Can I still get federal benefits after exhausting regular Florida DEO unemployment in 2025?

The current unemployment system is different from the pandemic era. There are no more PUA or PEUC extensions as those were temporary COVID programs. In Florida right now, you're only eligible for Regular Unemployment Assistance (RA) which has a maximum of 12 weeks (it can increase up to 23 weeks if FL unemployment rate rises, but currently it's at the minimum). The "new federal assistance" you're hearing about hasn't been officially implemented yet - it's still working through Congress. If/when it passes, there will be specific eligibility requirements, but typically these programs DO require you to have exhausted regular state benefits first. My advice: Keep claiming your weeks and complete all work search requirements until your benefits run out. Then keep checking the DEO website weekly for announcements about any new programs. Also, reach out to CareerSource Florida for job search assistance.

I was in ur exact situation last month!! DEO is SO frustrating. I spent 2 WHOLE WEEKS trying to call them about the exact same question and kept getting disconnected or waiting on hold for hours just to get nowhwere!!! FINALLY I found out about Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it actually got me connected to a real DEO agent in less than 30 minutes! They have this demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj The agent told me that once u exhaust regular benefits, u have to wait until the new program is officially announced and then there will be a special application process through CONNECT. Don't just assume it'll happen automatically. Set a calendar reminder to check every few days!

this info is WRONG! i work at a staffing agency and we have clients who GET extended benefits all the time. florida has a program called Extended Benefits (EB) that kicks in when unemployment is high enough. its AUTOMATIC and u dont have to apply again. just keep claiming ur weeks and the system wIll tell u if ur eligible!!!!!

I exhausted my benefits back in January. My advice: don't wait for more unemployment - it may not come. The warehouse jobs may be slow but I found a decent gig doing inventory management at a smaller company. The pay isn't great but it got me off unemployment. Have you tried the logistics companies around Port Tampa? They were hiring when I checked last week.

Wait so when u say ur about to exhaust benefits, have u been on unemployment for all 12 weeks already? Or is ur balance just running low? Cuz those r different things. If u havent used all ur weeks but ur monetary balance is low, that could just be a calculation error. happened to me and i had to do a monetary reconsideration.

The Florida DEO system is deliberately designed to be confusing so people give up claiming benefits they're entitled to. After your regular benefits exhaust, your CONNECT account stays active for a year from your initial claim date. If any new federal programs come online during that period, you'll likely receive a notification in your CONNECT inbox about applying, but DON'T COUNT ON IT. Here's what I learned after going through this last year: 1. Screenshot EVERYTHING in your CONNECT account before benefits end 2. Continue logging into CONNECT weekly even after benefits exhaust (to check for notices) 3. Make sure your contact info is up-to-date including email and phone 4. Don't stop doing work searches - document everything in case retroactive benefits become available The system is designed to fail you. Being proactive is your only defense.

Have you considered applying for other assistance programs while you wait? When my benefits ran out last year, I applied for SNAP benefits (food stamps) which helped bridge the gap. Also, check with your county's Community Action Agency - they sometimes have emergency assistance funds for rent/utilities. Don't just rely on unemployment!

To give everyone the most up-to-date information: I just checked the latest DEO communications, and they're indicating that IF the new federal assistance program passes, claimants who exhausted benefits within the last 6 months would likely need to submit a special application through CONNECT. They'll also need to provide documentation proving continued job search activities during the gap period. For those who have active CONNECT accounts (even with exhausted benefits), the announcement would appear in your CONNECT inbox with application instructions. For those whose benefit year has ended, they would need to reopen their claim. Remember though - this program is still just proposed legislation. It's important to pursue all other available resources in the meantime.