Florida Disaster Relief Unemployment and Federal Disaster Relief Unemployment

/in , , , /by

Florida is still a nightmare as far as trying to get unemployment if you are self-employed or a gig worker. Forget  about getting any help from the unemployment office or speaking to a live human,

The most common unemployment issue right now is people still pending and waiting to get paid, and missing FPUC (Federal-$600), along with needing to backdate claims to receive past money owed to them.   The DEO is fully aware of this.

Another issue is people are seeing the PUA link (State Disaster) where they should be seeing the PEUC because their state UC has been exhausted.

What do all these letters mean you ask?  Here’s a breakdown.  PUA is for self-employed and 1099s who would otherwise receive no state benefits.  Instead of automatically converting the regular application to this like DEO first said they would for self-employed, you have to wait till the monetary determination decides to deny you and determine ineligibility for regular unemployment benefits.  Once they do this in the list of areas on the left side halfway down a link will appear to apply for the PUA. Fill it out. It will put in the date of the determination, not the date you started applying for unemployment.   You will receive somewhere between $125-$275  a week. Commencing 6/1/2020 you will need to login every week and submit 5 jobs you applied for or information about your career source contact.

FPUC is the Federal disaster relief program this is the $600 everyone is talking about. There doesn’t seem to be a link for most people to apply.  Also it will use the date of the PUA which is likely wrong.  So you need to fill out UC Modification Form – https://claimdate.myflorida.com/login

Representative Ann V. Eskamani ( [email protected]  ) has been hard at work posting information on Facebook regarding DEO and Unemployment Compensation.   She seems to be the only government official who cares.  Contact her staff regarding your issues at [email protected] .   You can find the escalation letter at https://forms.gle/F4NHDxuu9ADqk8847

You might also find some useful information at  http://www.floridajobs.org/docs 

Good Luck!!!!

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: [email protected]

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney#ClearwaterEstatePlanningAttorney                           #Pinellas ProbateAttorney

Small Business Resources

/in , , , /by

Trying to figure out how to keep your business afloat during this pandemic can be extremely stressful.  To ease your stress a little we have put together some resources for you to try and pump up your business.

Make it easy for customers to call you on the fly with the Click to Call tool in Google Maps. As Google’s popular “Near Me” search continues to gain traction, it’s crucial for businesses to tie in an online Click to Call option to ensure customers can reach you quickly and easily.

For reputation management and social monitoring, consider using ListenPort. This tool watches the internet for discussions and reviews of your business and alerts you right away to dissatisfied customers. Resolve complaints and issues promptly via a free SMS number to let customers know you’re attentive and you care.

Yelp for Business Owners is a good resource to help SMBs make the most of crowdsourced reviews, engage new and returning customers, and offer exclusive deals.

Hubspot’s Website Grader. Grader lets you know what you’re doing right and which areas of your site need some attention.

If your business has multiple social media accounts, you can simplify the way you manage them by using SocialOomph.

Google Keyword Planner is an oldie but goodie; it’s designed to help analyze and research keywords and optimize SEO.

Canvas to design great visuals that are the cornerstone of today’s effective digital strategies.

To make a  logo for your SMB, check out the free logo maker Spaces.

Marvel allows remote teams to work together on designs and prototypes on any platform and from any device. Marvel has Dropbox and Google Drive integration.

U.S. Small Business Administration website is a treasure trove of information for entrepreneurs of all kinds.

The free online courses at ALISON let you learn at your own pace and on your own time.

Learn finance and managerial accounting from the ground up with a series of no-cost online courses from MIT Open Courseware.

 

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: [email protected]

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

 

 

Thank You Corona Virus ! !

/in , , /by

So if you are anything like me the  Corona Virus has shut down your business, or stopped your income and your wondering, what the hell do I do now to pay my bills??

This post is to explore several options that may be available to you.

