CAPE CORAL, Fla -- The first of the month brings a lot of uncertainty for the many still waiting on unemployment benefits.
We know May 1 will be a struggle for several Southwest Floridians and we want you to know we're in your corner as we all work together to rebound to a new normal.
We’ve been keeping a close eye on the DEO dashboard information. At last check Friday morning, it reported less than half of Floridians who have filed have received benefits.
The first of the month will bring a heightened sense of anxiety and fear to that chunk of people, who were counting on these benefits to help cover the cost of bills piling up, and new ones coming due Friday. Not to mention putting food on the table.
And all of this comes as unemployment numbers across the nation continue to increase. New numbers show nearly four million more Americans filed for unemployment just last week.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Florida’s jobless claims rose by more than 325,000 people this week, which is the largest in the country,
Just hours ago, our sister station in Tampa covered a Facebook live town hall Q&A session, where some Florida lawmakers worked to get answers on unemployment straight from the DEO.
Watch the full video here.
In it, lawmakers pressed the DEO’s Jonathan Satter to answer numerous questions.
Satter assured that despite the phase 1 re-opening Monday, people will get the money they are owed. But the question for those still waiting, is when?
And with the first of the month now here again, what to do about rent and mortgage payments? Property management companies say 99% of the time if you talk to your management company, something can be worked out. They understand what people are going through. As for those with mortgage payments, there's the option of forbearance which can at least buy you some time to make your payment.
Chances are if you have fears surrounding the first of the month, you're not alone. Others who are going through the same thing may be able to help. Plus, you may even have a story idea that we can help share to help you get answers.
We want to remind you about an online community we've created specifically for this. Just search The Rebound Southwest Florida on Facebook to join the conversation.
