Florida application for added unemployment benefits remains up in the air

Florida still hasn’t applied for the state to receive further unemployment benefits Friday despite what Gov. Ron DeSantis said Wednesday.

We requested a copy of the application, but Florida Department of Economic Opportunity hasn’t provided it.

The DEO told WINK News, “The Department is working on submitting our application to FEMA,” for the Lost Wages Assistance program.

It could provide Floridians with $300 in extra unemployment benefits a week.

As of Aug. 27, 35 states have been approved for the program, which does have limited funding.

In it’s daily update regarding reemployment assistance Friday, the DEO again stated, “Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the Department will submit Florida’s application to participate in the Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) Program.”

DEO Update

“This program, authorized by a memorandum from President Trump, provides additional temporary benefits for individuals who are eligible for Reemployment Assistance for weeks of unemployment ending on or after Aug. 1, 2020.

“Pending federal approval, this will allow Florida to offer an additional $300 per week to eligible Reemployment Assistance claimants. To be eligible for this benefit, claimants must be currently receiving at least $100 in an approved Reemployment Assistance program weekly benefits and must certify that they are unemployed or partially unemployed due to the disruptions caused by COVID-19. Pending approval of Florida’s application, payments will be retroactive to August 1, 2020.

“The Department is currently preparing to implement the LWA program to ensure eligible Floridians receive the additional benefits as quickly as possible. More information can be found here.”

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