COVID-19 Updates

In light of the ongoing news and concerns posed by the COVID-19 virus, this is to inform you of the activities we are implementing to ensure the safety and well-being of our customers and staff.

Effective Friday, March 20th, 2020 at 3pm, we will be closing our offices to the public.  I do not take this step lightly.  Know that as this situation continues through the next weeks, many of you will have questions and need our services more than ever.  With that in mind, I wanted to let you know what we are doing to minimize the impact on our community.

• We will be sharing information on an ongoing basis for businesses and our job seekers via our website and through our social media channels.
• Staff will continue to work with customers via phone and online resources.
• Our workshops can be accessed online at: Training.CareerSourceFV.com.
• An online chat feature is available through our website with immediate access to staff who can assist you virtually during regular operating hours.
• Information is available on our website on how to file online for reemployment assistance.
• We will continue to explore ways to move as many appointments and services to a virtual platform as possible.

These are concerning times; uncertainty is a difficult way of being.  I promise that as long as we can safely provide services we will.  I appreciate your cooperation as we implement these measures.

We will post, via our online presence, any changes in our service delivery or hours of operation as we comply with public health guidance during this rapidly evolving situation.

Stay healthy.  Stay informed.

Robin R. King – President & CEO

Information for Reemployment Assistance

We are here to help you find employment and provide helpful resources as they become available.  You may be eligible for Reemployment Assistance benefits through the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO).  DEO has waived the waiting week for Reemployment Assistance, as well as, the work search requirements due to COVID-19.  This is applicable to any claims filed AFTER March 15, 2020.  If you completed your application PRIOR to March 15, 2020, you MUST complete the online work registration.  While the work search requirement is currently waived, individuals are still required to log onto the CONNECT system every 2 weeks to complete their request for benefits.  The work search is waived for individuals for the weeks of March 15, 2020 to May 2, 2020.  However you MUST fulfill the work search requirements for any weeks PRIOR to March 15, 2020.

On Friday, April 3, 2020, DEO provided updated information about the reemployment benefits, including the new CARES Act.  The CARES Act provides an additional $600 per week to eligible Reemployment Assistance recipients and opens up Reemployment Assistance to those who are self-employed, independent contractors, and nonprofit employees.  Additionally, the one week waiting period has been waived.  DEO released additional Frequently Asked Questions specific to COVID-19 Reemployment Assistance and the CARES Act which you can find here.   The US Department of Labor has also released a page with information on the CARES Act you can find here.

Due to the increased volume of online applicants, DEO has offered a downloadable Florida Reemployment Assistance paper application.  Please note that paper applications could potentially take longer to process than completing an online application.  If you are submitting a paper application, please complete and mail to:

Florida Department of Economic Opportunity

P.O. Box 5350

Tallahassee, FL 32314-5350

For a copy of the paper application in English click here.  Para una copia de la solicitud en papel en espanol clic aqui.

To file for Reemployment Assistance online click here.

On Friday, March 20th, 2020, DEO released additional Frequently Asked Questions specific to COVID-19 which you can find here.  Additionally they have released information to help determine your qualification and eligibility for Reemployment Assistance benefits.  That information can be found here.

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) is currently experiencing higher than average wait times when contacting the Reemployment Assistance Program.  For Frequently Asked Questions click here or watch this Reemployment Assistance Application Guide video by DEO.

We recommend reviewing the FAQs links provided above prior to calling to help alleviate long wait times.  If you need assistance with filing your claim via phone call 1-800-204-2418

PIN & Technical Questions:
How can I reset my PIN to regain access to my profile?

After entering your Social Security number on the CONNECT login page, select the “Forgot PIN” option to reset you PIN after verifying your information.  IF you cannot reset the PIN contact DEO at 1-800-297-0586.  You can submit documents verifying your identity to the department.  Please provide a signed copy of your Social Security card and a copy of your valid driver’s license or state ID. Please allow three business days for the document to be reviewed and, then contact the department at 1-800-297-0586 to verify your information.  Fax: 321-332-6608 or Email: IdentityRequest@deo.myflorida.com

Are there any restrictions for my PIN?
Yes, please make sure your PIN meets the following criteria:

• Your PIN must be four digits
• Your PIN can only be numbers. Letters and symbols are not allowed.
• Your PIN cannot be the numbers 1111, 9999, 0000, or 1234.
• Your PIN cannot be the last 4 digits of your social security number.

To file for Reemployment Assistance click here.

A guide to Reporting Your Employment Information DEO video. 

Business Resources

• Currently the State of Florida is assessing the damage related to COVID-19.  To complete the survey click here.
• The Governor has activated the Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program, providing up to $50 million to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19.  Applications are being accepted through May 8th, 2020.  For more information click here.
• The Short Time Compensation Program is a voluntary employer program designed to help businesses maintain their staff by reducing the weekly working hours during temporary slowdowns instead of temporarily laying off employees.  If a business establishes a Short Time Compensation Plan and an employee meets the qualifications to file a reemployment assistance claim in the State of Florida, the employee will receive a partial reemployment check to supplement their reduced paycheck.  A Plan lasts for one year.  Click here for the link to the Business Login page of CONNECT to apply.
• On Friday, March 20th, 2020, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity released Employer Frequently Asked Question which can be found here.
• The US Small Business Administration has Frequently Asked Questions on Disaster Loan Assistance.  For a list of these questions click here.
• For the Florida Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Center click here.
• CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers

Additional Resources you may find helpful:

Florida Department of Health COVID-19 website

Center for Disease Control COVID-19 website

Center for Disease Control Travel Advisories