DEO waives certain benefit registration requirements in St. Johns and Putnam for Hurricane Ian

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity announced last week that work search reporting, waiting week, and Employ Florida registration requirements for Reemployment Assistance claims have been temporarily waived for Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian in FEMA disaster-declared counties.

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Eligible Floridians can now quickly apply and receive reemployment assistance and disaster unemployment assistance benefits.

Also included is Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Florida businesses and residents in FEMA disaster-declared counties. Those businesses whose employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of Hurricane Ian and are not eligible for regular state or Federal Reemployment Assistance benefits can use the DUA system for financial benefits.

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“Right now, Floridians impacted by Hurricane Ian are trying to meet their critical needs and what they don’t need are roadblocks interfering with their recovery,” said DEO secretary Dane Eagle. “Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, DEO is taking swift action to cut red tape and waive reporting requirements for reemployment assistance is the right choice to get families the help they need to get back on their feet faster, and DEO stands ready to distribute this vital assistance as quickly as possible.”

DEO accepts applications for DUA from residents and businesses in Putnam and St. Johns counties in Northeast Florida.

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Other counties that reflect FEMA-designated disaster-impacted areas as of Oct. 11, 2022, include:

Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Flagler, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Hillsborough, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Monroe, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, and Volusia.

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