FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS REGARDING UNEMPLOYMENT
I’ve lost my job or my hours have been reduced due to the coronavirus pandemic. Can I get unemployment benefits?
Yes. Go to https://connect.myflorida.com or call 1-800-204-2418 to apply. Those who are eligible will be able to get up to $275 per week for up to 12 weeks in state unemployment benefits, as well as an additional $600 per week for up to four months in federal benefits.
I’m having trouble getting through to Florida’s unemployment benefits website. What should I do?
This is a frequent complaint due to the large number of applicants. The Governor’s office is in charge, and they told us they are working urgently to improve the site. I will continue to press the issue.
I am self-employed or an independent contractor. Do these benefits apply to me?
Yes, thanks to a new federal law, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Go to https://connect.myflorida.com or call 1-800-204-2418 to apply.
My small business is suffering as a result of the pandemic. What resources are available to me?
There are a number of different opportunities. The new Paycheck Protection Program provides assistance to employers to maintain their payroll and expenses during this public health emergency. These will be available retroactively from Feb. 15, 2020.
Beginning on April 3rd, businesses can go to a participating SBA 7(a) lender, bank, or credit union, apply for a loan, and be approved on the same day. These loans feature eight weeks fully forgivable funds to cover payroll, rent, utilities, and mortgage interest.
Small businesses are also eligible to apply online for immediate relief through Economic Injury Disaster Loans for an advance of up to $10,000 within three days, and Emergency Bridge Loans to help bridge the short-term gap in resources available. Subscribe to SBA emails for updates on available webinars and other resources.
I heard the government will be sending checks to people. How do I know if I qualify and when will I get my payment?
If you make $75,000 ($150,000 for married couples) or less per year, you will receive a payment of $1,200, with an additional $500 per child (16 and under). This payment decreases as incomes increase and stops entirely at $99,000 ($198,000 for married couples).
Payments will be issued by the IRS via direct deposit and will be based on your 2019 tax returns. If you have not filed for 2019 yet, then it will be based on your 2018 filling. If the IRS does not have your bank account information on file there will be an opportunity to submit this information to the IRS online. If you do not typically file a tax return, you will likely need to file a simple tax return to receive the economic assistance.
I’m on Social Security. Will I still get a stimulus check?
Yes. Everyone is eligible for the payments as long as they have a social security number and meet the household incomes limits listed above. This includes Social Security beneficiaries (retirement, disability, survivor) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. You will receive this money the same way you receive your Social Security payments.