CONNECT shows status 'Expired' after RA benefits ended - Where to find the new application link?
Just claimed my weeks today and got blindsided with a notice saying my Regular Assistance benefits are ending this Saturday. The status on my CONNECT homepage already shows 'Expired' which is freaking me out. I was laid off from my restaurant job back in January and have been receiving benefits since then, but now I'm confused about what happens next. The notice mentioned I need to complete a new application by this Saturday, but I've been clicking around everywhere in CONNECT and can't find where to start a new application! No clear buttons or links anywhere. Has anyone dealt with this recently? I really can't afford to have a gap in payments while supporting my family. Anyone know exactly where I need to click in CONNECT to start this new application?
18 comments
Chris Elmeda
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.
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Annabel Kimball
•Thank you!!! I swear I looked everywhere but somehow missed that. Should I answer all the questions the same as my original application since nothing has changed with my employment situation? Also worried about the Saturday deadline - will my payments stop if I don't complete it by then?
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Jean Claude
omg theyre making everyone reapply now its so annoying!! took me like 2 hrs to do the whole thing again last month
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Charity Cohan
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.
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Annabel Kimball
•Thanks for explaining! I've definitely been doing my 5 work searches every week and documenting them. Hope the restaurant industry picks up soon because this whole process is so stressful.
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Josef Tearle
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.
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Shelby Bauman
•does that actually work?? ive been trying to get through to DEO for 3 days!!
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Josef Tearle
•Yes, it worked for me. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days. The agent I spoke with actually stayed on the line while I navigated to the right application page.
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Quinn Herbert
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.
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Salim Nasir
•This is so true. I work in HR and we hear these stories all the time. The system isn't designed to help people - it's designed to create barriers. Good advice about the screenshots.
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Charity Cohan
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.
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Annabel Kimball
•This is super helpful, thank you! I found the link and started the application. It's asking me about my work search activities for the past weeks - good thing I've been keeping detailed records of all my applications. Hoping this goes through without any issues!
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Jean Claude
can u not just call them?? some1 at the office should help u
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Quinn Herbert
•HAHAHA good luck with that!!! I called 47 TIMES last week and either got a busy signal or was on hold for 2+ hours before being disconnected. The DEO phone system is a JOKE.
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Shelby Bauman
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?
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Annabel Kimball
•Good suggestion! I was on my phone when I first checked. Just tried on my laptop and the menu options are different - I can see the application link now! Starting it right away. Thanks!
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Chris Elmeda
Just wanted to check in - were you able to find the application and start the process? The deadline is coming up soon.
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Annabel Kimball
•Yes! I found it and submitted the new application yesterday. Got a confirmation number and everything. Now it says my claim is 'Pending' instead of 'Expired' so I guess that's progress? I'm still nervous about whether there will be a gap in payments, but at least I got the application in before the deadline. Thanks everyone for your help!
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