In 2009, the 2009 stimulus package was created by President Obama and provided extra funding for states to extend the length of unemployment benefits if necessary. Most states have a fixed number of weeks available for benefits but can increase the number of weeks if necessary. The Florida unemployment rate in April was 9.6%.
The state of Florida recently approved an extension of the unemployment benefits by 20 weeks as a result of Senate Bill 810 sponsored by Sen. Rudy Garcia, R-Miami and Rep. Dave Murzin, R-Pensacola. This applies to unemployed persons who have already used up the previous maximum of 59 weeks of unemployment benefits. The legislation allowing this EB extension was signed by Governor Charlie Crist and will provide more benefits for up to 250,000 unemployed Floridians. The payments will be up to $300 per week.
The money to pay for these extended benefits will come from the stimulus package of 2009 – about $415 million in total.
The agency responsible for these benefits is called the Agency for Workforce Innovation – they expect to start sending out the extended benefit checks in July. According to a spokesman from the agency Robby Cunningham – some people might be able to collect benefits retroactive to February of 2009.
“It’s actually retroactive to February 22nd of this year so some qualifying receiptence could receive initial payments up to 5,100 dollars.”
Please note that any retroactive payments will be from February 22, 2009 or when your last claim ran out – whichever is later.
How to apply for extended benefits
If you qualify for the extended 20 weeks then you still have to apply – go to www.floridajobs.com and click on the big red “Extended Benefits” square near the top of the right side of the screen. The actual link which will open up the application form is here. You can also fill in and mail the EB application to the address indicated on the EB notice/application you will be receiving in the mail.
How do I know if I’m eligible?
Here are a few guidelines you can use to determine eligibility:
- 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.
Unemployment benefit information for other states
Florida unemployment benefits extension - 20 more weeks.
Will New York add 13 more weeks of unemployment benefits?
New York extends unemployment benefits by 13 weeks
Will Tennessee add 20 weeks of unemployment benefit extension?
Ohio unemployment benefits extension - 13 more weeks
Texas Unemployment Benefits Extension - 13 more weeks
Unemployment benefits extended in 2009 stimulus package.
Bill H3548 - 13 week extension for high unemployment states.
Kentucky Unemployment Benefits Extension - 20 more weeks.
Illinois Unemployment Benefits Extension - 20 more weeks.
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They first told me the letter would come in a couple of days, I called back when that didn’t happen and now they tell me I’ve exhausted all of my benefits. I have not received 99 weeks, close though. How can I have exhausted all of my benefits? Anyone know anything about this?
hi laurie i called them today i had 550 left in my account last week when i claimed my weeks i claimed 8 weeks was told today all i had was my 550 and thats all im getting why did they let me claim 8 weeks if i only had 2 weeks of benefits left it toke the wind out of my sail
You will get all 8 weeks of benifits including the 22.00 extra per week, I claimed 7 weeks and my balance was only 739.00 I got all 8 weeks of benifits plus 8 weeks times 22.00. And now my balance is 359.00 , don’t pay attention to those numbers just be patient and wait for the checks to roll in next week!!:)
Rene’
filed for ext. on aug. 11, claimed 8 weeks , as of today, aug. 21 not one check!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!live in fl. u are screwed……….
DAVID how much did you have in your account i 550 and i claimed 8 weeks i only recieved 2 of the eight
The World Suffers When ’99er Suffer where they finish with: “The reasons to pass Tier 5 aren’t just good; they’re overwhelming. They’re not just local to states with high unemployment rates; they’re world wide. Failing to pass the Tier 5 unemployment extension on the very day the Senate and the House reconvene should be considered a crime against humanity — it’s every citizen of the world that suffers.”Washington, are you listening?
I am sorta curious if anybody ever really got that all mystical letter yet? It seems either they forgot mine or it got lost getting here. Also I wonder how many poor folks are still setting around eating ramon noodles waiting to get theirs so they can claim their retropay?
@Laurie
Sounds like you are in an AWI whirlpool. I been there and done that man it was like being an ant in a bathtub drain when somebody pulled the plug.
aug. 23 still no check. there is no letter it was just a lie………*(.to i am confused)
David, have you spoken to anyone? In one of my earlier posts, I mentioned a number and extension that I was able to get through to every time – the other numbers simply say the lines are busy and to try again. Look for that number above, I posted it last week, her name is Lou (a bit hard to understand, I think she’s Haitian).
The bottom line I learned quick is, you have to stay on top of these people. I was told my money would be deposited today and that on this past Saturday, I would be able to see my balance information online. Finally, I was but it said I was to claim weeks on 8/10 (two weeks ago) yet when I tried to claim weeks, it said there were no weeks to claim. So, I called back again this morning and am hoping that the money WILL be deposited tomorrow. It’s a flipping nightmare.
