DEO extended benefits in 2025? Regular UI ran out but still unemployed

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but Florida no longer offers any form of extended benefits as of 2025. The Extended Benefits (EB) program only kicks in when Florida's unemployment rate reaches extremely high levels - we're talking 8% or higher. Right now Florida's rate is hovering around 4.2%, so we're nowhere near the threshold. The COVID-era programs like PEUC and PUA that provided extensions are completely gone. Once you exhaust your regular 12 weeks of RA benefits in Florida, that's it from the state until you qualify for a new benefit year (which requires working and earning qualifying wages again). You might want to look into other assistance programs like SNAP/food stamps or temporary cash assistance through DCF while you continue your job search.

DEO is a JOKE!!!!! 12 weeks is the LOWEST in the entire country and they don't care at ALL what happens to us after that!!!! I ran out in February and they just cut me off completely. No warnings, no resources, NOTHING!!!! And good luck trying to talk to a real person about it - I called for THREE DAYS STRAIGHT and either got disconnected or was on hold for hours only to be told there's nothing they can do. The system is BROKEN!!!!

To give you the full accurate information - Florida's regular unemployment (called Reemployment Assistance or RA) provides benefits for 12 weeks when the state unemployment rate is below 5%. For each 0.5% increase in the unemployment rate above 5%, an additional week of benefits is added up to a maximum of 23 weeks. The current state unemployment rate is around 4.2%, so we're at the minimum 12-week benefit period. This is based on Florida Statute 443.111(5). Extended Benefits (EB) is a separate federal program that only activates during periods of extremely high unemployment (typically 8% or higher statewide, though the exact trigger can vary). This program is not currently active in Florida. If you've exhausted your regular benefits, I recommend: 1. Continue your work search activities and document them 2. Visit your local CareerSource center for employment assistance 3. Check eligibility for other assistance programs through DCF 4. If you find employment but later lose it, you may qualify for a new claim after earning sufficient wages

When I exhausted my benefits last month, I was in complete panic mode too. Have you tried reaching out directly to a DEO agent? They can sometimes provide other resources or at least confirm if there's any possibility of extension. I spent days trying to get through on the regular numbers with no luck, but then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real DEO agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours on hold just to get disconnected. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj The agent confirmed I couldn't get more benefits, but at least gave me info about some local programs that might help. Worth a try if you're hitting walls trying to get clear information.

idk about extended stuff but when mine ran out i applied for food stamps right away and got approved in like 10 days. at least helps with groceries while ur still looking. the application is on the dcf website

Going back to your question about the unemployment rate - the 6.5% number you mentioned might be referring to the federal guidelines for certain programs, not Florida's specific rules. Florida's threshold starts at 5% for adding additional weeks. You can check Florida's current unemployment rate on the Department of Economic Opportunity's website under Labor Market Statistics or on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website. They usually update it monthly. Unfortunately, even if we did hit 5% tomorrow, it wouldn't help your current claim. Any increase in available weeks would only apply to new claims filed after the rate change takes effect.

my sister moved to georgia after her benefits ran out here cuz they give more weeks there. something to think about maybe?

I wanted to update everyone - I used the Claimyr service that was suggested and actually got through to a DEO agent! They confirmed everything that's been said here - no extensions available right now with the current unemployment rate. The agent suggested I look into the Short Time Compensation program if I can find an employer willing to hire part-time, as that can sometimes help bridge the gap. Also applying for the other assistance programs mentioned here. Thanks for all the information and help. This forum has honestly been more useful than the official DEO sources!