Florida’s Unemployment Compensation Claims Book
This book provides information about how to file for Unemployment Compensation in Florida. It also has information about reemployment services and assistance. Please look here for answers to your questions. If the information you need is not included, call 1-800-204-2418. We will be happy to assist you.
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Contents
Page
Information
Finding Work ........................................... 2 Important Reminders & Suggestions.... 3 Starting Your Florida Claim.................... 4 Continuing to Claim Benefits .............. 12 How to Contact Us .............................. 13 Filing Out-of-State Claims.................... 14
An equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. All voice telephone numbers in this booklet may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711.
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Can I get help finding a job?
Finding Work
YES! Florida provides free reemployment services and assistance to unemployed workers, recent graduates and those entering the job market for the first time. Our Internet website is linked to many local, state and national employment databases.
To search for work at our website:
http://www.floridajobs.org
Select Workforce Services, Job Search Job Registration, Reemployment Services and Job Training:
You are automatically registered for work with your local One-Stop Career Center when your claim is filed. You may be referred to job openings and/or contacted for an evaluation of the services you receive. You may also be selected to participate in reemployment assistance services. A statewide network of local One-Stop Career Centers provides job training and employment services to link Florida’s job seekers and employers. These career centers offer: Job search counseling; Testing and assessment; Occupational and labor market information; Job search workshops; Referral to potential employers; Job Training Assistance.
Finding Work
Visit the One-Stop Career Center nearest you.
Information about Career Center locations is available on the Internet at http://www.floridajobs.org, select Workforce Services, One-Stop Career Centers.
Some Suggestions
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STOP
Please take time to read and follow the instructions in this book carefully to avoid a delay or denial of Unemployment Compensation benefits.
Determine whether to file your claim on the Internet, by telephone, or by mail or fax. Information about filing your claim begins on Page 4. The Internet is the fastest, easiest and recommended way to file your claim. After you file your claim based on work in Florida, read Page 12 to learn how to: Create your Personal Identification Number (PIN); Get specific information on your claim; Claim benefits. Your claim will be effective the Sunday prior to the day it is filed or postmarked. Credit cannot be given for any weeks prior to the effective date of the claim. If your claim is based on work in another state, follow the instructions starting on Page 14. After you submit your application, you will be contacted by that state and given further instructions.
Important Reminders & Suggestions
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Getting Started
Florida Claims Procedures
Before filing your claim (by Internet, telephone, mail or fax), gather the following information to assist you in completing the application:
1. Your Social Security number; 2. The names, addresses, and phone numbers of all your employers during the last 18 months; 3. The dates you worked and total earnings from each employer; 4. Gross earnings for this week since 12:01AM Sunday; 5. Driver’s License, State Identification , voter registration number or other type of ID that could verify your identity; 6. The name and local number of your labor union hall, if applicable; 7. If you are not a U.S. citizen, your Alien Registration Number and work permit expiration date; 8. Your DD-214 form (if you were in the military within the last 2 years); 9. Form SF-50 or Form SF-8 and check stubs or W-2 proof of earnings (if you were a federal employee). Types of Claims During the last 18 months was all your work in another state, or did you file an unemployment claim in another state? If yes, follow the instructions on Page 14, “Interstate Claims Procedures.” You are an Out-of-State claimant. If you worked for a Federal Agency in another state include proof of earnings with your application. If no, continue to the next question.
Starting Your Florida Claim
Florida Claims Procedures
During the last 18 months was your work in Florida? If yes, follow the instructions on Page 6 to file by Internet, Page 7 to file by telephone, or Page 8 to file by mail or fax. You are a Florida claimant. If no, continue to the next question. During the last 18 months did you work in more than one state? (The states do not have to include Florida.) If yes, follow the instructions on Page 6 to file by Internet, Page 7 to file by telephone, or Page 8 to file by mail or fax. You are a Florida claimant. If no, continue to the next question. During the last 18 months were you in the military? If yes, follow the instructions on Page 6 to file by Internet, Page 7 to file by telephone, or Page 8 to file by mail or fax. If you file by mail or fax include a copy of your DD-214 Member 4 form along with the Florida application. You are a Florida claimant. If no, continue to the next question. During the last 18 months did you work for a Federal Agency, i.e., United States Post Office, Veteran’s Hospital, etc., in the State of Florida? If yes, follow the instructions on Page 6 to file by Internet, Page 7 to file by telephone, or Page 8 to file by mail or fax. If you file by mail or fax include a copy of your earnings Standard Form 50 (or check stubs or W-2 form) and Standard Form 8 (if you received one at time of separation). You are a Florida claimant. If no, continue to the next question. During the last 12 months, did you file a claim for Unemployment Compensation benefits in Florida? If yes, follow the instructions on Page 6 to file an additional or re-open claim by Internet, Page 7 to file by telephone, or Page 8 to file by mail or fax. You are a Florida claimant. If no, follow the instructions on Page 6 to file an initial claim by Internet, Page 7 to file by telephone, or Page 8 to file by mail or fax. You are a Florida claimant.
