SARASOTA – SNN has reported in the past on the nightmare that is applying for Florida unemployment benefits, and heard the cries for help.
With Governor Ron DeSantis announcing that 64 out of the 67 counties in Florida will prepare to enter phase two of reopening the state thousands of Floridians are still waiting on their unemployment application to be approved and the receive the help they desperately need.
Florida’s employment data fluctuates weekly. For the week ending May 30th new claims increased from 31,000 to nearly 207,000 new claims. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity 1.84 million Floridians have filed for unemployment since March 15th and just over 224,000 claims have been processed.
“To have over 1 million claims at over $3.5 billion, I think that’s more than the last 4-5 years combined in the state of Florida,” said DeSantis.
Despite Gov. DeSantis claiming that 99% of unemployment claims have been paid since May 4th, records from the Florida DEO shows only 44.1% of claims have been paid. Three weeks later a report shows that number grew only about half of all claims reported by DeSantis, still shy from the 99% the governor claimed.
Our email inbox reflects several Suncoast residents are still dealing with the headache of applying and even getting in touch with someone.
When I tried several to reach a person over the phone through Reemployment Assistance Hotline you’ll probably recognize the voice from the various times our viewers say they haven’t gotten a hold of anyone.
“Hi you’ve reached the Florida Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Reemployment Assistance Customers Service Center…”
Here on the Suncoast, Sarasota County has more than 27,000 residents have filed a claim and in Manatee 23,000 residents have applied for unemployment benefits. Even with the governor extending the duration Floridians will continue to get government help, some still haven’t received a dime since March.
So here at SNN’s we’ll work to get you your money. By filling out the Google Doc with your unemployment information. We’ll send it to the governors and the DEO’s office hoping some of you receive the answers and money you deserve.
To add your name and information to be sent to the governors office fill out this form. The list will be sent every Sunday at 7 p.m.