  1. SBA Loan for Women.   Minimum 620 credit score, no bankruptcies, no foreclosures, no defaulted student loans, no defaulted federal loans of any kind. https://www.fundingcircle.com/us/resources/small-business-loans-for-women/   https://www.sba.gov/size-standards/?ms=nid4788 If you can meat the requirements $25k- $500K they also want collateral like your personal residence. Basically not user friendly at all. For women-owned business loans under $25,000, either 7(a) or Express, no collateral is required.  A personal guarantee is required. Other SBA loan programs https://www.fundingcircle.com/us/resources/sba-loans/ most programs like credit scores of 700 or above. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options 
  2. Bank Loan.    This type takes into consideration your debt to income ratio and your credit score.
  3. Unemployment.    Yes even if you are self-employed you can now apply under the Department of Labor’s Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program,  make sure you mark the reason as COVID-19. If you are applying in Florida do it at 2 am. Trust me, it took me 15 hours to figure this out, the damn site crashes continuously at normal hours.  connectmyflorida.com   
    UPDATE : They are now shutting down the website at 8pm every night and it is not accessible to 7 am the next day.  Also, they seem to be shutting it down on weekends.
    UPDATE:  You must  file a separate pandemic claim if you are self -employed, and send your 10999, and tax return within 21  days of filing it to  FLDEO.
  4. Stimulus Check.   A one time check $1,200 if you earn up to $99,999, and $500 for each child 16 and under. If you are on social security or disability and don’t file taxes you still should be getting a check.
  5.  Small Business Loan.    There are multiple programs available.  https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/023595_comm_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final.pdf?fbclid=IwAR0Ezms22WuTWHvJLRoaSWvRUgwo7MYfOCrHG7q0ds18P5cpMTAnyiM_lFA%F0%9D%97%A3%F0%9D%97%A3%F0%9D%97%A3
  6. County and City Programs.  Some Cities and Counties have established programs to help their local small businesses. Tampa is one such city.

 

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: [email protected]

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

Corona Virus Procedures

/in , , , , , /by

The threat of Coronavirus to the older population and those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing conditions makes it extremely important to ensure that your Estate Planning affairs are in order and up to date. You should normally review your documents every 3-5 years.

Here is what we are doing as a firm to make sure you can get your questions answered and your documents done in the safest way possible:

1. We are keeping our office as sanitized as possible for those of you who make it into our office. The conference room is wiped down with Clorox wipes after every client, WHO approved had sanitizer spray is available ( 99% alcohol, 3% peroxide, distilled water, aloe vera, tea tree oil, vitamin E oil, and lavender oil) for use in our conference room.

2. We are waiving our Estate Planning consultation fee until June 1st, 2020 to remove any obstacles to you being able to get your affairs in order.

3. Phone or Facetime meetings are available by appointment if you do not feel comfortable coming to the office or are quarantined. If you are sick or symptomatic please stay home. We can arrange to send a notary to you or for virtual execution if necessary.

We are here to help you please call us at (727) 410-2705 to schedule a consultation.

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: [email protected]

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA)

/in , /by

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) protects consumers from receiving nuisance calls from creditors and marketers on home phones and cell phones since 1991.  TCPA restricts robo-calls made to all cell phones, whether they are for business or personal use.

How do Creditors and Marketers Violate the TCPA:

  • When they use automatic dialing systems, a computer program that auto-dials hundreds of programmed numbers. Receiving four or more calls in a day from a specific creditor typically means an auto-dialer is in use.
  • When they use artificially generated communications or pre-recorded voice messages that direct the recipient to hold for an available operator.
  • When they send unsolicited SMS text messages that cause the recipient to incur phone charges.
  • When they fax junk-faxes that interrupt the receipt of business faxes, tie up phone lines, and waste paper.

When they do not maintain and support a required DO NOT CALL list. Consumers have the right to ask to be placed on it and the requests are honored for five years.   https://www.donotcall.gov/

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: [email protected]

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

Pinellas County Teachers and Staff

/in , , , /by

Pinellas County Schools

Teachers and staff did you know that if you participate in the MetLife Legal Plan through Hyatt Legal – you can receive – a free trust, will, quitclaim deed, living will, healthcare surrogate, and DPOA before the end of the year.