Note: Your claim will be effective the Sunday prior to the day it is filed or postmarked. Credit cannot be given for any weeks prior to the effective date of the claim.
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Starting Your Florida Claim
6 Step 1
Florida Claims Procedures
Filing by Internet
You can file your claim based on Florida employment three ways, Internet, telephone or mail. We recommend filing by Internet as the easiest and most efficient method. The Internet application is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you file by Internet, do not complete and send the claim application forms to us. To File by Internet:
Starting Your Florida Claim
You will not be able to complete the application using WebTV. The One-Stop Career Center nearest you (locations are available on the Internet at http://www.floridajobs.org, select Workforce Services, One-Stop Career Centers) may have computer facilities that you can use to file your claim on the Internet. The One-Stop Career Center is also your best resource for job placement services in your area. To file your claim on the Internet Go to our website at: http://www.fluidnow.com Select Internet Unemployment Compensation Claim Application This site allows Florida’s residents and former Florida workers to file claims for unemployment insurance via the Internet. To complete a claim for Unemployment Compensation will take 30 minutes to one hour. The date your application is completed will determine the date your benefits will begin. If you complete your application and receive the confirmation number prior to midnight Saturday, Eastern Time, your claim will begin the previous Sunday. Example: You complete your application on Saturday, June 16 at 10:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Your claim will begin on Sunday, June 10. If you complete your application on Sunday, June 17 at 1:02 a.m. Eastern Time, your claim will begin on June 17.
Florida Claims Procedures
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Step 1
Filing by Telephone
To file by telephone call: 1-800-204-2418
You will answer basic questions using the telephone key pad and will then be connected to a customer service representative to complete the claim filing process. It will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to complete your claim. Your claim will begin the Sunday prior to the day you complete the Teleclaims process. Example: You complete your application on Thursday, April 24; your claim will begin on Sunday, April 20.
Starting Your Florida Claim
If you do not have access to the Internet, you can file your claim by telephone. Call 1-800-204-2418 and follow the directions given by the Unemployment Compensation Teleclaims Automated system. The Teleclaims system is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, and requires a Touch-Tone telephone. TTY (teletype) service is available by dialing 711. If you file your claim by telephone, do not complete and send the claim application forms to us.
8 Step 1
Florida Claims Procedures
Filing by Mail or Fax
If you do not file your claim by Internet or telephone, you can file your claim by mail or fax. If you fax your forms, keep the original forms for your records, do not mail them to us. Follow these steps: Tear out the AWI-UC310, the AWI-UC310 Supplement (if you worked for more than one employer during the last 18 months), and the AWI-UCW4V located at the back of this book. Seven business days after mailing your forms, or five business days after faxing your forms, you may access our Internet site at www.fluidnow.com, click on Claim Your Weeks, or call 1-800-204-2418, to set your Personal Identification Number and get specific information on your claim, such as your weekly benefit amount and total available credits (see Page 12). You will be receiving a Wage Transcript and Determination by mail seven to fourteen days after submitting your claim forms. Please do not call us to check on your claim unless you do not receive your Wage Transcript within
Starting Your Florida Claim
fourteen days.
Step 2
Complete Application AWI-UC310
Unemployment Compensation Application for Services
Complete the entire application. Failure to do so may delay your claim. It is very important that you provide a telephone number, and email address if you have one, where you can be contacted if additional information is needed to process your claim. Failure to do so may delay your claim. Print legibly and in blue or black ink. If we cannot read your handwriting or if all questions are not answered, your claim cannot be properly processed and you may not receive benefits. The numbers beside the following information correspond to the question numbers on the claim application (form AWI-UC310). 12. Enter all requested information for your most recent employer. If you have worked less than one year for the employer, you should give the total amount of earnings before any deductions from the date you started working for the company until the date that you finished working for the company. If you have worked more than one year for the employer, you may give your estimated annual salary.
