Media Contact: Laura Byrnes, APR, CPRC
Communications Manager
Direct: 352.291.9559 Mobile: 352.816.1264
[email protected]
OCALA, Fla. (Nov. 16, 2020) – Waivers that have made it easier for those filing claims for Reemployment Assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic are scheduled to end Dec. 5.
Formerly known as unemployment compensation, Reemployment Assistance provides temporary wage replacement benefits to qualified individuals who are out of work through no fault of their own. The program is administered by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
According to DEO, there have been 44,138 COVID-19 related RA claims as of Nov. 7 in the CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion region.
Individuals filing RA applications and claiming benefit weeks prior to March 15, when the waivers took effect, and after Dec. 5 will need to comply with regular work registration and job search requirements.
“The goal, of course, is to help those who are out of work find good, gainful employment; RA benefits are temporary and can never fully replace a paycheck,” said Rusty Skinner, CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion’s CEO. “While we do not run the RA program, we’re definitely here to help. Don’t wait until the last minute; we urge those who need help to avoid the rush and work with us as soon as possible.”
Skinner pointed to three ways that CareerSource CLM not only can help individuals fulfill RA requirements but, more importantly, work toward reemployment:
> Start the work registration process by registering with Employ Florida
> Offer guidance in providing five work search contacts per week
> Help sharpen employability skills and obtain job referrals through staff-assisted career services
All Career Centers are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for fee-free staff-assisted services as well as use of Resource Room computers and other resources to facilitate filing claims and conduct job searches.
Appointments are no longer required, but are recommended, for those planning to visit one of the centers located in Ocala, Lecanto and Chiefland. Health safety precautions, including use of face masks by staff and customers, as well as other measures remain in place.
Virtual services also continue to be offered Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. via phone, email, Live Chat and online.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 800-434-JOBS (5627) or visit careersourceclm.com to contact CareerSource CLM by email or Live Chat.
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CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion is a member of CareerSource Florida and a proud partner of the American Job Center network. CareerSource CLM is supported by the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and other agencies as part of awards totaling $8.7 million (revised annually). CareerSource CLM is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities and in Spanish. All voice telephone numbers listed above may be reached by persons using TTY/TDD equipment via the Florida Relay Service at 711. For accommodations, call 800-434-5627, ext. 7878 or e-mail [email protected]. Stay up-to-date by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.