FL unemployment rate remains above national average, many still in need of assistance

ORLANDO, Fla. — At 11.3%, Florida’s unemployment rate remains above the national average.

According to the Department of Economic Opportunity, which handles the state’s unemployment claims, 99.8 percent of those eligible claims have been paid.

READ: Unemployment increases in Florida with Central Florida hardest hit

However, five months after the layoffs began, many residents are still complaining that they’ve applied and received nothing.

Angelica Hooper is a Daytona Beach resident who lost her job in April. She’s apparently part of that .2 percent.

“I filed for unemployment on the 20th. I got a letter, and my account was still locked. I called in July and they said it was going to be escalated to a supervisor, and still nothing,” Hooper says.

The FL DEO won’t say how many Floridians are owed back unemployment, or how many claims are still processing.

“Every time I’ve made contact with these people, it’s me calling them,” Hooper adds.

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Making matters worse, Florida’s work search requirements to collect unemployment are set to resume on September 5.

This week, Florida did join about 30 other states in applying for an extra $300 a week in federal unemployment benefits , however, the money is only guaranteed to last three weeks.

After that, those who are out of work will have to make do with $275 a week, the lowest in the nation.

Cox Media Group