Service Representative for assistance with their Reemployment Assistance claim. Claimants can visit the claimant homepage and select the chat icon to begin talking with a Representative.
- The Department has shifted priorities for 200 Customer Service Representatives to assist claimants by utilizing the new online chat feature. Claimants may experience some wait time, but a representative will assist as soon as they become available.
PUA Document Upload Requirements
- Due to recent federal requirements, claimants receiving PUA benefits are now required to upload employment documentation to CONNECT. Please see the Department's fact sheet for more information and directions for uploading your proof of employment documentation.
Helpful documents and information relating to Reemployment Assistance
Under the CARES Act, Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) is available for eligible applicants who are currently receiving regular state Reemployment Assistance benefits. FPUC is an additional $600 distributed weekly in addition to state Reemployment Assistance benefits. Due to the system upgrades in CONNECT, DEO is able to issue the additional $600 payments in multiple ways. If you are eligible and have previously provided a bank account in the CONNECT system, you will receive a direct deposit to your account. If you did not provide your bank account, you will receive a check to the mailing address provided on your account.
Disclaimer: The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their employees on the payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. If your employer is participating in the Paycheck Protection Program, this may affect your eligibility for state or federal Reemployment Assistance programs.
Reemployment Assistance Waivers
Reemployment Assistance Waivers
Governor Ron DeSantis has directed the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to continue waiving the waiting week requirement for claimants through June 26, 2021.
The work search and work registration requirements will continue to be waived through May 29, 2021.
- Pursuant to federal law, claimants will be required to return to the CONNECT system every two weeks to request their benefits or “claim their weeks.” In doing so, claimants will confirm that they are still unemployed and acknowledge that you are able and available for work. Answers to work search questions are still required to process your claim in the CONNECT system but will not impact benefit payments.
- By completing the is process, a claimant’s request for payment is submitted for their weeks of unemployment, even when the claim is pending for review. For weeks beginning May 10, 2020, you must claim your weeks in order to receive benefits. Claimants will be able to request a benefit payment for each week available.