DEO claim balance almost $0 - Can I get extension after regular benefits end?

Unfortunately, there are no more extensions available through Florida DEO after your regular unemployment benefits run out. The PEUC program was a temporary federal program during COVID that ended long ago. Once your balance hits $0, that's it until you qualify for a new benefit year (which requires you to earn enough wages in a new base period). Florida only offers 12 weeks of regular unemployment benefits (can increase to 19 weeks max if state unemployment rate is high enough). When those run out, there's nothing else through the state system unless Congress passes new emergency legislation.

same thing happend to me last month when my balance got to zero. nothing after that. DEO told me i needed to find work or somethin. system is rigged man

You might want to look into what's called the Extended Benefits (EB) program. It sometimes kicks in when unemployment in Florida hits a certain threshold, but it's not currently active. However, if you're facing hardship, I'd recommend: 1. Connect with your local CareerSource office - they can help with job placement and sometimes have special programs 2. Check if you qualify for other assistance like SNAP benefits 3. Make sure you're meeting all work search requirements (5 per week) while on your remaining benefits 4. Keep claiming weeks even after your balance hits $0 for a couple weeks - just in case any extensions get approved I'd also recommend calling DEO directly to ask about your specific situation, but we all know how impossible that can be. I had luck using a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an agent without waiting hours. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj

The whole DEO system is total GARBAGE!!!! I was in your exact situation in January and got NOTHING after my benefits ran out even though I paid into the system for 15 YEARS!!! Meanwhile these corporations get BILLION DOLLAR BAILOUTS!!! The system is designed to FAIL US!!!

When I exhausted my benefits last year, I found that focusing on the work search requirements actually helped me land a job. Make sure you're documenting all your work searches properly (5 per week) and utilize CareerSource services. They helped me update my resume and connected me with some employers I wouldn't have found otherwise. Not the same as getting benefits extended, but might help solve the underlying issue.

To add to my earlier comment - while Florida doesn't have extensions after regular benefits end, you might want to check out these alternatives: 1. If you worked in another state during your base period, you might qualify for a combined wage claim 2. Some local organizations offer emergency assistance funds 3. If you're over 50, the SCSEP program might be relevant 4. Consider looking into Rapid Response services if your job loss was part of a larger layoff Also, make absolutely sure you're submitting those 5 work search contacts each week. DEO is strict about that requirement.

I'm a career counselor who works with many clients on unemployment. Here's what you need to know: Florida's 12-week benefit period is among the shortest in the nation. The good news is that Florida's sliding scale does increase benefits duration when unemployment rises (up to 19 weeks when unemployment exceeds 10.5%). Right now we're at about 3% unemployment, so you'll only get the base 12 weeks. If you've already received all 12 weeks of benefits, you'll need to wait until you qualify for a new benefit year, which means earning enough qualifying wages in a new base period (typically requiring 3-5 months of new work). I suggest connecting with your local CareerSource office immediately - they have access to training funds that don't affect your unemployment but can help you gain new skills while job searching.

Have you considered career retraining since you mentioned hospitality is still struggling? When my benefits were running out, I used my last few weeks to enroll in a short-term certification program through CareerSource. They have something called the WIOA program that can even pay for certain types of training. I switched from retail to healthcare administration with a 6-week medical office certification, and it made a huge difference in my job prospects.

i heard somewhere that if u work part time they extend ur benefits cuz u don't use them as fast? anyone know if thats true or just a rumor?