Agency announces online application program

Agency for Workforce Innovation Director Cynthia R. Lorenzo announced that AWI is now accepting online applications at www.floridajobs.org for additional unemployment compensation benefits available under The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009.

"The online application will accelerate our ability to provide these critical federal benefits to thousands of eligible unemployed workers," Lorenzo said. "These additional benefits are being distributed to Floridians who are out of work through no fault of their own and have exhausted all other forms of unemployment compensation."

Since President Obama signed the law on Nov. 6, the agency has diligently worked to complete significant reprogramming of its computer system required to begin the new program. For example, in advance of the reprogramming, the agency established a special Web page allowing potentially eligible beneficiaries an opportunity to learn whether their claims meet requirements.

This emergency unemployment compensation extension provides up to 20 additional weeks of benefits for unemployed workers who have exhausted all benefits or will do so by the week ending Dec. 26. Those who exhausted all benefits prior to Nov. 1 will need to apply. However, the approximately two-thirds of eligible beneficiaries who have exhausted or will exhaust all benefits between Nov. 1 and Dec. 26 will be automatically enrolled.

Unemployed workers who have exhausted all benefits may check their potential eligibility online by entering their Social Security Number and Personal Identification Number at the agency's secure Web site, www.floridajobs.org, and clicking "Check Your EUC III Eligibility" in the right-hand box under "Quick Links." The online feature lets customers know whether they will be automatically enrolled in the program or will need to apply, even if they are not sure of the specific date when their benefits exhausted.

Customers who need to apply can begin doing so online at www.floridajobs.org. The agency is also mailing letters and applications today to potentially eligible Floridians who will need to apply. Those without computer access can return the applications by mail.

For more information on the latest federal emergency unemployment compensation extension, visit www.floridajobs.org.