DEO claim exhausted - what happens after my balance hits $0? Next steps?

ur done bro. once the money is gone its gone. florida only gives u like 12 weeks max anyway

The previous comment is only partially correct. Florida currently provides up to 12 weeks of Regular Unemployment Assistance (RA) when the state unemployment rate is below 5%. It can increase to a maximum of 19 weeks when unemployment rates are higher. When you exhaust your balance, that's it for this benefit year. You cannot file a new claim until your current benefit year ends (the date should be listed in your CONNECT account). There are NO automatic extensions in Florida currently - those were only available during COVID. You should receive a notice in your CONNECT inbox about your benefits being exhausted. Keep checking your account weekly even after funds are gone, as sometimes determinations or adjustments can still happen.

I went through this last year. Here's what you need to know: 1. Keep claiming weeks even when your balance is $0 (if your benefit year is still active) 2. This creates a record that you're still unemployed and looking for work 3. Visit your local CareerSource office ASAP - they can help with job placement and sometimes have info on additional resources 4. Apply for SNAP benefits if you haven't already Also, check if you might qualify for any partial benefits if you get part-time work. Sometimes even a small amount of work can trigger partial benefits that extend how long you can receive assistance.

I HATE THAT THEY DON'T EXPLAIN ANY OF THIS CLEARLY!!! When I exhausted my benefits last year I spent HOURS trying to get someone on the phone to explain what happens next. Could never get through those awful phone lines. Every day calling and getting hung up on automatically. RIDICULOUS SYSTEM!!!

You should also check to see if you're eligible for Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation if you had both W-2 and self-employment income before filing for unemployment. Most people don't know about this option and it might give you additional benefits depending on your situation. And definitely follow the advice to keep claiming weeks! I had a friend who got back pay months later because she kept claiming even at $0 balance.

my cousin said u can just file a new claim with a different email and phone # and they wont know its u... worked for him last year just sayin

Thanks everyone for the replies! I'm going to keep claiming weeks even with $0 balance (makes sense to keep the record going), and I'll check out CareerSource tomorrow. I've applied for SNAP already so hopefully that helps bridge the gap. I definitely won't be doing anything sketchy that could get me in trouble - not worth the risk! I might try that Claimyr service to get through to DEO just to confirm everything about my account status. Really appreciate all the advice!

Hey Avery! I'm in almost the exact same situation - my balance will hit $0 next week but my benefit year doesn't end until May. This thread has been super helpful! Just wanted to add that you should also screenshot or print your CONNECT account showing your benefit year end date and weekly benefit amount before your balance hits zero. I learned this the hard way when I had issues with my account last year and needed to prove what my original claim details were. The system sometimes glitches when benefits are exhausted and having that documentation saved me a lot of headaches. Good luck with the job search - we got this!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation about 6 months ago. The advice here is mostly solid, but I'll add a few things that helped me: 1. When you visit CareerSource, ask specifically about their "Rapid Response" services - they sometimes have workshops for people whose benefits are about to end 2. Check if your county has any local emergency assistance programs - some offer one-time help with utilities/rent while you're between benefits 3. Document EVERYTHING in your job search - dates, companies, positions applied for. If you do get called back to work or need to file a new claim later, having detailed records helps 4. Consider temp agencies if you haven't already - even short-term work can help bridge the gap The hardest part is the uncertainty, but you're being proactive by asking these questions. That's already putting you ahead of a lot of people in similar situations. Hang in there!

I'm in a very similar situation - my balance is about to hit zero but I still have time left on my benefit year. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea about keeping up with the weekly claims even at $0 balance, that makes total sense to maintain the record. One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I found out that some community colleges in Florida offer free "back to work" workshops that include resume help, interview skills, and sometimes even connections with local employers who are actively hiring. Might be worth checking out while we're all in this gap period. Also, don't forget to update your professional references - I realized some of mine were outdated when I started applying more seriously. The job market feels really tough right now, but it's reassuring to know we're not alone in dealing with this confusing system. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and advice!

I just went through this exact situation a few months ago and wanted to share what worked for me. After my balance hit $0, I kept claiming weeks like everyone suggested - it really does matter for keeping your record active. But here's something that helped me a lot that I haven't seen mentioned: check with local workforce development boards in your area, not just CareerSource. Many counties have additional programs that aren't widely advertised. Also, if you have any gig work opportunities (DoorDash, Uber, freelance work), you can often do small amounts while still claiming weeks and potentially qualifying for partial benefits when you eventually get a new claim going. Just make sure to report any income accurately. The gap between benefits ending and finding work is really stressful, but there are more resources out there than most people realize. Don't give up on calling DEO either - try calling right when they open at 8 AM on weekdays, I finally got through that way after weeks of trying. Hang in there!

