TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced it has suspended Reemployment Assistance claim requirements for those impacted by Hurricane Ian.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is also available for businesses and residents whose employment or self-employment was hindered due to the storm.
In FEMA disaster-declared counties, the DOE has temporarily waived work search reporting, waiting week and Employ Florida registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims.
By waiving these requirements, DOE representatives said eligible Floridians will be able to quickly apply and receive reemployment assistance and disaster unemployment assistance benefits, according to a news release.
As of Oct. 11, FEMA disaster-declared counties include DeSoto and Hardee, as well as Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, Flagler, , Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia.
“Right now, Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian are trying to meet their critical needs and what they don’t need are roadblocks interfering with their recovery,” DEO Secretary Dane Eagle said.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership,” he added, “DEO is taking swift action to cut red tape and waive reporting requirements for reemployment assistance is the right choice to get families the help they need to get back on their feet faster, and DEO stands ready to distribute this vital assistance as quickly as possible.”
In the declared counties, DUA is available to those who are ineligible to receive federal or state Reemployment Assistance benefits and the individual meets one of the following requirements:
- Is unemployed as a direct result of the major disaster;
- Was scheduled to start employment but was unable to as a direct result of the major disaster;
- Is unable to reach their job or self-employment location because the individual has to travel through an affected area and is prevented from doing so as a direct result of the major disaster;
- Has become the primary breadwinner because the head of the household died as a direct result of the major disaster; or
- Is unable to work because of an injury that was a direct result of the major disaster.
To file a claim, visit FloridaJobs.org/DUA, visit a local CareerSource Career Center, or call 1-800-385-3920.
Customer service representatives are available Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time to assist claimants. For DUA claims information, call 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to speak with a representative.
Individuals must file for state Reemployment Assistance benefits before filing for DUA.
During the application, claimants should indicate they have been impacted by the disaster.
Claimants determined ineligible or who have exhausted Reemployment Assistance benefits will be automatically prompted to file a DUA application if they indicated on their Reemployment Assistance application that their employment was impacted by the disaster.
DUA is available for weeks of unemployment beginning September 25, 2022, until April 1, 2023, as long as the individual’s unemployment continues to be a direct result of the disaster.
The deadline to submit a claim for DUA benefits is December 30, 2022.
Applications filed after the deadline will be considered untimely and DUA benefits may be denied unless the individual provides good cause.
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must submit their Social Security number, check stubs, and documentation to support the claim that they were working or self-employed when the disaster occurred, or evidence substantiating they were unable to begin employment or self-employment due to the disaster.
In some cases, additional documentation may be required. To receive DUA benefits, all required documentation must be submitted within 21 days from the date the DUA application is filed.
The Florida DEO combines the state’s economic, workforce, and community development efforts. For more information, including resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.