Learn About Florida's CONNECT Unemployment System

What Is Florida's CONNECT System and How It Works

Florida's CONNECT system is the state's online platform for managing unemployment insurance claims. CONNECT stands for the state's digital infrastructure that handles jobless benefit processing. The system replaced Florida's older unemployment computer system in 2013, and it serves as the primary way people interact with the state's Department of Economic Opportunity regarding unemployment matters.

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The CONNECT platform functions as a centralized hub where people can create accounts, submit required paperwork, check claim status, and receive information about their cases. The system operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing users to work with their claims outside standard business hours. People can access CONNECT through a web browser on a computer, tablet, or smartphone by visiting the official Florida Department of Economic Opportunity website.

The system uses account-based security, meaning each person has a unique login with a password they create. Once logged in, users see personalized information about their specific claim status, payment history, and any pending requirements. The platform sends notifications about claim status changes, required actions, and payment deposits.

CONNECT integrates with Florida's payment system, which delivers benefits through a debit card called the Reemployment Assistance Debit Card. When the state approves a benefit payment, the funds transfer automatically to this card, which users can then withdraw from ATMs or use to make purchases like any standard debit card.

Understanding how CONNECT works as a system—rather than as a judgment tool—helps people navigate the platform itself. The system is designed to process information and manage claims, but real people at the Department of Economic Opportunity review claims and make decisions about them. CONNECT is the messenger and record-keeper, not the decision-maker.

Practical Takeaway: Familiarize yourself with the CONNECT website layout before you need it. Knowing where to find your account login, how to check your claim status, and how to upload documents saves time when handling claim matters.

Understanding Florida's Unemployment Insurance Programs

Florida offers several unemployment insurance programs designed to help workers during job loss. The main program is called Reemployment Assistance, which is Florida's standard unemployment insurance. This program provides weekly payments to workers who lose jobs through no fault of their own and meet other conditions set by state and federal law. The amount paid depends on a person's prior wages, with Florida's maximum weekly benefit amount set at a specific dollar figure that adjusts annually based on state wage data.

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Federal programs also operate through the CONNECT system during economic downturns or national emergencies. For example, during periods of high unemployment, federal extensions provide additional weeks of payments beyond what the state program offers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary federal programs added extra weekly payments to regular benefits. These temporary programs change based on congressional action and economic conditions, so what was available one year may not be available the next.

Another program available through CONNECT is the Reemployment Program for Individuals Seeking Employment, sometimes called RPISE. This program focuses on helping people return to work through services like job search support and training information. Workers participating in RPISE receive information about training opportunities, job openings, and work resources through CONNECT or by phone.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is a separate program that activates after hurricanes, floods, and other disasters declared by the federal government. This program provides payments to self-employed workers and others who do not normally meet standard unemployment insurance rules but lost income due to disaster. People affected by a declared disaster can access information about this program through CONNECT or by contacting local career centers.

Each program has different rules about who may participate, how much they may receive, and how long they may receive payments. Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity maintains information about current programs and their rules on its website. The rules can change when federal programs expire or when new legislation passes.

Practical Takeaway: When you first log into CONNECT, review the program information section to understand which program applies to your situation. Different programs have different payment amounts and time limits, so knowing which one covers you affects your planning.

Setting Up Your CONNECT Account and Basic Navigation

Creating a CONNECT account requires a valid email address and personal information that matches your identity. The account creation process asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, and other identifying details. The system uses this information to verify your identity and connect your account to any existing records in Florida's unemployment system. If you previously filed for unemployment in Florida, CONNECT may have information from that earlier claim, and you may be able to log in without creating a completely new account.

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The CONNECT homepage displays different sections once you log in. The main dashboard shows your current claim status at a glance, such as whether your claim is "Active," "Inactive," or "Closed." Below the status, you typically see information about your next payment, the amount of your weekly benefit, and any remaining weeks of payments available. Some sections display documents you have uploaded or documents the state has sent to you.

The "Claims" section allows you to view details about specific claims you have filed. You can see when each claim began, its status, total amounts paid, and whether the claim remains open or has been closed. If you filed for unemployment multiple times over the years, you can review information from past claims in this area.

A "Documents" or "Correspondence" section shows communications from the Department of Economic Opportunity. These documents include notices about claim decisions, requests for additional information, notifications about payments, and other official correspondence. Reading these documents is important because they often explain decisions about your claim or request specific actions you need to take.

The "Payment and Tax Information" section displays your payment history and information about state and federal tax withholding from your benefits. You can view when payments were processed, the amounts, and any taxes taken out. Tax forms for reporting benefits on your income tax return also appear in this section at the end of the year.

Practical Takeaway: Write down your CONNECT login information in a secure location and set a reminder to check your account at least once weekly if you have an open claim. Regular account monitoring helps you spot issues early and respond to requests before deadlines pass.

Common Actions You May Need to Take in CONNECT

CONNECT requires users to complete several types of recurring actions when they have open claims. One of the most common is weekly certification, which most benefit recipients must submit every week they want to receive a payment. Weekly certification requires you to answer questions about your work status, such as whether you worked, earned income, or actively searched for employment during the week. You must complete certification by a specific day each week, typically shown in your account. Missing the weekly certification deadline can result in that week's payment being delayed or withheld.

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The system may request documents to verify information on your claim. These requests might ask for proof of your identity, proof of your previous employment, documentation of job search activities, or records of reasons for leaving a job. The state sends notices explaining what documents are needed and usually provides a deadline for uploading them. Documents can be uploaded directly through CONNECT by photographing them with your phone or scanning them on a computer. Using clear, readable images increases the chances that documents will be processed correctly.

If the state believes you may not meet the conditions for benefits, CONNECT may send you a notice requesting that you provide information about a specific situation. For example, if your previous employer submitted information saying you quit your job, the state might ask you to explain your reasons for leaving. These notices include specific instructions about how to respond and what evidence to provide. Taking time to write a clear, detailed response with supporting documents increases the chances that the state will understand your situation.

Some claims require periodic recertification or updates. Certain situations—such as working part-time, receiving workers' compensation, or participating in training programs—require you to report additional details beyond the basic weekly certification. CONNECT notifies you when these updates are needed and guides you through the process.

If you return to work, you should report your employment through CONNECT as soon as possible. Reporting work allows the state to adjust your payment amounts if you earn income. Failing to report work can result in overpayments—situations where you receive more money than you should have—and the state may ask you to return those funds later.

Practical Takeaway: Set phone reminders for your weekly certification day, and complete certification as early in the week as possible. This habit prevents missed deadlines and keeps your claim active and current.

Troubleshooting Problems and Getting Information

Technical problems with CONNECT

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