State and Community Resources
Managing with reduced resources can be tough. There are resources available for those facing job losses. Your employer’s human resources office may offer additional help.
Making Smart Choices after Job Loss
Unemployment Compensation Benefits
The State of Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation handles unemployment compensation claims.
How to file a claim for unemployment benefits: The best way to file a claim is online at www.floridajobs.org. There is a link called “File for Unemployment”.
A person can also file a claim by telephone by calling 1-800-204-2418.
The date your application is completed will determine the date that your benefits will begin so it is important to file promptly.
Benefits: The minimum weekly benefit amount is $32 and the maximum weekly benefit amount is $275.
How long – before benefits start: (Source:
http://www.floridajobs.org/unemployment/uc_emp_claims_abcs_123s.html)
It typically takes three to four weeks to get your first check. After
you file your claim, you will need to certify every two weeks either
online or over the telephone that you are looking for a new job.
Help Finding a Job
Employ Florida Marketplace: The web site offers job search and resume building tools. Their website is https://www.employflorida.com/ or call 1-866 -352 - 2345.
One Stop Centers: One Stop Centers are located throughout Florida and can offer help finding job placement and job training opportunities. A list of locations can be found at http://www.floridajobs.org/onestop/onestopdir/index.htm
Food
Food Stamps: The Florida Department of Children and Families provides a web site called “Access” that allows Florida residents to apply to for food stamps, temporary cash assistance, and Medicaid online the web site is http://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida . The Customer Call Center phone number is 1-866-762-2237
WIC: WIC is a federally funded nutrition program for Women, Infants, and Children. To be eligible for the WIC program, you must be a pregnant woman, a breastfeeding mother, a new mother, an infant, or a child up to five years old. Fathers may also bring their children to apply for WIC. WIC provides the following at no cost: healthy foods, nutrition education and counseling, breastfeeding support, and referrals for health care. Their web site, http://www.floridawic.org , has a link to the phone numbers for local offices or call 1-800-342-3556 and the operator will provide you with the local phone number.
Share Florida Food Network: Share is a group food buying program that provides food packages at reduced prices. There are no income limitations or requirements to participate. The Share web site is http://shareflorida.org or call 1- 800- 536-3379.
Health Insurance
Cover Florida: Cover Florida plans are available to all Florida
applicants aged 19 to 64 who have been without health insurance for at
least six months – even if there are pre-existing health conditions.
(However, Cover Florida plans can exclude payment for treatment of a
specific pre-existing condition for one year. After one year, the plan
must cover for treatment of pre-existing conditions. During the one-year
period, however, you are covered for services that are not related to
your pre-existing condition.) Floridians may also be eligible to
purchase Cover Florida plans under the following conditions:
·Loss of a job that provided employer-sponsored health benefits.
·Loss of benefits under COBRA.
·Death of, or divorce from, a spouse who has provided employer-sponsored health benefits.
Florida KidCare: Florida KidCare is the state’s children’s health insurance program for uninsured children under age 19. Contact information: http://www.floridakidcare.org or call 1-888-540-5437.
Small Steps to Health and Wellness Lesson Plans
