FL halts benefits and demands repayment from some unemployed

[jaxx]

Florida halts benefits and demands repayment from some unemployed


With online-only filing and other new rules, it's getting harder for Florida's nearly 1 million jobless to receive unemployment benefits. It's also getting tougher to keep existing claims going, some local labor attorneys say, as the state steps up efforts to halt benefits and recoup back payments from those deemed ineligible.

<..> Starting in January, the state will cut benefits from a maximum 26 weeks to 12 to 23 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate. (Some unemployed have gotten more than a full year's benefits because of federal add-ons and extensions). The amount that employers pay into the unemployment system also will drop. (Workers pay into the system through federal taxes.)

Starting this month, the unemployed have to use computers to file claims and report job searches every two weeks — a phone reporting system has been discontinued. The state also can reject benefits if a claimant is found to have engaged in "misconduct" away from a former job. In addition, new filers have to take a lengthy "Skills Review Assessment" online before getting their benefits.

<..> Pitassi said the new law signed by Scott in June (HB7005) has a timetable change that could snag many laid-off workers, with employers having up to a year to dispute an ex-worker's eligibility for benefits. It means the jobless might be asked to repay upwards of $12,000 if benefits are ultimately denied.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/columni...198.column

This is wrong all the way around. It's punishing people for job loss.

[OptimistesMaddie]

(08-14-2011 09:02 AM)jaxx Wrote:  Florida halts benefits and demands repayment from some unemployed


With online-only filing and other new rules, it's getting harder for Florida's nearly 1 million jobless to receive unemployment benefits. It's also getting tougher to keep existing claims going, some local labor attorneys say, as the state steps up efforts to halt benefits and recoup back payments from those deemed ineligible.

<..> Starting in January, the state will cut benefits from a maximum 26 weeks to 12 to 23 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate. (Some unemployed have gotten more than a full year's benefits because of federal add-ons and extensions). The amount that employers pay into the unemployment system also will drop. (Workers pay into the system through federal taxes.)

Starting this month, the unemployed have to use computers to file claims and report job searches every two weeks — a phone reporting system has been discontinued. The state also can reject benefits if a claimant is found to have engaged in "misconduct" away from a former job. In addition, new filers have to take a lengthy "Skills Review Assessment" online before getting their benefits.

<..> Pitassi said the new law signed by Scott in June (HB7005) has a timetable change that could snag many laid-off workers, with employers having up to a year to dispute an ex-worker's eligibility for benefits. It means the jobless might be asked to repay upwards of $12,000 if benefits are ultimately denied.

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/columni...198.column

This is wrong all the way around. It's punishing people for job loss.

I am going to guess that all of those unemployed are not all Democratic.....they are Republicans and they voted for this....this is Rickie's thank-you to them.

[nofurylike]

"This is wrong all the way around. It's punishing people for job loss."
absolutely!!
they just keep going more and more backwards! ah, yes, thus the designation "reactionary."


thank you for posting that, jaxx!

[TheNewMe]

Some of the people writing in the comment section under that article are saying that if people are stopped from getting UI because of all the obstacles, it will make Florida's unemployment rate look artificially low. Huh.