DEO benefit extension confusion - PEUC program ending when?
Hi everyone, I'm totally confused about my unemployment benefits extension. I've been receiving payments under what I think is the PEUC program since I exhausted my regular benefits, but I'm hearing different things about when this ends. Someone told me it runs until September 2025, but my neighbor said Florida already ended all extended benefits. I can't get through to DEO on the phone (shocking, I know). Can anyone clarify what's actually happening with extensions in Florida right now? My CONNECT account just shows 'active' but doesn't give me any end date. Thanks!
14 comments
Isabel Vega
PEUC ended years ago - it was a pandemic program. Florida now only offers regular Reemployment Assistance (RA) which lasts for a maximum of 12 weeks depending on the state unemployment rate. There are no federal extensions currently available. If your CONNECT account shows 'active,' you're likely on regular RA, not PEUC. You can check your 'Monetary Determination' in CONNECT to see exactly what program you're on and how many weeks you're eligible for. Hope this helps!
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Laila Prince
•Oh wow, now I'm really confused. My claim has been going for almost 10 weeks, and I definitely got a letter saying something about an 'extension' when my regular benefits ran out after 7 weeks. Is there something else besides PEUC that would extend benefits? Maybe I'm using the wrong terminology.
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Dominique Adams
the PEUC ended a long time ago after covid. what u probably have is regular unemployment that got automatically refiled cause in FL the weeks change based on unemployment rates. my brother got 9 weeks then suddenly got 3 more weeks later when they adjusted the rates
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Laila Prince
•That makes more sense! I didn't realize they could add weeks based on unemployment rates. I'll check my determination letter again to see exactly what it says. Thanks!
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Marilyn Dixon
This is why DEO drives me CRAZY!!! They never explain ANYTHING clearly! I went through the same confusion last month - thought I was on an extension but it was actually just my regular claim continuing because they changed how they calculate available weeks. The system is DELIBERATELY confusing so people miss deadlines and lose benefits! And good luck trying to call them for a clear explanation - I tried for THREE WEEKS and could never get through! Just kept getting the 'high call volume' message and disconnects.
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Louisa Ramirez
•I was in the same situation trying to figure out my benefits. Found a service called Claimyr that got me through to an actual DEO agent after weeks of trying on my own. They called me back within a couple hours. Saved me a ton of stress! Check out their demo video at https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj or their website claimyr.com - it was so much easier than spending days getting nowhere.
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TommyKapitz
To clarify for everyone in this thread: Florida currently only offers Reemployment Assistance (RA) benefits. The duration is between 12-23 weeks depending on the state unemployment rate. When the rate goes up, the available weeks can increase. This is likely what happened in your case. PEUC (Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation) ended nationwide in September 2021. It is not coming back. What you're experiencing is the standard RA benefit period adjustment, which happens quarterly based on Florida's unemployment rate. Your CONNECT account should show your maximum available weeks under the "Claim and Payment Status" section. If you're ever confused about which program you're on, look at your monetary determination letter in the "Determination, Pending Issues and Decision" section of CONNECT. It will specifically state which program you're receiving.
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Laila Prince
•Thank you so much for this detailed explanation! I checked my CONNECT account and you're right - it shows I'm on regular RA with a total of 16 weeks available. I must have misunderstood when they sent a notice about additional weeks. Really appreciate everyone's help clearing this up.
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Angel Campbell
my cousin had the same problem last month and we were so confused!!!! the DEO never explains anything clearly. he thought he was getting extended benefits but it was just the regular unemployment with more weeks added.
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Payton Black
Just to add to what others have said - make sure you're still doing your 5 required work searches every week regardless of which program you're on. I've seen so many people lose benefits because they thought extensions had different requirements. The work search requirements are the same whether you're on regular RA or if they've added weeks to your claim due to the unemployment rate changes. The DEO is really strict about this!
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Laila Prince
•Yes, I've been keeping up with my work searches religiously! I log everything in CONNECT and keep my own records too just in case. That's one thing I'm clear on - 5 work searches per week, no matter what. Thanks for the reminder though!
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Louisa Ramirez
Anyone else notice that the CONNECT system showed maintenance notices last weekend but nothing actually changed? I was hoping they'd finally fix that glitch where it doesn't save your work search entries sometimes. Been taking screenshots of everything because I don't trust the system.
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Dominique Adams
•ya I noticed that too!!! such a waste of time when they shut it down and nothing gets better. i always take pics of my work searches too cuz the system lost all mine once
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TommyKapitz
Just to summarize for anyone who finds this thread later: 1. PEUC ended in September 2021 and is not coming back 2. Florida only offers regular Reemployment Assistance now (12-23 weeks) 3. The number of available weeks can change quarterly based on unemployment rates 4. If you see additional weeks added to your claim, it's likely due to this rate adjustment, not an extension program 5. Work search requirements remain at 5 activities per week regardless Hope this helps clear up the confusion!
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