Although the appeal process appears easy, winning an appeal for denied unemployment benefits is frustrating and challenging. Especially, in the state of Florida where the Agency for Workforce Innovation is severely understaffed.

The Unemployment Compensation Program provides temporary benefits to workers laid off from their jobs through no fault of their own. Federal and state unemployment tax paid by employers fund the program. Rules for unemployment compensation eligibility are very complex.

Unemployed workers apply for unemployment benefits in the state in which they reside. If approved for state unemployment insurance, unemployment checks are mailed to claiments, or the unemployment check can be deposited directly into their bank account.

After the unemployment office receives an applicant's application for unemployment benefits, within 14 days a Wage Transcript and Determination is mailed to the applicant. Then, the applicant has 20 days from the mailing date on the Wage Transcript and Determination to request monetary reconsideration or an appeal hearing. Beyond 20 days, all determinations are final.

Other actions might prompt subsequent determinations of benefits. In the event that unemployment compensation benefits are questionable because of disqualifying information, the unemployed person's claim is forwarded to an Adjudication Unit for review. After conducting an investigation, a written determination is mailed to the claimant. The claimant is advised whether benefits are approved or denied and the reason for the investigation.

If a determination denies benefits, the claimant can request an appeal hearing. Requests for an appeal hearing are filed within 20 calendar days of the mailing date of the determination. Once again, beyond that, all determinations are final.

Unemployment translates into harsh times and frugal living. The plight of the unemployed is compounded when unemployment claims are denied for any reason. There are two methods shown below that are used to request an appeal hearing when benefits have been denied.

A request to appeal a determination of denied benefits can be made via the Internet. For claimants in Florida, to request an appeal hearing, go to: www.fluidnow.com/appeals . Follow the instructions provided on the website.

Another option is to submit a written request to appeal a determination of denied benefits. Florida claimants can request an appeal hearing via mail or FAX. Social Security number and signature must accompany all written requests. For mailed requests, the postmark date is the filing date. For requests sent by FAX, the FAX date stamp is the filing date.

Office of Appeals
MSC 347, Caldwell Building
107 East Madison Street
Tallahassee, FL 32399-4143

FAX: 850-921-3524

For information regarding unemployment compensation programs in US states other than Florida, follow the CareerOneStop link below under Resources.

CareerOneStop - Locate State Unemployment Insurance Programs

• Keep work search records and records of all correspondence.
• Be persistent.
• Be positive.
• Information herein is accurate as of article publication date; consult your local Agency for Workforce Innovation office.

The US Department of Labor
State of Florida Unemployment Compensation Appeals (DOL)
CareerOneStop - Locate State Unemployment Insurance Programs

Wikimedia Commons, DOL, FL DOL, and CareerOneStop.