JACKSONVILLE, Fla — Many Floridians are still missing unemployment benefits from the Department of Economic Opportunity—regardless if they filed for benefits in March or June. Many early filers tell First Coast News they believe they’ve been forgotten about.
“I have friends, family members, who have completed the application a couple weeks after me and they’re getting through,” said Michael Geniac, who added they’ve all received hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Geniac started applying for unemployment on March 29. In that time frame, he was told to reapply by DEO multiple times. To this day, he is stuck on pending.
“I’m still waiting to even be approved for benefits,” said Judy Tanzosch who is in the same situation. She was also asked to re-apply three times.
“This process has just been a nightmare,” Tanzosch said.
Facebook support groups for those struggling with the Florida unemployment system have started to pop up, creating a helpful community to share tips and tricks to push their claims through the system.
Tami Bohm is one woman who took the lead on this fight. Bohm said the way you’ll get your money is by making sure you’re not forgotten about.
“If you had a prior claim, you’re thrown out there in a black hole and no one is looking for you,” Bohm said.
Bohm said she noticed in these groups that people who filed more recently in May and June seem to be getting some or all of their benefits, while those who filed in March and April seem to be stuck.
First Coast News asked DEO if claims are being processed in the order they are received.
“Accurate and complete applications are processed in the order they are received,” a DEO spokeswoman said.
Bohm, Geniac and Tanzosch said there’s no way that can be correct. That’s why Bohm started video conferences for four hours throughout the week.
Bohm continues to find DEO employee emails and phone numbers for claimants to call and demand answers.
Here is a list of emails Bohm promotes reaching out to for answers.
She says it’s important to keep hope.
“You will be paid,” Bohm said. “We have been guaranteed you will get paid.”