If you use my office – Carol Lawson PA- #727-410-2705, not only are after school appointments available, but you will receive a Dementia Directive for free.

Hyatt will also pay the Attorney fees ( no costs) for a Bankruptcy. Our office participates in this area handling Chapter 7s only.

To get started go online to your Hyatt legal plan, obtain a case number and then call me to schedule a free appointment today.

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: [email protected]

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

Hurricane Preparation

/in /by
  1.  Take Pictures and Video of Everything

For insurance claim purposes, having photo or video evidence of your house prior to a storm is extremely beneficial. Without it, an insurance company will claim that the condition your house is in now was not a result of the hurricane.

Record both the inside and outside (especially the roof) of the house if you can, and save the file(s) in the cloud or somewhere safe. Documenting what belongings are inside the house is also suggested. When everyone goes to file claims with their insurance carriers after the storm, the people who have documentation and videotapes go first, the people with questions go last.

  1.  Park Your Cars Strategically

Where to park your car in the event of an impending tropical storm or hurricane is a consideration that should not be taken lightly. If you’re in a place with risk for flooding, find a legal parking location in a parking garage, hill, or curb. If you have more important valuables to protect, such as an expensive window or generator, it might be wise to use your vehicle as a barricade to insulate what you are trying to protect from the storm.

  1.  Consider Purchasing a Flight

Some airline-booking services like Expedia offer a free cancellation on flight tickets within 24 hours of booking. Take advantage of this and allow yourself the opportunity to get to a safe place. If the storm changes course and you no longer need the flight, then cancel it.

  1. Identify a Shelter that Takes Pets

Don’t assume that you will be able to bring your pet to an emergency shelter, call your local office of emergency management to identify which shelter is your best option.  Do not leave your pets behind!!!!

  1. Check out http://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/emergency-preparedness-and-response/_documents/prepareguide-eng.pdf
  2. Buy water, batteries, canned goods, extra gas, fill up all cars.

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: [email protected]

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

How to Save $1000
/in , , /by

According to recent research, almost one-half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck  62% of Americans have no emergency funds.  Most  Americans waste 10-15% of their income on non-essential items. Here are some tips to create a small next egg.

1. Pay Attention to Your Spending

Pay attention to your spending. Many of us spend money without really registering what we’re doing. Track all of your spending for at least a month to see where the money is going. Track every dollar. When you swipe your credit card, save the receipt and write down each thing you spent money on. When you pay cash save the receipts. See where your money is going.

2. Set Aside a Small Amount to Start

Most of us need to work up to making long-lasting changes in our lives. You can do this as you move toward saving your$1,000. Break down your goal into bite-sized and manageable chunks. When you feel strapped for cash, it feels impossible to set aside $200 a month for savings. Instead break it down into something easier. Saving $200 a month is the same as setting aside $7.14 per day- no Starbucks and you meet your goal.

3. Make it Automatic

Make your savings automatic. Have a set amount taken out of your checking account each month and transferred to your savings account. There are tools, like Digit.co, that will analyze your patterns and figure out how much you can afford to save on a daily basis and transfer the money for you. Good Luck!

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: [email protected]

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

FLORIDA EXEMPTION STATUTES

/in , , /by

One of the most common questions I receive are what exemptions are available to me in Florida under bankruptcy.   I have  included a list of  exemptions under the bankruptcy code below.   Please remember to contact us for your bankruptcy needs .

