JACKSONVILLE, Fla — As the state opens back up, many jobs are being offered part-time, even with Floridians still struggling to pay their bills.
Many claimants receiving unemployment benefits from the Department of Economic Opportunity are in limbo as they decide whether to go back to work part-time and potentially lose unemployment benefits.
Florida’s max amount of unemployment benefits are $275 per week.
If you are making more than your weekly unemployment insurance payment, you will not receive any benefits for that week.
If you make less than your weekly UI payment, you will most likely receive a lesser payment.
Until July 31, $600 from the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation is tacked onto any UI payments to claimants.
For example, if you make $274 working part-time, you are eligible for an additional $600. If you make $276, you are not eligible for any benefits.
Because of this, many people going back to work are asking the question, “Should I go back to work with reduced hours and make less than I would receive in UI?”
State Represenative Anna Eskamani is calling for an increase in state unemployment benefits for this very reason.
She says people would be more likely to go back to work part-time if they knew they could survive on their reduced income with help from unemployment benefits.
“It’s just not possible to live off of that,” Eskamani said, criticizing Florida’s $275 weekly max. “The national average is $400 and there is plenty of room for Florida to make that expansion.”
Aja Jones went back to work part-time at Forever 21. She is making just over $275 per week on her reduced hours, which excludes her from all unemployment benefits.
“It’s a real uncomfortable situation,” Jones said. “This process has been a nightmare.”
Jones says relying on that part-time money just isn’t enough.
“I’m just trying to catch up on these bills and it’s really tough,” Jones said.
As long as Florida keeps its unemployment benefits at $275 per week, Eskamani is asking congress to extend the $600 FPUC payment that expires on July 31 to keep Floridians afloat.
“$275 is just way way way too low,” Eskamani said.