Reemployment Assistance (RA) is an initiative offered by the state of Florida to unemployed residents who meet the qualification requirements. In general, RA is available to those who have been separated from employment involuntarily and through no fault of their own and who meet certain income guidelines. RA applicants must accurately report the reasons for their loss of employment and must inform the state of Florida of any earnings or income to determine eligibility for this financial assistance program. In general, RA recipients must register with the state employment agency and must be available for and actively seek work to remain eligible for these benefits.
RA benefits are calculated based on income. As a result, applicants must provide the state with accurate reports of gross weekly income throughout their participation in the program. Any conflicts that could prevent certain types or schedules of employment should also be reported; these may include school attendance, child care responsibilities or limited transportation options. These issues may affect eligibility for the RA program. Approved RA applicants must immediately inform the state upon gaining employment and must be especially careful to verify payment amounts to ensure that they receive only the amount of assistance to which they are legally entitled. Failure to report all required information to the RA office may result in charges of fraud against the applicant or recipient of this financial assistance.
Navigating the RA process can be challenging for Florida residents. Knowingly accepting benefits to which the program participant is not entitled can result in a number of negative consequences that may include criminal or civil prosecution for fraud, forfeiture of income tax refunds, ineligibility for the RA program in the future, enforced financial restitution or jail time. As a Florida employment law specialist, Attorney Richard B. Celler can provide real help for clients in managing the complexities of the RA application process and in staying on the right side of the law when reporting income and job status to the relevant state authorities. His expert assistance and counsel can ensure the most positive outcomes for clients seeking to reestablish their careers in the Florida job market.