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!

That catch-22 situation is so frustrating and unfortunately very common. Since you need to work to qualify for benefits but need income while job searching, here are a few suggestions that might help bridge this gap: 1. Look into gig work or temp agencies - even short-term work can help you build up those quarterly earnings toward the $3,800 minimum 2. Check if you qualify for SNAP (food stamps) or other assistance programs through DCF while you're between unemployment benefits 3. Some local churches and community organizations offer emergency assistance for utilities, rent, etc. 4. Consider reaching out to 211 (dial 2-1-1) for information about local resources and assistance programs The good news is that once you do get back to work and earn enough in your base period, you'll be able to file a new claim if you become unemployed again. It's definitely a frustrating system, but at least now you know exactly where you stand instead of being in limbo. Good luck with your job search!

Just want to add that if you do decide to take on gig work or temp jobs to build up those quarterly earnings, make sure you keep detailed records of all your income. When you eventually reapply for unemployment, you'll need to report ALL earnings during your base period accurately - including cash payments, 1099 work, etc. Also, don't forget that if you do qualify for a new claim later, your weekly benefit amount might be different than your previous claim since it's calculated based on your earnings during the new base period. If you only work part-time or lower-wage jobs to meet the minimum requirements, your weekly benefit could be significantly less than what you were receiving before. The system definitely wasn't designed with long-term unemployed people in mind, but at least you have a clear path forward now. Wishing you the best with finding work!

I've been through this exact situation twice now, and I want to emphasize something that might not be obvious - even if you don't qualify for a new claim right away, it's still worth keeping your CONNECT account active and checking it periodically. Sometimes there are temporary programs or changes to eligibility requirements that get announced through the system. Also, when you do start working again to build up those qualifying earnings, try to spread the work across at least two different quarters if possible. I made the mistake of cramming all my work into one quarter thinking it would be easier, but then I didn't meet the "two quarters with earnings" requirement. One more tip: if you end up doing any freelance or contract work (like Uber, DoorDash, etc.), make sure you're setting aside money for taxes since they won't withhold anything. The last thing you want is a tax bill when you're already struggling financially. Been there, done that, learned the hard way! Hang in there - the system is definitely not user-friendly, but you've got a clear roadmap now thanks to talking to that DEO agent.

Just wanted to jump in here since I went through something similar last year. Based on what you've shared, it sounds like you're in that tough spot where you've been on benefits most of the year without much work history to qualify for a new claim. One thing that really helped me was understanding that Florida's unemployment system essentially "resets" when you file a new claim - they look at a completely different time period (your new base period) to determine if you qualify. Since you mentioned only working 6 weeks part-time for about $2,800, that's probably not going to meet the minimum requirements, which is why talking to DEO directly was smart. I know it feels like a catch-22, but temp work can actually be a good bridge. I used Indeed's "Apply Now" feature for same-day warehouse jobs and retail positions. Even if it's just a few weeks here and there, it starts building those quarterly earnings. Also, don't overlook seasonal opportunities - retail is always hiring for inventory work, and spring/summer brings landscaping and event staffing jobs. The silver lining is that now you have clarity on exactly what you need to do instead of being stuck wondering. It sucks, but at least you're not flying blind anymore. Keep your head up!

I just want to say how helpful this entire thread has been! I'm in a very similar situation - my benefits exhausted a few weeks ago and I've been panicking about what to do next. Reading through everyone's experiences and advice has been incredibly valuable. The information about needing $3,800 in earnings across at least two quarters in your base period is something I had no clue about. I wish DEO made this clearer on their website instead of just having that "reapply" button with no context about eligibility requirements. For anyone else reading this who might be in the same boat - definitely try that Claimyr service to actually talk to a DEO agent. I spent literally hours trying to get through their phone system with no luck, but after seeing the recommendations here I'm going to give it a shot. It's frustrating how the system works, but at least now I understand WHY I can't just immediately reapply and what I need to do to become eligible again. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really makes a difference to hear from people who've actually navigated this process successfully!

This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm facing a similar situation where my benefits are about to exhaust, and I had no idea about the base period earnings requirements. The $3,800 minimum across two quarters is crucial information that definitely should be more prominently displayed on the CONNECT website. One thing I wanted to add for anyone reading this - if you're in this situation and looking for quick work to start building those qualifying earnings, don't overlook staffing agencies that specialize in light industrial or warehouse work. Many of them offer weekly pay and can place you immediately if you pass a basic background check. Places like Randstad, Adecco, and local agencies often have same-day assignments available. Also, for those mentioning gig work - just remember that with apps like Uber, DoorDash, etc., you're considered an independent contractor, so you'll need to track your earnings carefully and report them properly when you eventually reapply. Keep all your 1099s and maintain good records. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - it really helps to learn from people who've actually been through this process rather than trying to decode the confusing official information alone!

I'm just joining this community and reading through this thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no idea unemployment worked this way with the base period requirements and minimum earnings thresholds. Like many others here, I always assumed you could just reapply immediately when benefits run out. The detail about needing $3,800 across at least two quarters in your base period is information that really should be front and center on the DEO website. That "reapply" button is so misleading without proper context about eligibility requirements. I'm bookmarking this thread because even though I'm not in this situation right now, it's clear that understanding these rules ahead of time could save a lot of stress and confusion later. The practical advice about temp agencies, record keeping, and services like Claimyr is invaluable. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it's obvious this community really looks out for each other with real, actionable advice rather than just vague responses. This is exactly the kind of information people need when navigating Florida's unemployment system!

This entire thread has been so educational! I'm currently about 8 months into my unemployment claim and had no idea about any of these reapplication requirements. The fact that you need $3,800 in earnings across two quarters in your base period is something I definitely would have panicked about if my benefits exhausted without knowing this ahead of time. I've been doing some occasional freelance graphic design work (maybe $1,200 total so far) but now I'm realizing I should probably be more strategic about spreading that work across different quarters and potentially picking up some additional part-time work to make sure I have options if I need to reapply later. The Claimyr service recommendation keeps coming up - I'm definitely going to bookmark that in case I need to actually speak with a DEO agent at some point. The regular phone system sounds like a nightmare based on everyone's experiences. Thanks to Justin for starting this thread and to everyone who shared such detailed, practical advice. This is the kind of real-world information that you just can't find on official websites. It's clear this community really helps people navigate these confusing systems!