• Am I eligible for unemployment in Florida?

It depends on a number of factors, such as how you are separated from your job. For instance, an employee who is laid off is usually eligible for unemployment compensation. However, only in limited cirmcumstances, is an employee who quit their job eligible for unemployment compensation. The decision is made when you file your claim. Claim decisions can be appealed. Unemployment is not decided by whether your work is part or full-time. You may be eligible for unemployment compensation even though you had a part-time job.

• What minimum and maximum amount of unemployment can I receive on a weekly basis?

$32.00 to $275.00 per week.

• How is the amount calculated? Does it run out?

The amount is calculated from the highest quarter in your base period divided by 26. The base period is the first four quarters of the previous five completed quarters prior to filing a claim. For instance, if you filed for unemployment in April of 2011, the base period would be January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010. If your gross amount of pay for your highest quarter was greater than $7,150.00, your weekly benefit would be capped at $275.00 per week. However, if your gross amount of pay was $3,000.00 in your highest quarter than your weekly benefit be $115.36 ($3,000.00 divided by 26 = $115.36). Yes, you can only receive a maximum of 26 weeks worth of unemployment in Florida. However, as of this posting (April 11, 2011), you may be eligible for extended benefits once you have used all 26 weeks within your benefit year. A benefit year is defined as a 1 year period that begins when you file your first claim.

• If I get part time or temporary work, can I still file for unemployment?

Yes, as long as the amount you've earned is less than what you are receiving for unemployment for that week and you have not exhausted your benefits. In that case, unemployment will compensate you the difference between your gross pay and your unemployment benefit. For example, if your weekly unemployment benefit is $200.00 and your gross pay from part time or temporary work was $160.00, you could claim the $40.00 difference that week. However, if your unemployment benefit was $200.00 and you earned more than $200.00 - you would not be able to claim unemployment benefits during that week.

• Where can I get more information about Florida unemployment?

The State of Florida has two sites with Frequently Asked Questions about both Unemployment and Extended Unemployment benefits. You can find questions and answers about unemployment claims here. You can find questions and answers about extended unemployment claims here.

The Tallahassee Democrat has published an article about the Florida Back to Work program. It is estimated to create 25,000 jobs in Florida. The average hourly rate is estimated to be $12.00. Workers must meet federal low-income guidelines (below) and have at least one child under the age of 18. As more details emerge about this program, we will post them here.

Are you looking for a job but don't possess a phone?  There may be a solution for you.

SafeLink Wireless is a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and airtime each month to income eligible customers.

To Qualify:
The process to qualify depends on the State you live in. In general, you may qualify if...You already participate in another State or Federal assistance program such as Federal Public Housing Assistance, Food Stamps, and Medicaid.  Or your total household income is at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines set by your State and/or the Federal Government. And no one in your household currently receives service from another phone carrier. And you have a valid United States Postal Address. In order to receive your free phone you must live at a residence that can receive mail from the US Post Office. Sorry, but P.O. Boxes cannot be accepted.  In addition to meeting the guidelines above you will also be required to provide proof of your participation in an assistance program, or proof of your income level.

You can enroll online at www.safelink.com . To apply you will need your address and social security number. If you exceed the free airtime (68 minutes in Florida), you can purchase additional minutes.

SAFELINK WIRELESS® service is a U.S. government supported program for income eligible households provided by TracFone Wireless, Inc. TracFone Wireless is America’s largest and number one prepaid cell phone provider in the U.S.