DirectoryFloridaFlorida Unemployment Eligibility

Florida Unemployment Eligibility

In order to establish unemployment eligibility in Florida you have to:

1. Be a resident of Florida. If you are not a resident of Florida, but worked in Florida at your last job, you should still have Florida unemployment eligibility.
2. Have worked and earned income in Florida.
3. You must not be disabled.
4. You must be able to work.
5. You must be actively looking for a new job.
6. You must have lost your job through no fault of your own. If you quit your job or were fired for 'just cause' you may not be eligible to collect unemployment in Florida. Every case is different, so if you lost your job -- be sure to apply to unemployment in case you are indeed eligible to receive unemployment benefits.

There are special rules that apply to unemployment elibility for military personnel and union workers, so check with your mility or union representative for these rules.

Still Have Questions?

To go back to the Florida Unemployment FAQ Page, click here: Florida Unemployment FAQ

To go the main Florida Unemployment page, click here: Florida Unemployment

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Comments  

 
# roy 2010-12-21 22:53
I live in Florida, can I still get unemployment benefits if I quit my job due to relocation?
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# Maria 2011-10-21 01:06
did you ever get an answer or unemployment?
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# Barb 2011-11-04 16:08
No you can not . I had to relocate for family reasons after just having found a job and was not allowed to reopen my claim. They said it was personal and disallowed me from reopening my claim. Worst mistake I ever made. I live in Florida too
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# Jacqui 2012-04-26 09:03
Nope! Tried it, it didn't work....it only works if your a military member or your spouse is.
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# Tanesha 2012-07-30 07:39
I worked at a childcare center for just over a yr. An incident happened two weeks ago on a day I happened to be off were my manager spazzed out an fired like the whole staff. When I went to work the next day I was told to cock back out and I'd be called when the schedule was together that Wednesday before last...when I asked was I fired I was told no that I was to wait for a phone call but when I asked coworkers who were their I was told the manager yelled fire everybody so now I'm thinking sheer doesn't wanna pay unemployment so she hopes I find a job while waiting for a return call...do I qualify for unemployment ????
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# roy 2010-12-21 22:54
I live in FL. I quit my job due to relocation in another city .Can I still get unemployment benefits?
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# Richard H. 2011-01-14 18:53
I was receiving benefits for a year before being cut off.I applied for extended benefits but was told I was not monetarily eligible to receive any more benefits.My question,first of all,is what is meant by "monetarily eligible"? Also,should I still try to apply for benefits regardless of the aforementioned determination?
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# Trisha 2011-03-01 19:37
I worked 40 hrs a week and have been cut down to 20 in a matter of a day with no notice. since now, its actually costing me money due to child care, to have a job, I am being forced to look for another job, do I qualify for unenployment?
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# jlovesm 2012-01-31 11:00
yes! I did...same instance...just had to fight it and prove my case.
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# Patricia 2011-03-31 14:53
hello
My family member got an other than honorable discharge from the Navy. Is he eligible to collect unemployment while he looks for a new job?
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# Lynn 2011-04-02 15:01
FL - I resigned from my job a few weeks after it was relocated to a city over an hour away, too much of a hardship financially and quality of life. Can I collect unemployment?
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# kathy 2011-04-27 13:24
I live in Florida. All of my claims is exhausted. I back to work temporary: March - June.Can I file new claim after that temp job? Am I eligible for a new claim?
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# Kenny 2011-05-03 13:45
I have worked for the same company in Miami Florida for almost 3 years. I got accepted to law school and won't be able to work full te any more. If I resign from my job can I get unemployment benefits.
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# sharon 2011-11-05 13:34
wouldn't that be sweet if we could do that, but sorry to dissapoint you. You have to be either fired, laid off, or able to prove an exceptionally good reason (e.g., the job re-located to a place where there was no public transportation and you don't drive) . You have to be considered "available and able" to work, when benefits are paid out, under any circumstance. So if you said its because you need to attend school, they may consider giving you Part time equivalent while you seek Part time employment. I have heard of such a thing before.
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# William 2011-05-07 18:49
I am currently employeed with the florida department of corrections. I have accepted to be going to school full time. I also am waiting to have surgery on my rotator cuff on my left shoulder. Which if i do, will be out of work for at least a year but at the same time i will not be able to do the time of work required by the department of corrections. I also have permanet back and neck problems that make it next to impossible to do the qork required now. If i was to leave the department of correctinos based on those reasons, why i be able to qualify for umemployment.
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# James 2011-05-29 14:11
I moved to Florida at the first of May being told by my employer that my transfer was approved. When I arrived in Florida it took 2 weeks for the company to finally call and say that the transfer finally came through the system but they were taking me back to my starting pay(when I got hired) and that there wouldn't be very many hours available. At my original store(in Alabama) I averaged about 33-40 hours a week and at the new store(in Florida) I am being scheduled around 15-20.Do I qualify for unemployment?
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# Denise 2011-06-03 20:38
Can you collect unemploment benefits if you turned in your 2 week notice? Can you collect unemployment if your full time hours were cut to part time and you still have the part time position?
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# stefanie 2011-06-13 10:09
I have two jobs and have been employed with both of them for over 15 years. One job, I am on a W-2 and still work for them; the other, I have been working under a 1099. I have recently lost the job that i was employed under a 1099, which was most of my earnings!!! Can I apply for unemployment in this situation?

