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Help to file for unemployment on the site (& paper forms if you’re having trouble online)

Have you been trying to get through the unemployment assistance website, only for it to crash? Are you frustrated beyond belief?

Well, we are here to tell you that there is an alternative around it: Say hello to the paper application now available.

Just download and fill out the form, then mail it to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity at P.O. Box 5350, Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350.

Or perhaps, you're aggravated with the computer altogether (or you don't have a working printer). Well, there are several options:

FedEx: Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on Twitter that FedEx will provide free printing and mailing of unemployment assistance applications. 

The Miami-Dade Public Library System: The system is making printed forms available at 26 branch locations. Get them in English, Spanish or Creole at tables outside your nearest participating library, from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. seven days a week. You can take the application home to fill out, then drop it off in the library's book drop or at any CareerSource South Florida location. (Dropping it off in person is also a good option if you've already printed the form out from home but you don't have a stamp to mail it.) 

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There are 26 library branches participating, including: 

  • Allapattah Branch
  • Arcola Lakes Branch
  • California Club Branch
  • Coconut Grove Branch
  • Concord Branch
  • Coral Reef Branch
  • Country Walk Branch
  • Edison Center Branch
  • Fairlawn Branch
  • Golden Glades Branch
  • Hialeah Gardens Branch
  • Hispanic Branch Library
  • Homestead Branch
  • International Mall Branch
  • Kendale Lakes Branch
  • Miami Beach Regional Library
  • Miami Lakes Branch
  • Naranja Branch
  • North Dade Regional Library
  • North Shore Branch
  • Northeast Dade – Aventura Branch
  • Palm Springs North Branch
  • South Miami Branch
  • West Dade Regional Library
  • West Flagler Branch
  • West Kendall Regional Library

A few things to take into consideration: The paper version of the unemployment assistance application may take longer to process. And, of course, the library system will be practicing social distancing at the sites, but you must do your part. Please watch for the informational signage and markings on the ground spaced 6 feet apart.

For more information, click here or call 305-375-2665. 

 

Help so you can file online

Of course, the system online still “works.” So if what you want is a little help – instead of a paper form – here are some tips.

First, you can start your application here.

To get through the unemployment assistance system efficiently, we recommend logging in at off hours and having the following information with you and ready to enter:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your driver’s license or state ID number
  • Information on your employment over the past 18 months, including:
    • Employer names, addresses, and phone numbers
    • Dates of first and last day of work
    • Gross earnings (before taxes) during employment periods
    • Reason for separation
    • FEIN number (on your W2 or 1099 tax forms)
    • If you don’t have a FEIN, use employer details from paystub

Some workers may need additional information:

  • Non-U.S. citizens must provide their Alien Registration Number or work authorization form
  • Military employees must provide their DD-214 Member copy 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8
  • Federal employees must provide SF 8 or SF 50
  • Union members must provide the union’s name, hall number and phone number
  • Your bank account number, if you’d like to use direct deposit. This includes your bank account number and a routing number. Getting a Reemployment Assistance debit card is alternative option.

Have you had luck getting through the system? Share with us your tactics by emailing editor@miamionthecheap.com or news@miamionthecheap.com.

This article was supplemented with information from our sister site, Palm Beach on the Cheap

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Melina

About Melina

Melina I. De Rose is a veteran editor and communications specialist with a special love for all things Miami. The longtime resident spent 22 years at the South Florida Sun Sentinel in roles such as section editor, department head, social media specialist and web producer. Melina has much experience in the freebies-and-bargains arena, having edited the popular Sun Sentinel feature, “Doreen’s Deals,” for many years. She also is editor of ArtburstMiami.com, a media hub for local music, theater, dance, visual arts and independent arts coverage. Contact her at editor@miamionthecheap.com.

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