Florida Claims Procedures
13. Vacation Pay: Vacation pay applies only to a short-term layoff with a specific return-to-work date, and is for a specific period and designated as pay for a “vacation period”. This does not apply to accrued vacation l leave paid out when your job separation is permanent. Holiday Pay: Holiday pay applies only to a short-term layoff with a specific return-to-work date, and is payment made for an established “holiday” (i.e., Memorial Day, Independence Day, Christmas Day) because the holiday occurs during the layoff you are currently on. Sick Pay: Sick pay applies only if you are currently receiving, or will be receiving in the future, payment while on medical leave from the employer. This does not apply to accrued sick leave paid out when your job separation is permanent. 19. Retirement Pension: Retirement pension applies only if you are currently receiving, or will be receiving in the future, income from a retirement plan, pension or annuity program, which is part of a union contract or part of either a public or private employee benefit plan. Enter in the space provided the date these retirement payments are effective, unless the payment is in a lump sum, in which case the date received should be entered. 22. Workers’ Compensation: Workers’ Compensation applies only if you are currently receiving, or will be receiving in the future, income from the employer’s Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier due to a work-related injury. Enter in the space provided the date payments started. 23. Labor Union: A labor union is a group of workers bearing the name labor, organized labor, federation of labor, brotherhood of labor, union labor, trade union, building trades council, building trades union, allied trades union, local union, state union, national union, international union, district labor council, district labor union, American Federation of Labor, Florida Federation of Labor, etc. This question applies only if you are a member of such a union, and you are registered with a hiring hall of your union for the purposes of obtaining employment. (Note: “Credit Union” banking institutions are not labor unions.)
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Step 3
Complete Application AWI-UC310 Supplement
Unemployment Compensation Application Supplement
Enter requested information for all your employers (except the most recent employer which you listed on the AWI-UC310) during the last 18 months. If you only worked for one employer in the last 18 months, it is not necessary for you to complete the AWI-UC310 Supplement.
Starting Your Florida Claim
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Florida Claims Procedures
Step 4
Complete Form AWI-UCW4V
Voluntary Withholding of Federal Income Tax
Unemployment Compensation benefits are fully taxable if you are required to file a tax return. Certain provisions of Public Law 103-465 require us to deduct and withhold Federal income tax from Unemployment Compensation benefits if you voluntarily request such deduction and withholding. You have the option of requesting that we deduct and withhold 10 percent of your weekly benefits for federal income taxes. You may change your option up to two times per calendar year. Form 1099-G, will be furnished to you at the end of January reporting benefits paid and taxes withheld during the prior year. The same information will be sent to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Benefits issued on interstate claims will be reported by the state paying the benefits. The income taxes deducted are held in trust for the United States Government. All refunds must be obtained from the IRS if there is an overpayment of income taxes. This Agency is not responsible for refunding withheld taxes. It may be necessary for you to make estimated tax payments. For more information on when these payments should be made, refer to the IRS publication titled “Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax” or contact the Internal Revenue Service. Please direct all questions concerning your income tax liability to the Internal Revenue Service. Please complete form AWI-UCW4V to decline, request or change a previous request for withholding of Federal Income Taxes from your Unemployment Compensation benefits. Carefully read all information on the form AWI-UCW4V before completing the form. Note: Your request to withhold taxes cannot be processed without your signature.
Starting Your Florida Claim
Florida Claims Procedures
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Step 5
Are you a United States Citizen?
If no, include a copy (front and back) of your alien identification or any documents issued to you by the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service along with the unemployment applications.
Step 6
Mail or Fax the completed Forms
Mail or fax to: Agency for Workforce Innovation P.O. Box 5300 Tallahassee, FL 32314-5300 Fax number: (850) 921-3865 Important: Mail or fax your claim forms immediately. Your claim will be effective in the week it is postmarked or transmitted by fax. We may need to contact you for additional information, so please include a telephone number and email address, if you have one, where we can reach you.
Step 7
Claim Benefits
Read Page 12 to learn how to claim your unemployment benefits.
Starting Your Florida Claim
Now that you have completed the necessary forms to apply for Unemployment Compensation benefits, mail (envelope provided in this book) or fax the completed forms to us. We included the address in case the envelope is missing or lost. If you fax your forms, keep the original forms for your records, do not mail them to us.