thank you!!
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# Dagmar 2011-06-21 20:58
Can I apply for unemployment if I moved to a diferent city? I worked 4 yrs for the same company.
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# Trevor 2011-07-01 13:26
i was working 40 hrs a week getting roughly $250 a week and have been cut back to one day a week..at most...can i qualify for any type of unemployment?
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# Jessica 2011-07-20 14:47
I have been employed for 9 years with the same company, the company is going through a hard time and is not paying their employees. They are almost 5 bi-weekly payroll cycles behind yet still expect everyone to drive into the office. Can I quit and file for unemployment?
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# Naomi 2011-07-27 00:33
I'm working at a call center and am doing everything I can to get my time on the phones down where they want it but am afraid I'm not going to be able to make it. If I get fired for "breaking company policy" because I can't get my phone time where they want it, will I be able to get unemployment benefits?
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# Rose 2012-04-23 09:54
I also worked for a call center. They definitely put the pressure on you to "perform" to their standards. They made up some odd ball reason for "firing" me. DO NOT QUIT! The Department of Unemployment will ask the employer the reason for the firing, and the company didn't have a leg to stand on......I collect benefits.......that was my case, I can only go by what hap to me..........
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# Tanya 2011-08-01 20:12
If employed for 8 plus months, promoted, and given a raise, then let go without notice or reason, am I eligible ?
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# neila 2011-08-18 18:59
can I collect unemployment if my boss is "bullying" me to quit my job because I'm pregnant and he thinks I can no longer do my job properly. Although he has not complied with the laws that pregnant woman have?
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# Carol 2011-09-16 07:04
I have worked part-time(30 hrs/week) for the same company for the last 8 yrs. It now looks like I may be let go due to decreased demand. Can I collect unemployment benefits for only working part-time.
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# Terre 2011-10-24 21:23
I have been working full time for the past three years with glowing performance evaluations. My employer is going with another office management company at the beginning of the New Year. I interviewed with this company as instructed in the hope of being retained in my same position and location. But the new company offered me a staff relief position at my same salary...only I would be required to commute to different offices on a daily basis to locations up to 3.5 hours away, which is not advisable due to a medical condition that has not been a factor in my present position as I only have to drive five miles away. Since they did not even offer to compensate me for travel or offer a significant raise besides...can I reasonably refuse this offer without impacting my ability to collect unemployment insurance should the need arise?
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# Ivonne 2011-10-27 09:53
I work for a company for a 7 month now and I to put in my 2 week notice do I still qualify?
I had to put in my 2 weeks notice starting yesterday because I'm moving to another part of florida in the month so I still qualify?
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# Mike 2011-11-02 07:51
My job was terminated, will I be able to collect unemployment benefits if I collect Social Security benefits?
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# dana 2011-11-06 23:14
ca i collect unemployment if i was fired because random people cal in a 188- number on the back of my company vehicle to say i wasnt driving properly?? i dont understand how i can be fired on the word of a nameless person??
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# Henry 2011-11-29 12:11
Would I qualify for unemployment if I helped my girlfriend with her business? She owns her own LLC and I would help her with the business and she would give me an allowance every week. We broke up and obviously I no longer work for her. She was my only source of income and since the break up I don't have any income. Will I qualify for unemployment in this case.
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# Candace 2011-12-01 14:07
My job is extremely low paying (mere cents above minimum wage) and does not offer healthcare insurance. I work with very young children. I'm constantly sick and having to call in. I've been exposed to and gotten sick with strep throat, scarlet fever, walking pneumonia, and a slew of other sicknesses these 1-4 yr old kids have. I cannot afford to go to the doctor because I don't have any health insurance or any moneyy to pay for a walk in clinic. I'm thinking about quitting. There are many other things wrong with the place I work. Would I be eligible for unemployment as I search for another job?
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# jlovesm 2012-01-31 11:11
probibly not but you can always try...you may just get denied. As far as health insurance you can apply for medicaid through the food stamps website with DCF. You may get approved for full medicaid benifits or share of cost depending on your income and things like that...they will give it to your kids for free regardless due to your place of employment not offering health coverage.
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# Terrie 2011-12-02 10:22
I have been cut down to 20 hrs a week from 40 - for health reasons - Would I qualify for Unemployment - have been working for same employer over 15 years.
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# patrick 2011-12-05 18:43
I am a union member and have been laid off, however i get a pension check each month, can i still collect
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# trevor 2011-12-13 15:00
I was quit my job because i was hired by a new employer. But I did not show up on my first day because I got arrested.Am i qualify for unemployment benefits?
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# jlovesm 2012-01-31 11:12
almost 100% positive you would not qualify.
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# kathy 2011-12-17 00:42
i was fired due to a positive drug screen. I had a minor injury by another employee and was required to take a urine drug screen.
Can i collect unemployment in the state of Fl
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# jlovesm 2012-01-31 11:13
no because of a positive drug test
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# Tom 2012-01-16 21:51
My Full time job of over a year has turned into a "work when we need you" job. I am down to only around 20 hours a week lately. Am I eligible for any part time benefits?
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# Patricia 2012-01-18 13:47
I used to be a full-time employee but a couple years ago my boss had to cut back on expenses and made me a part-time employee (work 4 days a week). I have done this for a couple years now. Now my boss who is 81 is retiring and closing down the business in the next month or two. I only take home about $225.00 a week now working part-time. Will I be able to draw unemployment when the office is closed in a month or so and approximately how much would I be able to receive. I will be looking for another job but seems no one is hiring in the little town I live in. Thank you.
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# Tiffany 2012-01-24 09:42
My employer has given me a Separation Agreement to review and choose to sign or reject.

