Anybody in Florida ever file for unemployment?

Question

My husbands been out of work for over 2 months now. Finding a new job hasnt been easy, despite the fact that hes skilled and a hard /loyal worker. I never considered filing for unemployment but things have gotten so bad and with the lack of hiring sa far we have no choice. I filed online and THEY SAY theres a one week 'waiting period' before you can collect(IF ur approved) but my question is- he was let go the first week of JUNE!..is there gonna be any kind of Retro-pay for the 2 months he hasnt gotten a paycheck OR do they only start paying(if were approved) from the date filed(like im led to believe in what they say). Im very confused...but it would be nice to know. i THOUGHT someone had told me that they retro pay- but i could be mistaken. Any advice out there about it?

Answer 1

I'm in PA so I'm not sure if FL has a different spin on it, but here there is no retro pay.  You start receiving benefits for the second week after you file which is the week after the one week waiting period from the date you file.

I learned the hard way, as you did, that you should file immediately after losing your job.  The only bonus is that you get the full six months from the day you apply, so if, god forbid, he doesn't land work, he'll be able to collect the extra two months on the back end.

You should also check into how much he can earn before they start reducing his unemployment benefits.  I worked part time in a not-so-great food service job just to make extra money to supplement the unemployment.  It was demeaning, but sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

I hope he finds something soon!  Good luck!