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Claiming Benefits by Internet or Telephone
How do I claim benefits?
After filing your initial claim, you must report every two weeks by Internet or telephone to claim weeks of unemployment and receive your Unemployment Compensation payments. We recommend claiming your weeks by Internet as the easiest and most efficient method. If all requirements are met, it normally takes three to four weeks after filing your new claim to receive your first payment. Florida Law requires every person to serve one waiting week for which no benefits are paid. The waiting week will be the first week that you claim and meet all eligibility requirements. You should receive an “Information Notice” within 18 days of filing your claim advising when to claim weeks. You will need to certify for weeks of unemployment using the Internet or by telephone every two weeks. No payments can be made on your claim unless you certify every two weeks. Claim weeks begin on Sunday and end on Saturday.
Continuing to Claim Benefits
Remember: You cannot be paid benefits if you do not claim weeks as scheduled.
First Internet/Call Information
Before going to the Internet or calling, be sure you know your Social Security number and, if you worked, the gross amount of any wages you earned during the weeks being claimed. You will first create your own Personal Identification Number (PIN) that you must not share with anyone. You will use the same PIN when accessing the system by Internet or telephone. The system is available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Eastern Time.
To claim weeks, establish/change your PIN or get claim and payment information: By Internet
Go to www.fluidnow.com, choose Claim Your Weeks and follow the instructions.
By Telephone
Use a Touch-Tone telephone to call 1-800-204-2418 and follow the instructions. To speak to a claims representative, press 1 for English, 2 for Spanish or 3 for Haitian Creole, then press 5.
Contacting Us
You can contact us several ways. Telephone
If you need to contact us by telephone, you may do so by calling 1-800-204-2418. This is the only number you need.
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Internet
http://www.fluidnow.com
Mail
If you need to contact us by mail (include your Social Security number on all pages), you may do so to the following address:
Agency for Workforce Innovation P.O. Box 5300 Tallahassee, FL 32314-5300
Fax
If you need to contact us by fax (include your Social Security number on all pages), you may do so to the following number:
(850) 921-3865
How to Contact Us
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Interstate Claims Procedures
This information pertains to you if for the past 18 months you have worked or filed a claim in another state (other than Florida).
Step 1
Important
Important
If you have worked or filed a claim in Canada or the following states, you must call the number or visit the website listed below. They will not accept mail claims. ALABAMA ............ www.dir.alabama.gov ............... 1-866-234-5382 ALASKA ................ www.labor.state.ak.us ............... 1-888-252-2557
Filing Out-of-State Claims
ARIZONA .............. www.azui.com ........................... 1-877-600-2722 CALIFONIA ........... www.edd.ca.gov ....................... 1-800-300-5616 CANADA .............. www.servicecanada.gc.ca....... 1-877-486-1650 COLORADO ......... www.coloradoworkforce.com .. 1-800-388-5515 CONNECTICUT ..... www.ctdol.state.ct.us ................ 1-800-942-6653 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ....www.dcnetworks.org ........ 1-877-319-7346 HAWAII...................................................................... 1-877-215-5793 IDAHO .................. www.cl.idaho.gov/iw ................ (208) 332-3574 IOWA ................... www.iowaworkforce.org ........... 1-866-239-0843 KANSAS ................ www.uibenefits.dol.ks.gov ......... 1-800-292-6333 KENTUCKY ............ www.kewes.ky.gov .................... (859) 547-3362 LOUISIANA ........... www.laworks.net ........................ 1-866-783-5567
Interstate Claims Procedures
MAINE .................. www.file4ui.com ........................ 1-800-593-7660 MARYLAND .......... www.mdunemployment.com .... (410) 334-6800 MICHIGAN ........... www.michigan.gov/uia ............. 1-866-500-0017 MINNESOTA.......... www.uimn.org ............................ 1-877-898-9090 MISSISSIPPI ................................................................ 1-888-844-3577 MISSOURI ............. www.moclaim.com.................... 1-800-320-2519 MONTANA ....... http://ui4u.mt.gov .......................... (406) 247-1000 NEBRASKA ........ www.nebraskaworkforce.com....... 1-877-725-9918 NEVADA ............... www.nvdetr.org ......................... 1-888-890-8211 NEW HAMPSHIRE .. www.nhes.state.nh.us ................ 1-800-266-2252 NEW JERSEY .............................................................. 1-888-795-6672 NEW MEXICO ............................................................ (505) 841-0400 NEW YORK ........... www.labor.state.ny.us ............... 1-877-358-5306 NORTH CAROLINA ....www.ncesc.com .................... 1-888-927-8939 NORTH DAKOTA ........www.jobsnd.com ................... (701) 328-4995 OHIO ......................................................................... 1-877-644-6562 OKLAHOMA .... www.unemployment.ok.gov .............. 1-800-555-1554 OREGON ...................www.workinginoregon.org .... 1-877-877-9996 PENNSYLVANIA ......................................................... 1-888-313-7284
