DEO benefit year ends with $0 balance - do I keep filing weekly claims?

Once your balance reaches $0, you won't receive any more payments even if your benefit year hasn't ended. Florida doesn't automatically replenish your balance - what you're given at the start is all you get for that benefit year. You can continue filing weekly claims (to stay in the system and maintain your work search record), but you won't receive any money until you qualify for a new benefit year with new wages.

same thing happened to me!! keep filing those weeks even with $0 balance. you never know when they might add more $$ or if u qualify for something else. Better safe than sorry!

JUST SO YOU KNOW!!!! Florida has THE WORST unemployment in the entire country!!! Only like 12 weeks max and they make it IMPOSSIBLE to reach anyone when you have problems! I exhausted my benefits last year and had to fight for WEEKS to get someone to even explain my options. The DEO is a JOKE and they don't care AT ALL about people struggling!!!!

Let me clarify some important points about Florida's unemployment system (officially called Reemployment Assistance): 1. Florida provides a maximum of 12 weeks of benefits when the state unemployment rate is below 5%. This can increase to up to 23 weeks when unemployment is higher, but currently we're at the 12-week minimum. 2. Your benefit year (June 2025) is simply the eligibility period, but your maximum benefit amount ($275/week until exhausted) is the controlling factor. 3. After exhausting benefits, you should still file your weeks if you remain unemployed. While you won't receive payments, this maintains your claim status and provides documentation of your continued unemployment. 4. To qualify for a new claim, you would need to earn sufficient wages in the base period after your original claim was filed. 5. Focus on your work search requirements (5 per week in Florida) as this documentation is critical if you do become eligible for a new claim later.

Have you tried calling the DEO to ask directly? My experience is you can never trust what people say online about unemployment stuff because the rules change and everyone's situation is different. I was in a similar spot last month.

dude when i moved from new jersey the same thing happened. florida only gives u like 3 months of benefits max its crazy! my cousin said other states give way more. what kinda work r u lookin for?

There are some important distinctions to understand about Florida's unemployment system. Your benefit year (June 2025) is simply the period during which you can collect benefits, but your maximum benefit amount is fixed and doesn't replenish. Florida calculates your total benefit amount when you first qualify by multiplying your weekly benefit amount ($275 in your case) by the number of weeks you're eligible for (typically 12 weeks unless the state unemployment rate is high). Once that money is gone, there are no extensions currently available. During COVID there were federal extensions (PEUC, PUA, etc.) but those have all ended. I recommend: 1. Continue filing weekly claims to maintain your claim status 2. Ensure you meet work search requirements (5 activities per week) 3. Look into other assistance programs through DCF (food assistance, etc.) 4. Contact CareerSource Florida for help with job placement services If you find temporary work and then lose it again before June 2025, you may be able to reopen your claim, but you won't get additional funds beyond your original maximum benefit amount.

Thank you everyone for the responses. I'm going to try using that Claimyr service to talk to DEO directly about my options, but it sounds like I need to prepare for my benefits ending. I'll keep filing my weeks and focusing on my job search. Really appreciate all the information and support!

I went through something similar when I moved here from Ohio last year. Florida's system is definitely different - much more restrictive than most states. One thing that helped me was registering with CareerSource Florida (it's free) since they have connections with local employers and sometimes know about job openings before they're posted publicly. They also offer resume help and interview prep if you need it. Also, if you have any skills that could translate to gig work or freelance stuff, now might be a good time to explore those options as a bridge while you're job hunting. The hospitality industry here does pick up seasonally, so keep that in mind for your search timing. Hang in there!

Just wanted to add that when your balance hits $0, make sure to keep all your documentation organized - pay stubs from any temporary work, job search logs, interview confirmations, etc. Even though you won't be getting payments, DEO can still audit your claim retroactively. I learned this the hard way when they asked for documentation months later. Also, don't forget that unemployment income is taxable, so if you haven't been having taxes withheld from your weekly benefits, you might want to set aside some money for tax season. Good luck with those interviews - the hospitality industry in Florida does have more opportunities during peak season!