We were with you every step of the way in 2020 when it came to Florida unemployment. We brought your questions directly to leaders charged with handling the unemployment problems in the state. We wanted to take a look back at the timeline for the unemployment process in Florida as the year comes to a close.
Since March, out of almost five million Floridians who applied, two million received unemployment benefits in 2020.
The lucky ones still experienced all kinds of issues along the way.
In what felt like the blink of an eye, businesses closed their doors. The flood gates opened, and unemployment claims went rushing to the state half a million by April.
USPS says Christmas gifts on the way despite delays
Published: December 22, 2020 6:35 PM EST
Updated: December 22, 2020 11:29 PM EST
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This includes a warning holiday gifts are at risk of arriving late for Christmas.
Some USPS employees are working almost 70 to 80 hours a week to get loved ones their gifts on time.
But the people we spoke to Tuesday say delays don’t bother them.
“We typically don’t see lines on December 22,” said Robert Rhoad, a customer relations coordinator at the Page Field post office.
This year was different as many people send off last minute presents. Many said they know, realistically, gifts they are sending won’t make it Christmas Day.
Problems with unemployment system means canceled Christmas for mom, her kids
Published: December 21, 2020 6:19 PM EST
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A Florida mom is struggling to make ends meet at Christmastime thanks to Florida’s unemployment system.
Charity Morris of Lawtey, Florida, says she can’t get her kids any gifts this year after missing unemployment benefits and months of struggling to pay the bills.
She says she has tried everything she can to get it fixed, and now, it’s affecting her children.
“Just trying to keep my lights on and my kids fed. About the best I can do.”
Morris says she has started to sell things on eBay just to get by.
Florida unemployment: Extended benefits application available for eligible claimants
Published: December 15, 2020 10:00 PM EST
Updated: December 15, 2020 11:40 PM EST
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There is some help from Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Tuesday to assist certain people who have been getting unemployment benefits.
If you’ve used all of your pandemic emergency unemployment compensation (PUEC) benefits, you might qualify for six more weeks of aid.
There are a lot of conditions that will be different for each person’s situation.
The state will notify you if you qualify.
Watch “A Guide for Reemployment Assistance: Extended Benefits” on YouTube or below: