DEO benefits ending but workplace still closed - any extension options?

In Florida once ur regular weeks run out (i think its 12 weeks now) thats IT. There is no more extension program since the pandemic programs ended years ago. The federal supplement ending July 31 is just extra $$ on top of regular benefits, not extra weeks. My sister just went thru this and had to find a new job even tho her restaurant said theyd rehire her 'soon' (they never did BTW).

Florida currently provides a maximum of 12 weeks of Regular Unemployment Assistance (RA) benefits. This is tied to the state unemployment rate - if the rate goes up, the maximum weeks can increase to up to 23 weeks, but we're not there right now. When your regular benefits exhaust, you unfortunately don't have automatic extensions like during COVID. However, you should look into these options: 1. Check if you qualify for PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) if your workplace closure is directly COVID-related 2. Apply for SNAP/food stamps (different system but helps with expenses) 3. Contact CareerSource Florida for re-employment assistance 4. Ask your employer for a formal layoff if they truly can't reopen soon, which might help with certain benefits The key is to start preparing now before your benefits run out. The DEO website is notoriously unclear about these transition situations.

My wife went through something similar last year when her benefits ran out and her spa was still closed for renovations. She called DEO like 50 times and never got through. Such a broken system!!!! Eventually she just had to find a different job even though she didn't want to leave her old employer. Florida unemployment system is DESIGNED to be difficult and provide minimal help.

I work with employment issues and want to clarify some misinformation here: 1. Florida currently provides 12 weeks of regular benefits (this is correct) 2. PUA is NO LONGER AVAILABLE - this was a pandemic program that ended 3. The federal supplement ending July 31st is only additional money on top of your regular benefits, not additional weeks Your options after exhausting benefits: - Apply for SNAP and other assistance programs through ACCESS Florida - Request a formal layoff letter from your employer (this can help with certain benefits and future unemployment claims) - Check with CareerSource for free job training programs - If you have a documented disability affecting employment, consider applying for other assistance programs Unfortunately, Florida does not have any benefit extension programs currently active. The state unemployment system is very limited compared to many other states.

I was in this situation in January!!!!! When I ran out of weeks, I just kept claiming anyway (even though I got $0) because someone told me if the government passes new benefits they backdate them. But nothing came through. SNAP benefits helped a little but I ended up having to move in with my parents at 42 years old which is HUMILIATING. Florida unemployment is a joke compared to other states.

Anyone tried calling the DEO directly to ask about this? I've been trying to talk to someone about my benefits ending soon too but keep getting disconnected or stuck on hold forever. It's impossible to get an actual person on the phone!

To answer your follow-up question about filing a new claim: You generally can't qualify for a new claim until your benefit year ends (12 months from when you first applied). And even then, you need to have earned new qualifying wages after your initial claim. Since you mentioned you haven't returned to work, you likely wouldn't have new qualifying wages to establish a new claim. This is another reason why requesting a formal layoff from your employer could be beneficial - it would clarify your employment status and potentially help with future benefits eligibility. This is one of the most frustrating gaps in our unemployment system - people whose industries remain affected but have exhausted benefits fall through the cracks without additional legislation.

anyone know if they look at what jobs your applying for on work searches? wondering if OP could just do the required work searches but only apply for jobs in their field knowing they probably wont get hired, but it keeps the benefits going? just a thought...

Has anyone had luck with getting partial unemployment? Like if you find a part-time job that pays less than your full benefit amount? Might be an option to at least get some income while looking for full-time work?

my cousin works at DEO (not saying this to brag lol) and she said they're not expecting ANY new extension programs this year. says theres actually talk of REDUCING the max weeks from 12 to 10 in florida. this state really hates helping people who are struggling.