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Filing Out-of-State Claims
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Interstate Claims Procedures
PUERTO RICO ........................................................... 1-888-238-8889 RHODE ISLAND..........www.dlt.ri.gov........................ 1-866-557-0001 SOUTH CAROLINA .....www.sces.org......................... 1-800-529-8339 SOUTH DAKOTA ........www.sd.uiclaims.com ............ (605) 626-3179 TENNESSEE....... www.tennesseeanytime.org/labor ..... 1-877-813-0950 TEXAS ........................www.texasui.org .................... 1-888-872-8417 UTAH .........................www.jobs.utah.gov................ 1-888-848-0688
Filing Out-of-State Claims
VERMONT .................................................................. 1-877-214-3330 VIRGINIA ...................www.vec.virginia.gov ............ 1-866-832-2363 WASHINGTON ...........www.go2ui.com..................... 1-800-318-6022 WISCONSIN ...............www.ucclaim-wi.org.............. 1-800-822-5246
Other States are being added.
If your state is not listed above, follow the instructions beginning with Step 2 on Page 17 to file your claim by mail.
Interstate Claims Procedures
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Step 2
Instructions for filing your Out-of-State Claim
Form IB-1, which is located in the forms section at the back of this book, is the necessary form to claim benefits based on your work and earnings in another state and/or reactivate an existing out-of-state claim. Please print legibly and complete the form in blue or black ink only. Your signature is required on the form. It is very important that you provide a telephone number and e-mail address, if you have one, in case additional information is needed to process your claim. Failure to do so may delay your claim. The following information, if it applies to you, must be included when submitting your application: 1. A photocopy of your Alien Identification/Work Authorization (front and back) if you are not a United States Citizen. 2. A photocopy of your DD214, Member 4, if you were discharged from the military service within the last 18 months. 3. A photocopy of your Standard Form 50, check stub or W-2 form, and Standard Form 8, if one was received at the time of your separation, if you were employed by a federal agency within the last 18 months.
Step 3
Complete Application IB-1
All questions must be answered carefully so that your claim won’t be delayed. For all employers during the last 18 months, make sure you have included a street address for the employers listed and complete dates of employment including month/day/year. If you filed a new claim within the past 12 months, indicate the state against which you filed in question #10 as well as the date on which you filed.
Filing Out-of-State Claims
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Interstate Claims Procedures
Step 4
Mail or Fax the completed Application
Now that you have completed Form IB-1 to apply for Unemployment Compensation benefits, you need to mail or fax the completed form in the envelope provided in this book. We have included the address on this page in the event the envelope is missing or lost.
Mail or fax to: Agency for Workforce Innovation P.O. Box 5300 Tallahassee, FL 32314-5300
Filing Out-of-State Claims
Fax number: (850) 921-3865
Important: Mail or fax your claim form immediately. Your claim will become effective the week in which it is postmarked or transmitted by fax. We may need to contact you by telephone, so please include a number where you can be reached.
Once your claim has been processed by the Agency for Workforce Innovation Office in Florida, you will receive a letter with the address and phone number of your liable state (the state responsible for paying your benefits) office. If you have any questions you need to call the liable state. The liable state will forward the necessary information for you to continue your claim. Carefully follow all instructions received from your liable state.
Interstate Claims Procedures
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If you do not receive information from the state within fourteen days, you may contact the state at the number listed below.
ARKANSAS .................................................................(501) 682-3218 DELAWARE .................................................................(302) 761-8428 GEORGIA ...................................................................(404) 232-3090
INDIANA.................................................................... 1-800-891-6499 MASSACHUSETTS ........................................................(617) 626-6140 VIRGIN ISLANDS .........................................................(304) 776-3700 WEST VIRGINIA .......................................................... (304) 558-2657
Filing Out-of-State Claims
ILLINOIS ........................................................... (773) 538-9811, x 235