I was verbally told my position was terminated, but it does not state that in the Separation Agreement nor does it state anywhere that it was "no fault of my own".

What does that mean as far as meeting criteria for unemployment?
Thanks
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# stacy 2012-01-30 17:21
I am quitting my job for several reasons. 1: The place where I work is very dangerous and recently I was assaulted by a customer.
2: I have witnesses that have seen and heard my boss calling me a B%^ch and telling me F^%K you. Also throwing coasters at my face.
3. My boss is constantly sexually harassing me and my co workers even though we have told him to stop.
4. My doctor advised me that the cigarette smoke in the bar where I work is very dangerous now that I am pregnant.
Question- am I eligible for unemployment? I have worked for this company for 2 years FULL TIME
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# jlovesm 2012-01-31 11:18
Get proof and written statements from everyone that has wittnesses something or police statements of the harrassment. File a claim for unemployment. State your reasons in detail and when you supply proof you have aquired, you have to submit it to unemployment and also to the employer. I made the mistake of not submiting my proof to my employer but thankfully still won my case on other circumstances...and again every case is different. All you can do is try...apply, prove your case, and hope for the best. Good luck to you!
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# Latinlover 2012-02-01 10:09
I had to stop working because of an open heart surgery I need to have. I can't work or do much because of my condition; however, as soon I recover from the surgery I will be able to work. Could I get benefit for the time I will be recovering?
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# Jessica 2012-02-05 22:45
Am I able to collect unemployment from my full time job if I own a small buisness ?
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# Elaine 2012-02-18 09:40
I work for the school board. For three months we do not work and do not get paid. Can we collect unemployment?
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# Diana 2012-02-18 22:10
My job is "draw against commission". My largest account that was speding $13555 monthly is no longer advertising and I cannot make up that revenue and will not be able to cover my draw. If I do not quit I will end up owing the company money. If I do quit, can I draw unemployment until I find another job?
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# Christopher 2012-02-24 00:31
Am I eligible if I get fired because I was in a car accident recently and the rental vehicle that was supplied to me was cancelled and I have no transportation to get to the job?

They also were about to fire me if I went to the hospital right after the crash. I had to wait to go to the hospital, go into work just for them to tell me that "they didn't want me there for legal reasons" and they set me up for the week after.
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# Paul 2012-03-04 21:11
I was terminated due to a company wide layoff. I located another job and started it within 2 weeks of the layoff. I have now been on the job for 5 weeks but have found it to be a hostile work environment. Since I am still in my probationary period and not yet a permanent employee, am I eligible for unemployment comp still? Making less $$ than I am used to is a better deal than the stress I am going through.
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# David 2012-03-21 11:14
I have a State of Fl. retirement income of $1,670. Will this affect my unemployment eligability or benefits in Fl.
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# Jennifer 2012-03-29 10:01
I own a small business and due to the cut backs in the program (APD), I now have no clients that I am serving. This means my business has gone under and this was my only income. Do I qualify for Unemployment Benefits based on this? Thank You
Jennifer