FLORIDA EXEMPTION STATUTES

Description LAW Max Individual Amount Max Joint Amount
Alimony Child Support FSA § 222.201, U.S.C.§  522(d)(10)(D) UNLIMITED
Annuity Contract Proceeds FSA § 222.14 UNLIMITED
Any Personal Property – No Benefit from Homestead Exemption FSA § 222.25(4) $4,000.00 $8,000.00
Benefits – Public Employee Optional Retirement Program FSA § 121.4501 UNLIMITED
Benefits Exempt From Taxes And Execution FSA §112.359 UNLIMITED
Benefits Payable Under The System FSA §121.091 UNLIMITED
Church Benefit Plans And Church Benefit Board FSA § 624.4031 UNLIMITED
Community College Optional Retirement Program FSA § 1012.875 UNLIMITED
Coverdell Education Savings Account FSA § 222.22 UNLIMITED
Crime Victims§ Compensation -100% FSA §960.14 UNLIMITED
Disability Insurance Benefits-100% FSA § 222.18 UNLIMITED
Disposable Earnings-Head of Family Earning<=$500/Week-100% FSA § 222.11(2)(a) UNLIMITED – 6months
Disposable Earnings-Head of Family Earning>$500/Week FSA § 222.11(2)(b) UNLIMITED 6 months
Disposable Earnings-Non-Head of Family 30x Minimum Wage FSA § 222.11(2)(c ) UNLIMITED 6 months
Florida Retirement System Preservation Of Benefits Plan FSA §121.1001 UNLIMITED
Fraternal Benefit Society Benefits FSA § 632.619 UNLIMITED
Gov. Employees Deferred Comp. Benefits FSA § 112.215 UNLIMITED
Health Aids – Prescribed FSA § 222.25(2) UNLIMITED
Health Insurance – Retired Public Employees FSA § 112.363(9) UNLIMITED
Homestead Fla. Const., Art. 10, §4(a)(1), FSA §§ 222.01, 222.02 UNLIMITED
Hurricane Savings Account FSA § 222.22 UNLIMITED
Life Insurance – Cash Surrender Value FSA § 222.14 UNLIMITED
Life Insurance Proceeds FSA § 222.13 UNLIMITED
Materials Furnished to Improve Real Property FSA § 713.17 UNLIMITED
Mobile Or Modular Home FSA § 222.05 UNLIMITED
Moneys Paid In To Or Out Of Medical Savings Account FSA § 222.22 UNLIMITED
Motor Vehicle (One) FSA § 222.25(1) $1,000.00 $2,000.00
Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Deposits FSA § 324.161 UNLIMITED
Optional Retirement Program For The State University System FSA §121.35 UNLIMITED
Partner’s interest in Partnership Property FSA §620.153, 620.8307 UNLIMITED
Partnership Interest FSA §620.8504 UNLIMITED
Payment For Injuries/Death (Hazardous Occupations) FSA § 769.05 UNLIMITED
Pension Money Of U.S. Pensioner FSA § 222.21(1) UNLIMITED
Personal Property Art. 10 § 4(a)(2), FSA § 222.061 $1,000.00 $2,000.00
Preneed Funeral Contract Consumer Protection Trust Fund FSA §497.456 UNLIMITED
Property Listed In 11 USC 522(d)(10) FSA § 222.201 UNLIMITED
Qualified Tuition Programs FSA § 222.22 UNLIMITED
Retiree Health Insurance Subsidy FSA §185.50 UNLIMITED
Retiree Health Insurance Subsidy FSA §185.50 UNLIMITED
Retirement Benefits – Firemen-100% FSA § 175.241 UNLIMITED
Retirement Benefits – Police-100% FSA § 185.25 UNLIMITED
Retirement Benefits – Public Employee-10 FSA § 121.131, 121.055 (6)(e)2 UNLIMITED
Retirement Benefits – State & City Empl. FSA § 122.15 UNLIMITED
Retirement Benefits – Teachers-100% FSA § 238.15 UNLIMITED
Retirement, Profit-Sharing Benefits FSA § 222.21(2) UNLIMITED
Senior Management Service Class FSA §121.055 UNLIMITED
Social Security, Public Assistance Benefits FSA § 222.201, U.S.C.§  522(d)()(10)(A) UNLIMITED
Tax refunds or Credits FSA § 222.25(3) UNLIMITED
Unemployment Compensation Benefits FSA § 443.051(2) UNLIMITED
Veteran’s Benefits FSA § 744.626 UNLIMITED
Wages, Travel Expenses, Unemployment Compensation Payments FSA § 222.16 UNLIMITED
Workmen’s Compensation Benefits FSA § 440.22 UNLIMITED

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: [email protected]

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate

How Long Does it Stay on My Credit?

