CONNECT shows status 'Expired' after RA benefits ended - Where to find the new application link?

I had the same thing happen two weeks ago! Look under the left side menu in CONNECT, there should be an option that says 'Apply for Reemployment Assistance Benefits' - that's where you need to go. It's basically starting a new claim from scratch, but they'll link it to your previous claim info. Make sure you have your employment history for the last 18 months ready, including the info from your restaurant job. The system is weird because they make you reapply even though you're continuing the same unemployment situation.

omg theyre making everyone reapply now its so annoying!! took me like 2 hrs to do the whole thing again last month

This is part of Florida's regular process when you transition between benefit types. Your Regular Assistance (RA) benefits have a maximum of 12 weeks in Florida. After that expires, you need to apply for extended benefits if you're still unemployed. The confusing part is that they make you go through a whole new application rather than a simple extension form. Make sure you answer everything truthfully but consistent with your previous application. They'll review your work search activities more carefully on this new application, so be prepared to show you've been doing the required 5 work searches per week. If you miss the Saturday deadline, there might be a gap in your payments, but you can still apply after - you just might miss a week of benefits.

Try using Claimyr to get through to a DEO agent on the phone if you're still having trouble finding the application link. I was in the same boat last month and couldn't figure out where to apply. I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to a DEO agent in about 20 minutes who walked me through exactly what to click. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj that shows how it works. Saved me days of frustration trying to figure it out on my own or waiting for email responses from DEO.

The DEO is DELIBERATELY making this confusing so fewer people reapply!!!!! They're trying to drop the unemployment numbers by making the system so complicated people give up. I had to reapply THREE TIMES because their system kept "losing" my application. Make sure you take screenshots of EVERYTHING and write down the confirmation number when you submit!!!! Don't trust their system AT ALL.

Just to clarify something important: What you're seeing is the normal transition process as your regular state benefits expire. Florida RA benefits last for 12 weeks maximum (the shortest in the country). The new application you need to complete is to determine if you qualify for Extended Benefits. A few tips to make this go smoothly: 1. Use the 'Apply for Reemployment Assistance Benefits' link in the left menu of CONNECT 2. Have your employment history for the last 18 months ready 3. Be prepared to explain your ongoing work search efforts (5 per week) 4. If you're asked about the reason for separation, use the exact same reason as your original claim 5. When asked about your availability, make sure to indicate you're available for full-time work This new application will likely go into a brief adjudication period, but if you've been consistently claiming and doing your work searches, it should be approved relatively quickly.

can u not just call them?? some1 at the office should help u

i had the same problem last month. ended up having to use my wife's laptop because the application button wouldnt show up on my phone or tablet. try a different device maybe?

Just wanted to check in - were you able to find the application and start the process? The deadline is coming up soon.

Glad to hear you got your application submitted before the deadline! The "Pending" status is definitely a good sign - it means they received your application and it's in the review queue. From my experience, the transition from regular benefits to extended benefits usually takes about 1-2 weeks for processing if everything looks good on your application. Since you've been consistently claiming and doing your work searches, you should be in good shape. Keep claiming your weeks as usual while it's pending - the system will backpay you for any approved weeks once the new claim is processed. Just make sure to keep doing those 5 work searches per week and document them, since they tend to audit more closely during the extended benefits phase.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 weeks ago when my RA benefits expired. The whole "Expired" status thing is really scary when you first see it, but it's totally normal when you hit that 12-week limit. Just wanted to add that once your new application gets approved and you're on extended benefits, make sure to keep all your work search documentation organized because they do random audits more frequently during this phase. I got audited about 3 weeks into my extended benefits and had to provide detailed records of all my job applications. Also, don't panic if your first extended benefits payment is a few days later than usual - mine came on a Wednesday instead of the normal Tuesday, but all the back payments came through correctly. The restaurant industry has been tough lately, so hang in there!

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now too! My RA benefits just expired last week and I was completely lost trying to figure out where to apply for the extended benefits. Reading through everyone's responses here has been incredibly helpful - especially the tip about using a laptop instead of mobile to see all the menu options properly. I'm curious though, for those who have gone through the extended benefits process, is there anything different about the weekly claiming process once you're approved? Do you still just claim weeks the same way, or are there additional requirements during the extended benefits phase that I should be prepared for?