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# JoAnne 2012-05-01 20:19
I am 56 and I am collecting Social Security Disability, but I am also working part time. Due to over-payment I need to reduce my hours at work but they are not willing to accommodate me and therefore if I don't resign from my position I will loose my benefits with SSD. Because I need to resign will I be eligible for unemployment benefits?
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# Laura 2012-06-01 12:48
Can I collect partial unemployment if my hours have been drastically reduced at work? I have gone from 42.5 hours per week to 24 hours per week.
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# John 2012-06-24 11:15
I work for a company that I was originally hired to work not only full time, but overtime as well. For the past several weeks in a row we have only been working 20 or less hrs. Someone told me that in Fl you can collect unemployment benefits if you are working less than 30 hrs. is this so and if yes, how does one go about applying. The company won't lay anyone off and we are all struggling to make ends meet.
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# Robert 2012-07-07 18:53
My wife & I moved to New York because of a personal family situation....I left my full time position at Universal Studios and went to a seasonal employee...As a seasonal employee my work requirement would be to fly back to Florida each quarter and work at least an 8 hr shift if available...Is it possible to collect unemployment from florida and reside in New York???
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# teresa 2012-07-18 10:32
I need to move from my job in fl to relocate with my husband out of state, i worked 40 hrs a week can i draw unemployment for relocation
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# Toshalynn 2012-07-26 11:44
I have been working for the se company for almost two years originally I was making salary plus commission. They recent changed my position and moved me to another office I used to drive 26 miles to get to work and they took my commission away. Now they are moving the company further away which will make my commute 43 miles one way ican not afford to drive to work anymore gas is to expensive. With the loss of m commission and further distance I just can't do it anymore. Can i quit and claim and collect unemployment until I find anther job closer to home?
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# brandy 2012-08-22 14:40
I live in Florida but am having to quit my job temporarily and nice to Georgia to take care of my dad in the hospital. Do I still qualify for unemployment if I quit my job but can't find a job that can pay all my bills in Georgia?
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# sara 2012-08-29 18:10
iv worked at the humane society for over 6 months, i just found out im pregnant and can not physically do the job while prego.. due to having to be around sick cats and other health risks to my baby, i wasnt fired but didnt really quit either.. would i be able to get unemployment?
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# Jarmon 2012-09-08 08:04
My husband and I were both working. He got laid off then got a new job. His new hours were not compatable with mine and since he makes more money I took a cut in hours. I told my boss I need to switch my schedule but he choose not to switch it and just took off the conflicting days. I now work 16 hours a week. Can I be approved for unemployment even though "its my fault" for my hours being cut back. I only wanted to change shifts... It is looking as if they may even cut those 16 hours soon due to me "putting them in a spot". Any help is appreciated.
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# Amber 2012-10-17 16:27
My job dropped me from 40 hours to less than 20. Can I collect full or partial unemployment?
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# Fallon 2012-10-27 17:55
Quoting Amber:
My job dropped me from 40 hours to less than 20. Can I collect full or partial unemployment?