And I never received a letter, either. This state is messed up, period. Had I not found this blog, I would not be as far along in the process…so THANK YOU to whomever it was that posted the list of extensions and phone numbers a few weeks ago
What is everyone’s experience with EB? I finished all my tiers now and did the initial application for EB. It had 4 weeks for me to answer the typical questions for.
Do I have to do this application constantly? Or will it be similar claiming weeks like the typical benefits and EUC?
I’ve gotten nothing in the mail and figure I’ll get something 3 weeks after I should have.
@mdvb
Once you did the app your set just claim if ya got em. Unless of course AWI decides it is time to change the rules on the fly.
@david
I was surprised today I found that mystical letter in my mailbox what ya think. There actually was one. It was that way last time in June 3 weeks late. So I claimed the weeks on Aug 10th and got all the checks by a week later, then wow Aug 24th here comes the letter. Sure glad i didn’t wait on the letter as they babbled the whole time. You need to call em up man and rattle some windows at AWI.
2 more weeks to claim and I will officially be an exhaustee. Then I get to move out on the streets with the ones that ran out and hit the streets months ago.
@I am confused – It is a whirlpool!!! They notified me in May and I was able to go online June 2 fill out an EB application and claim more than 12 EB retro weeks. Then it was cut off June 5th and I received nothing. On Aug 10th I was able to go online and fill out an EB application and claim 20 EB retro weeks. No letter, no update online in my account and they say over the phone I have exhausted my benefits. Last check said I exhausted all of my EUC benefits, isn’t this what EB is for? I know I have not received all 99 weeks. I have finished tier 4 though.
Laurie
Regular state UI – 26 weeks
tier 1 – 20 weeks
tier 2 – 14 weeks
tier 3 – 13 weeks
tier 4 – 6 weeks
EB – 20 weeks
So I don’t think you drew 13 weeks EB then again later 20 weeks. It is a confusing mess. But EB is Fed funded just as the tiers, the main difference is when the fed cutoff date rolls around you continue the tier you are on until it ends and you can’t go to next tier until a new extension is passed. EB is different when the cutoff date rolls around it stops then restarts where it left off when extensions are passed. But most generally you draw the tiers 1st then EB last.
Before the tiers it was just state UI 26 weeks then EB. Sounds to me like your 13 weeks was maybe tier 3.
I am a 97 weeker lol. I have almost completed the confusing course.
I am in Florida and just claimed my last week (week 26) 08/24/2010 of regular unemployment. I am curious how my transition into tier one will be… how long of a wait it will be, is their a waiting week for euc, will my frst check be for one week or two…any insight would be appreciated.
@elise
It was pretty much seamless when I went through it so long ago. Never missed a week until about the start of tier 4 I think it was they made me wait a week. But the early tiers were smooth for me.
You never really know where you are though because they leave a lot to be desired as far as mail notification goes.
@I am Confused – I had already finished Tier III & IV and they stated that in one of the letters…the weird thing is I received the tiers in order except it seems like they gave me EB of 20 weeks instead of tier II- I did the 26 UC – then 20 tier I – then another 20 (should have been only 14 tier II) – then 13 tier III then 6 tier IV. All the letters say is “EUC” on the middle 20. The others specify what tier they were. Of course everything is retro, so hard to tell what weeks were being paid based on when you got them. They let me claim/certify 11 weeks in June, and 20 weeks in August before telling me I had exhausted everything. It’s like they know something isn’t right, but aren’t willing to figure it out.
@I am Confused – I had already finished Tier III & IV and they stated that in one of the letters…the weird thing is I received the tiers in order except it seems like they gave me EB of 20 weeks instead of tier II- I did the 26 UC – then 20 tier I – then another 20 (should have been only 14 tier II) – then 13 tier III then 6 tier IV. All the letters say is “EUC” on the middle 20. The others specify what tier they were. Of course everything is retro, so hard to tell what weeks were being paid based on when you got them. They let me claim/certify 11 weeks in June, and 20 weeks in August before telling me I had exhausted everything. It’s like they know something isn’t right, but aren’t willing to figure it out. Oh well……
Tues. I claimed my last regular week # 26. Yesturday (Wed.) I checked and I have a balance of $5500.00 = 20 weeks which I am guessing is tier 1… So it was seemless for me. Now I am curious if I will still be getting the 25.00 a week. They say claims established before may will cont. to recieve the additional $, but not sure if they consider going into euc (tiers) a new claim.. thanks for the input :*)
claimed 8 weeks aug. 11, still waiting for a check…………………
At first I was getting my checks mailed to me, now have direct deposit. When they were mailing them to me it never took more than 3 days, sometimes two. I would claim on Tues. and have my check by Friday or Saturday. One time it didn’t come when I expected it, I had recently moved. When I called unemployment office they said that 2 weeks would have to pass from the time that it was mailed before they would look into it. I called at the two week mark and they told me it had been returned and they had to verify my address with me before they would resend it. So two days later they remailed it, got it three weeks after I claimed.
