ORLANDO, Fla. — For people waiting for unemployment benefits, progress is being made slowly.
New numbers show fewer people are being ruled ineligible while more claims are being processed.
Channel 9’s Christopher Heath found out two out of five people are still being rejected.
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The total number of unemployment claims filed across the county has topped 2 million.
While some could be duplicates, others are still waiting.
“I finally just woke up one day at three in the morning. [I] set my alarm to wake up and I believe it was April 4,” said Josh Ramon.
Ramon might be in that group. His claim, like 266,000 others, was denied, leaving him with the option to refile.
He is also concerned about the $600,000 the federal government sent the state for people like him.
“I think that it makes sense for someone like myself and everyone who has been furloughed or laid off to get the $275 and the $600,” Ramon said.
This week, the state finally released instructions on how to apply for the $600 weekly federal benefit.
But it comes with a catch. Filers will have to use the state’s troubled CONNECT website, answer several questions and file a federal application.
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For those still waiting or denied by the state, it’s a glimmer of hope.
Army veteran Jonathan Willis is one of those now banking on the federal benefits since the state has not come through or given any timeline for appeals or retroactive payments for missed weeks.
Several state senators and representatives are now hosting virtual town halls to try and get answers to citizens.
Contacting state representatives and state senators local office is the best course of action for anyone with questions.
Cox Media Group
