CONNECT shows $0 balance tonight - How do I file for extension & will the extra $600 continue?

The extension doesn't work that way anymore. In 2025, Florida DEO automatically reviews your claim for Extended Benefits (EB) eligibility when your Regular Unemployment (RA) balance reaches zero. You don't have to file anything new. Just keep claiming your weeks as normal through CONNECT. As for the $600 supplement - that was a COVID-era program (Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation) that ended years ago. The current federal supplement is $375/week, and yes, it continues with your extension as long as the program remains funded. But you need to qualify for at least $1 of state benefits to receive the federal supplement.

wait i thought the supplemental was $450 now?? thats what i got on mine last week

I just went through this last month. Your claim will automatically roll over to Extended Benefits but there's a weird 1-week gap where CONNECT updates your status. Don't panic if you log in and see a message about your claim being expired or something. Just keep claiming your weeks and it'll fix itself.

The DEO is COMPLETELY USELESS with explaining any of this!!! I called 37 times last week trying to ask about extensions and couldn't get through to a single person. Their phone system just disconnects you after the automated messages. The website has zero useful information. How are we supposed to know what to do when they make everything impossible to understand??

y does everyone make this so complicated lol. just keep claiming weeks and the money keeps coming. thats what i did and im on my 3rd month of extension

I'm in the exact same situation and was told by a DEO agent that we need to be extra careful with work search requirements on extensions. Regular claims need 5 work searches per week, but extensions require 5 PLUS documentation that you applied to at least 3 of those in person or by directly emailing the hiring manager (not just online applications). They're apparently auditing extension claims much more frequently than regular claims right now.

Make sure u print out ur work searches!!! My cousin didn't have proof when they asked and they made him pay back 3 weeks of benefits!!! 😱

Just to clarify a few things: 1. The CONNECT work search log is sufficient documentation. You don't need to print anything unless specifically requested during an audit. 2. Extensions are processed automatically - the system will determine if you qualify for Extended Benefits based on your earnings during your base period and how much of your regular claim you exhausted. 3. There may be a brief processing period (1-3 days) when you transition from regular benefits to extended benefits, but if you continue claiming weeks as scheduled, there shouldn't be any payment gaps. 4. Work search requirements remain at 5 verifiable work searches per week unless you have a Work Search Waiver. 5. The current federal supplement ($375/week in Florida) continues with your extension as long as the program remains funded.

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure your address and direct deposit info are up to date in CONNECT before your claim rolls over! When mine switched to extended benefits, it somehow reverted to an old address I had in the system, and they tried mailing me a paper check instead of direct deposit. Took 3 weeks to fix the mess.