i'm trying to figure out the same thing. i know they do this in Navada but still searching about it in fl
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# Ava 2012-12-05 13:39
I am not sure what situation I am in. I was in a car accident in Sept. of this year. I have been going to physical therapy since the accident. I have ran out of savings and my car insurance benefits have been exhausted. I am currently under the FML Act for my time off but that time is running out this week. Majority of my job consists of sitting down and I am unable to do that comfortably as well as I still have constant back pain. Would I be able to file for unemployment if I am not able to go back to work due to my injury or do I have to file for short term disability? I just need a way to pay my bills until I am somewhat better to work again. It's like being caught between a rock and a hard place. My job won't let me come back if I am not well and my doctor is not going to release me to work bc I am still not far into recovery. What do I do?!?! I need to survive.
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# joel 2012-12-13 14:26
If I hire an employee for temporary / seasonal employment am I responsible for their unemployment benefits once their employment ends?
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# Allison 2013-01-17 15:28
I have been with my company almost 10 years and my company is selling the property where I work. If the current company that I work for lets me go and the new company offers a position with them but you don't like their offer can you still collect unemployment?
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# lisa e 2013-01-23 13:30
Can I receive unemployment if I quit do to not being payed correctly. I work 50 plus hours and only make $200.00 a week. I have told them how I feel and they say o well what can they do. But I do have bills and responsibilitie s I dont know what to do
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# susan 2013-02-11 13:46
I am being laid off due to position elimination. My date of seperation is 3/15. I have another job offer that will require me to begin earlier than 3/15. will i be eligible for unemployment benefits if i leave prior to seperation date and the new job falls through?
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# Reggie 2013-02-19 15:24
Hi, I am a seasonal employee at H&R Block I made a gross earning of about $3,000 in the period of 4 months. do I qualify for unemployment benefits?
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# ANN 2013-02-27 14:10
I am 74 years old and have worked for this company for 16 years. I do the accounting, except for the tax returns. I work 30 hours a week or how ever long it take me to get my work done. I was informed today that my work time will be cut back to one day a month. Can I draw any unemployment.
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# Nancy 2013-04-01 11:23
I was receiving unemployment benefits last year. I found a full time position on 8/31/12 and have worked there until 4/1/13, can I file for unemployment benefits again?.
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# Debbie 2013-05-01 13:56
I was injured on the job. I was on workers compensation for 14 months until the doctor released me. The job work not take me back with a partial release. After I was released they had no openings for me. Unemployment was denied because I didn't work for a year. Why should I not be able to collect unemployment now that I can work, but can't find a job?
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# Carrie 2013-05-08 09:41
If my job changes from FT Regular with benefits and hours, to Flexible with Zero hours guaranteed, or you can resign, and if you resign does that disqualify you from applying for unemployment. Change in position is because of Business Based Action where there is not sufficient funds to maintain your position at current. No fault of the employee having to choose. And if you accept the Flex position and have zero hours, can you file under loss of wages?
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