/in , , , /by

The Answer is  usually 7-10 years. A Break down by account types is below:

  • Collection Accounts – Are required to be removed 7 years from the date of default on the original account. The “date of default” is the date that the original account became 180 days or approximately 6 months past due. The date the original account was assigned to the collection agency is NOT the date when the 7 year clock starts ticking.  Problems arise in find the actual default sate since many creditors tend to flip accounts from one collection agency to another.
  • Foreclosures and Repossessions – Required to be removed after 7 years from the date of the original terminal delinquency. “Terminal Delinquency” means that the account has been unpaid for 180 days, which leads to the foreclosure or repossession.  This is not the same date that the foreclosure was filed. In some instances foreclosures have been filed at 45 days  delinquency, and in others they have been over 2 years  delinquent  before the foreclosure action was filed.
  • Charge Offs – Required to be removed 7 years from the date of original terminal delinquency.
  • Settlements – Required to be removed 7 years from the date of original terminal delinquency.
  • Late Payments – Required to be removed 7 years from the date the late payment occurred. The account does not have to be removed if it did not go into default, just the late payments associated with the account.  I do not see this being followed by the credit bureaus unless you point it out.
  • Judgments – Required to be removed 7 years from the date the judgment was filed, whether it has been satisfied or not.
  • Bankruptcies – Chapter 7 bankruptcies must be removed no later than 10 years from the date filed. Chapter 13 bankruptcies can remain on your credit reports for 7 years from the date of discharge, though this date may not exceed 10 years from the date filed.
  • Tax Liens – Paid and released tax liens are required to be removed from your credit reports 7 years from the date released. Withdrawn tax liens will be removed from your credit reports immediately. Unpaid tax liens are never required to be removed from your credit reports.
  • Federal Student Loans – The FCRA is silent on the issue of defaulted federal student loans.  Credit reporting limitations for these items are governed by the Higher Education Act. Once a defaulted student loan has been paid it is required to be removed from your credit reports after 7 years. However, unpaid federal student loans can remain upon your credit reports forever. The good news is that they may not be able to sue you or collect on them depending on the Statute of Limitations in Your State.  In  Florida they need to initiate suit on a written contract within 5 years of  the  default. F.S. §95.11(2)(b).

In some instances items that normally would be removed and not appear still may be on your report:

  1. Report is used for employment screening of a job expected to pay $75,000 or more.
  2. Report is for a life insurance policy with a value of $150,000, or more.
  3. Report is used as part of loan underwriting for an amount of $150,000, or more.

Filing Bankruptcy will result in the other negative items, other then Student Loans , Judgments( if a Motion is not filed) and Tax Liens being  zeroed out on your credit report with the notation included in bankruptcy or in some cases totally removed.  Bankruptcy will actually increase your credit score once your discharge is entered.   For a free consultation  please contact my office.

Related Articles

Unpaid Debt and the Statute of Limitations

Debt Collection Calls

Debt Collector’s Calling?

 

 

Carol A. Lawson, Esq., 28870 U.S. Hwy 19 #300, Hodusa Towers, Clearwater, FL 33761

Phone: (727) 410-2705;   email: [email protected]

 Clearwater Bankruptcy Attorney, Clearwater Bankruptcy Lawyer, Clearwater Bankruptcy, Clearwater Estate Planning Attorney,  Pinellas Estate Planning Attorney, Pinellas Probate Attorney #FileLocallyDontOverpay #ClearwaterBankruptcy #ClearwaterBankruptcyAttorney #ClearwaterEstatePlanning #ClearwaterProbate