DEO benefits exhausted - can I reapply right away or is there a waiting period?

You can reapply, but be aware there's a few important things to know first. When your regular RA benefits exhaust, you need to file a new application which starts a new benefit year. However, Florida requires that you've earned new qualifying wages since your original claim was filed. This means you must have worked and earned wages at some point after you initially applied for benefits last year. If you haven't worked at all during your benefit year, you likely won't qualify for a new claim. The system will evaluate your work history during your base period (which will be different than your original claim) to determine eligibility. If you have worked even part-time during your benefit year, definitely apply and report those earnings accurately.

I just went through this exact situation back in January! When your benefits are exhausted, you need to start a completely new application. There's no waiting period, you can do it immediately when you see that button. However, here's what I learned the hard way: For your new claim to be valid, you need to have enough earnings in your new base period (which will be different quarters than your original claim). The minimum earnings requirement is around $3,800 in your base period, with at least two quarters of earnings. If you haven't worked much or at all during the past year while collecting benefits, you might not qualify for a new claim. Still worth applying though, because the worst they can say is no.

DONT REAPPLY YET!!! u might have extended benefits available first. call DEO to check before u create a whole new claim. sometimes there r programs available after regular benefits end. if u start over u could lose those!!

I know how confusing all this is. When I was trying to deal with this same situation in February, I spent THREE DAYS trying to reach someone at DEO to explain my options. Constant busy signals and disconnections. Finally, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it's a service that connects you directly to DEO agents instead of dealing with the frustrating phone system. They actually called me back with a DEO agent on the line within about 40 minutes. The agent was able to check my specific situation and tell me exactly what I needed to do with my exhausted claim. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj Speaking directly with DEO is really the only way to get definitive answers about your specific situation since everyone's work history and claim details are different.

just go ahead and hit the reapply button whats the worst that can happen? theyll deny u if u dont qualify lol. the connect system is weird tho so make sure u have all ur work history from past 18 months ready

When my benefits ran out last year, I went through this same thing. To qualify for a new benefit year, you need to have earned at least $3,400 in your base period and have earnings in at least 2 different quarters. The base period is the first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before you apply. So if you're reapplying now in 2025, they'd look at your earnings from January 2024 through December 2024 (if you're filing in the first quarter). If you haven't worked much during your benefit year, you might not qualify for a new claim. I think they make it confusing on purpose...

Sooo update: I tried calling DEO directly and couldn't get through (surprise), but I did use that Claimyr service someone mentioned and actually got to talk to a real agent! She confirmed I don't have enough work history in my base period to qualify for a new claim right now. She said I'd need to work more and earn at least $3,800 before applying again. Feels like I'm stuck in this weird catch-22 where I need a job to get benefits but need benefits while looking for a stable job. Anyway, thanks everyone for your help!