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AVENTURA, FLA. (WSVN) - - Residents who have not been able to get access to a physical unemployment application can now pick them up at 26 libraries across Miami-Dade.
The Miami-Dade Public Library System began distributing the applications at 8 a.m., Wednesday.
- RELATED: Full list of Miami-Dade County Public Library locations offering paper unemployment applications
7News cameras captured a line forming outside of the Hispanic Branch Library long before dawn.
Juan Fuentes said he was laid off over a month ago and has been trying to file for unemployment. Like so many others, Fuentes has faced difficulties accessing the online system.
“I’m retired, but the check that they give me is for my rent, my phone and my cable. I gotta work part-time,” he said. “It’s busy online. I cannot do it.”
Nick Pena also echoed some of the difficulties Fuentes faced, and he is among the thousands of people wondering when they will receive money from the state.
“I’ve never applied for unemployed in my life, so I thought this would be an easy process,” Pena said. “It’s almost like it’s a system that’s designed to fail. This is not about me going out to buy a new car or a luxury. This is about putting food on the table and paying the roof over my head. That’s what this money is for.”
Those working at the sites said they are seeing many people who don’t have access to a printer.
“What’s evident is people don’t have a printer at home, so it’s this erroneous assumption that just because you can download a form you can print it out,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Eileen Higgins.
“We’re printing hundreds of thousands of these claim forms,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez.
Those who stopped by the Hispanic Branch Library first walked up to get their applications but soon after only had to drive up to the entrance to get handed the application.
The applications are available in English, Spanish and Creole and are being offered from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week until further notice.
Long lines of cars could be seen in Hialeah, and people waited in long lines for a paper application. The process on Wednesday ran much smoother than Tuesday’s handout, where hundreds of people ignored social distancing orders to grab an application.
“This is very important for us to get unemployment at this time,” one man said.
Once the applications are filled out at home, applicants can drop them off at a library book drop-off bin or any CareerSource South Florida location.
“Every evening, boxes with the forms will be escorted by police to CareerSource South Florida offices,” Gimenez said. “From there, trained staff will send the applications overnight to the state to expedite the processing of these unemployment claims.”
“We realize that the state has failed our residents when it comes to getting unemployment benefits out,” said Higgins, “and that’s why we are here to at least help with paper applications.”
Remember, if you have access to a printer, you can print out the application at home by clicking here.
FedEx stores across Florida are also proving free unemployment application printing and mailing services.
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity also announced a new, mobile-friendly online Reemployment Assistance application. Click here to get redirected.
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