Might want to call them and have them see if it was returned to them, expecially if you have moved since you received your last check.
@david – that really should not take that long- even with all the delays. Keep trying to get a hold of them. Something might be wrong. Also, if it is too difficult to get through, call the 1-800-204-2418 number and after selecting your language, hit 3 for information on your claim. It would tell me how much money is available and how much is on the way.
wow – just looked for jobs again and shot out a few resumes. DEPRESSING! I’ve got a freaking masters and can’t get a 8.00/ hour admin assistant position…
Does anyone know how long it takes to hear from them after applying EB (after tier IV)??? And if you qualify – how long it takes to receive the first check?
David – Call them. Something obviously is not in the system right. As I mentioned, I posted another number with the extension of a lady who helped me. As of this morning, all of my back pay is in my bank account.
Brittany – To answer your question, I applied last Monday and this morning, everything was in my account. So, about a week or so. I got my first deposit Wednesday and the second today. And I hear you, I have a master’s as well – decided to go back for a second one, just to bide my time if anything. Best to you.
PLEASE HELP,
I STARTED MY EB AND GOT PAID FOR 9 WEEKS. 4 WEEKS ON 1 CK AND THE BALANCEON ANOTHER, I FILED ON TUESDAY OF THIS WEEK FOR 2 WEEKS– I HAVE 3 MORE CHECKS FOR 2 WEEKS DUE ME , I FILE AGAIN ON SEPT 7,21 & OCT 1–TODAY I GOT 2 LETTERS FROM AWI THEY ARE WORK FORMS- THEY GO FROM6/8/10 TO 8/21– DO I NEED TO FILL OUT ALL OF THEM??
ALOT OF MY APPLICATIONS WERE EMAILS SO I DO NOT HAVE JOB#S AND URLS ETC– PLEASE HELP ME– I REALLY DID APPLY TO THESES PLACES ONLINE JOB #S AS THEY DO NOT SHOW ON MY COPY
THANK YOU
You do have to fill them out, and give them three job searches for each date. You know you applied so if you have to lie a little on the appl. it is a white lie. If you leave anything blank you are risking losing your unemployment benefits. They have to many job searches coming in to check them so don’t stress so hard. If they checked on every one they got they would be checking for years.
TO UNKNOWN,
THANK YOU VERY MUCH– WHEN I SLOWLY WENT THRU ALLAND I MEAN ALL THE PAPERWORK– 3 PAGES HAD NO PLACE FOR A WORK SEARCH (THEY SAID (RETROACTIVE WEEKLY CLAIM CERTIFICATION EXTWNDED BENEFITS- IT WAS THE SAME AS WWHEN I FILED ON LINE- THER WAS NO PLACE ON THISE FOR WORK SEARCHES
THEN THER IS 1 PAGE THAT SAYS” UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION BENEFIT WEEKLY CLAIM CERTIFICATION”
IT HAS A WORK SEARCH RECORD (REQUIRED FOR WEEKS THAT END AFTER 8/21/10 WEEK 1 must complete after 8/21
WEEK 2 must complete after 8/21
IT APPEARS THEY ARE LOOKING FOR 8/08/ ENDING 8/14/10
AND 8/15/10 ENDING 8/21/10
MU ST FAX OR MAIL ON OR AFTER 8/24/10
DOES THIS SOUND CORRECT??
THANKS
Nancy in Florida, The way I interpret this confusing work search issue on the weekly claim certification form is as follows. In the “Exceptions to the Above Work Search Requirements” heading it states: “For weeks ending before 08/22/10, you must still keep a record of your work searches for each week and be able to provide that information if we request it in the future, but you do NOT need to report them on this form”. I could be wrong but my interpretation is that this overwrites anything previously written on the pages. I don’t think you need to send in work searches to them at all. Any other people with thoughts on this?
Nancy in FL
I got all those things also. The only one that was of importance in mine was the one on the letter taht said we have to provide work searches AFTER 8/21 And will be the next claim date which here is 9/5 i think it is.
And that form isn’t important if you file online as the website will ask for those when you claim. I would save it and keep it for your records but unless you file by mail it isn’t important at this time.
The other mess of claim forms (2 pages) I got that same time was just old claim forms. AWI mail is always late and those were claim forms (for me anyways) that I had already recieved retropay for and those weeks were done over the phone.
