As we near the beginning of another legislative session in the state of Florida, there’s talk about reform to Florida’s infamously bad unemployment system.

In 2011, the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) was not only renamed but a new system was installed to process unemployment claims. This change made the state of Florida 50th in the nation when it came to paying unemployment claims. Ordinarily, you would think this was a good thing, right?

It’s not a good thing when people are abandoning their rightful claims left and right - all because the system is beyond difficult to use.

There have been more and more mentions of this problem in the Florida media recently:

• Saint Peters Blog had a great summary of the legislative committee meeting held recently about this issue.
• The Palm Beach Post has an excellent article about the difficulties of the system and the hurdles that Floridians are running into when using it.

Florida is already one of the stingiest states in the nation when it comes to the amount of your unemployment claim and the length of time you can claim it. Now, it’s become impossible to claim the benefits that you’re entitled to.

How to fix it? There’s three good steps:

First of all: Remember, you are not alone. Some of the stories that we hear when people deal with this system verge on unbelievable; yet, they are very real. It can be a difficult process, but it’s likely your right to these benefits.

Second: Keep excellent records. We have heard cases of the DEO accusing claimants of receiving too many payments; keeping good records makes it easy to go back and prove to the DEO that it was their mistake - not yours.

Third: If you are having consistent issues with denial and need to appeal the decision, don’t hesitate to come in and see us. We have years of experience in Florida unemployment appeals and we fight hard to get you the benefits you deserve.

There’s no time to waste; these claims do expire! Call us today at 941.244.0468 for an appointment.