I went through this same situation about 8 months ago and want to share some additional resources that really helped me during the gap period. First, check with your local United Way chapter - they often have emergency assistance programs that aren't well-known but can help with rent, utilities, or groceries while you're between benefits. Also, many food banks in Florida don't require proof of income and can really help stretch your budget. One thing I wish I'd known earlier: some libraries offer free career counseling services and computer/internet access for job searching if you need it. The librarians are usually pretty knowledgeable about local resources too. For the weekly claims at $0 balance - definitely keep doing them! I actually got a small back payment months later due to an adjustment they made to my original claim calculation. It wasn't much but every bit helped during that tough period. Also, don't forget to apply for Medicaid if you haven't already - losing income often makes you eligible and having healthcare coverage is one less thing to worry about while job hunting. You can apply online through ACCESS Florida.

This thread has been incredibly informative! I'm actually in the same boat - my benefits are about to run out but my benefit year continues until July. Reading everyone's experiences has been both reassuring and educational. A few things I wanted to add that have helped me prepare for this transition: 1. I started applying for jobs more aggressively about 2 weeks before my balance hit zero - don't wait until after the money runs out to ramp up your search 2. I created a simple spreadsheet to track my job applications with dates, company names, positions, and follow-up dates - this will be crucial if DEO ever asks for proof of job search activities 3. I contacted my local 211 service (as mentioned by others) and they connected me to several resources I didn't know existed, including a local nonprofit that helps with interview clothing and transportation vouchers for job interviews The most important thing I've learned from this thread is to keep claiming those weeks even at $0 balance - I had no idea that was important! Also going to screenshot my CONNECT account details before the balance hits zero, that's brilliant advice. It's scary facing this gap, but knowing there are others going through the same thing and sharing practical solutions makes it feel much more manageable. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and resources!

I'm in almost the exact same situation and this thread has been a lifesaver! My balance hits $0 next week but my benefit year doesn't end until August. I had no idea about so many of these resources - especially keeping up with weekly claims at $0 balance and the importance of documenting everything before the balance runs out. One thing I wanted to add that helped me: I called my local electric and water companies to explain my situation and ask about payment assistance programs. Both had programs I didn't know existed - one gave me a 3-month payment deferral and the other connected me to a nonprofit that helps with utility bills. It's worth making those calls before you get behind on payments. Also, for anyone worried about the job search documentation, I started using a free app called "Job Search Tracker" that automatically logs applications and sends reminders for follow-ups. Makes it much easier than trying to maintain a spreadsheet when you're stressed about everything else. The anxiety about this gap period is real, but reading everyone's practical advice and knowing we're all helping each other through this makes it feel less impossible. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences - especially those who took time to explain the system clearly since DEO sure doesn't!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - my balance will hit zero after this week's payment but my benefit year doesn't end until September. This thread has been incredibly helpful and honestly a huge relief to see I'm not alone in this confusing situation! I wanted to add one resource that's helped me: if you're a veteran, check with your local Veterans Service Office. They often have emergency assistance programs and job placement services that are separate from the regular CareerSource resources. Even if you're not a veteran, they sometimes know about other local programs. Also, I've found that reaching out to former coworkers and letting them know I'm actively job searching has led to a few interview opportunities. People are usually willing to help if they know you're looking, but you have to actually tell them your situation. The advice about screenshotting your CONNECT account details before hitting $0 is brilliant - definitely doing that this week! And I'm going to start that job search spreadsheet immediately. It's scary facing this gap period, but having an actual action plan makes it feel much more manageable. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and practical advice!

I'm in the exact same situation as you - my balance hits $0 after next week's claim but my benefit year runs until late summer. This whole thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I had no clue about continuing to claim weeks at $0 balance or about so many of these local resources. One thing I wanted to share that's helped me: I reached out to my former HR department and asked if they had any information about COBRA subsidies or other transitional benefits I might have missed. Turns out there was a small retirement account I could cash out penalty-free due to unemployment hardship that I completely forgot about. It's not much but every bit helps during this gap. Also, I've been using the public computers at my library for job applications since my internet got cut off last month - the librarians there are amazing and actually helped me reformat my resume. Had no idea libraries offered those kinds of services! The anxiety about running out of money while still being in your benefit year is so real. But seeing everyone share practical solutions and support each other through this makes me feel like there's actually hope. Thanks for posting this question and to everyone who's shared their experiences - you're all helping more people than you realize!

I'm in almost the exact same boat as you Avery - my balance will be $0 after this week's payment but my benefit year doesn't end until October. This whole conversation has been incredibly informative and honestly such a relief to find so many people dealing with the same confusing situation! A few things I wanted to add that have helped me prepare: 1. I called my bank and credit card companies to explain my situation and ask about hardship programs - most had options for payment deferrals or reduced minimums that I didn't know existed 2. I signed up for every legitimate job alert service I could find (Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, etc.) and set them to email me daily - helps ensure I'm not missing opportunities 3. I started volunteering at a local nonprofit one day a week - it keeps me busy, helps with networking, and looks good on applications to show I'm staying active The advice about screenshotting everything from CONNECT before hitting $0 is brilliant - doing that today! And I'm definitely going to start keeping those weekly claims going even at zero balance. It's scary not knowing what comes next, but seeing everyone share practical resources and support each other through this makes it feel so much more manageable. Thanks for asking this question - you've helped way more people than just yourself!