After 8/21 yes we will need to list the job search stuff when we claim online. If you claim by mail (who does) then you will need that form for those 2 weeks. I would sure hate to claim by mail as slow as AWI mail is. If I claimed by mail I would still be claiming tier 1 and I am 2 weeks from being an exhaustee lol.
If they had wanted job search reports for what we claimed this last Mon and Tues they would have asked online when we claimed. They waste enough paper at AWI to save 10k trees a month I think. And seldom is any of the mail worth reading or explains the problem well enough for most of us to understand it.
I have a box 2×2 feet here I throw all that crap in and over the 97 weeks that box is full of junk I will never need. I keep all my job search data for my claims on my server it backs itself up daily so I will never lose it. I lose paper records bad. If I ever need the job search junk all I have to do is print it out for em ya see. I think the reason they abandoned the job searches for all those months was because they were so busy with paying retropay on EB all the time. My whole 20 weeks of EB was retropay all but the next 4 weeks and a small half a week at the end. We will likely need the job search data from here on out on EB.
Until next claim date I never needed the search data.
It always says on the website when you claim the 1st 2 weeks after a retropay that the 1st 2 weeks need NO job searches. And for me that was the 2 weeks I claimed on this last monday. It was the same way after last retropay experience.
I haven’t gotten to EB yet. Me answer to you was based on what I have read on other sites, if you go to “unemployed friends” web site you can really find all the answers to any question you might have, well 99% of them. EB is the only one that is asking for job searches so I don’t want to give you the wrong anser.
Good Morning All!
Nancy in FL – NO you do not need to mail/fax those forms in for weeks you have already claimed. For EB, if you claim you weeks online, you will fill out your work searches online when you claim your weeks.
You will also find that 99% of the paperwork from AWI is after the fact
MOOO!
Good Morning All!
Saw this on the NY side: Meeting held between NY and NJ 99ers – Director of Political Action
http://unemployedworkersactiongroup.webs.com/takeaction.htm
Joe, Nancy FL, Kathy from Jville: It’s always good to see everyone’s posts & updates. We’ve all been on this site for a long time…….I feel like we are all good friends & will be talking soon or something…..Glad everyone is doing well!
Smiles to all
and of course, MOOOOO to Joe!
Hi Mark, good to see you made it back safe and sound. Hope your time with family was good. Yes, the four of us have been on here a long time—and it feels good that we have been able to work together and help everyone along this horrible mess we found ourselves in. I feel so blessed to have found this site and getting rid of that feeling of being in a boat by myself. Was good to see Joe’s MOOOOO again. LOL Everyone have a good Sunday and remember to keep smiling!!!
Perhaps we should all have a get together at some point
With the rumblings going on, it may come to pass that we’ll see a Tier 5, and actually before the elections, they may get right on it to try to get a vote for re-election. If I were to assume anything, lol, it would be that the ones who vote to help the downtrodden will be voted for in a more favorable light. Of course that makes sense, so what happens will probably be the opposite!
Joe
Good Morning All!
Yes Joe, I agree. I think a tier 5 will pass right before Nov elections.
Hi Nancy
Have a great day everyone!
Hello to all!! Glad to see everyone is doing well and hanging in there! It’s hopeful to see some buzz about Tier 5, and it’s even more exciting to have a little glimmer of hope that something might be in the works and has a small shot at being passed!
That certainly brightened my day!!
Talk to you all soon….keep smiling!
@ Sonya — Thanks so much for giving me an idea of how long it might take (wow – 1 or two weeks is much faster than I though)! Good luck on your second Master – I think I’ll try to pick up Spanish…
Good Morning All!
Hi Cam! How are things with you? How the house situation? You’ve been here with us for a long time too. Yeah Joe we should all try to get together sometime for our unemployment party!
Hope everyone is doing okay. For those of you waiting on payments….CALL! Have a great day all
Hi Ya’ll……glad to be back…..bruce
Mark in Fl….thanks anyway Mark….found the site…..Bruce….nice to see your great posts
Hi Bruce……..Glad you found the site…welcome back!
Morning All!!!! I am having my coffee this morning and can’t help but think about everyone….I miss all the kind people here on Four Pillars : )
Through both thick and thin, Mark in Fl, has served us well. Those of you that are going through the initial throws of unemploment, cherish Mark in Fl.
Good Morning All!
Just Me – Good to see your post. You’re one of the first that I met on here SO you have to come to the uemployment party & bring the wings!
UNE – Wow….you’ve been here a long time too. Hope all is well with you. Thanks for your kind comments. All of you have been an awesome support system for me too!
Good Morning Everyone, WOW there are so many of us that have been on here a long time. Seriously, we do need to plan a get together—I’m in Polk county but will drive north, south, east or west—I am right in the middle. What happened to JadeShine? Haven’t heard from her in a long time. Take care all—keep smiling.
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