News

Fla. Unemployment Claims Go Completely Digital

FLORIDA,None — Floridians who want to file for unemployment compensation -- or to update an existing claim -- will now have to do so online.

Agency for Workforce spokesman Robby Cunningham says that starting Monday, the system will be completely digital. That translates to an annual savings of $4.7 million in administrative costs.

Officials say applicants will still be able to call a hotline if they have questions about the filing process, even if they won't be able to file a claim over the phone.

Orlando resident Kim Braswell was one of dozens in line at a job center, waiting to use a computer.

"It didn't look too crowded, but she ended up telling me there was an hour wait," she said.

She used to file her unemployment benefit claims over the phone, but a new law now requires her to do it online.

"Of all the bills we need, we need food, power basically, and now it sounds like we need Internet," she said.

The agency encourages people without Internet access to use a public computer at a library or community center.