DEO extensions after exhausting regular benefits - any options left in 2025?

Unfortunately, Florida doesn't offer automatic extensions anymore. The 12 weeks is the base amount, and it can go up to 19 weeks ONLY if the state unemployment rate rises above 5%. Right now we're below that threshold, so 12 weeks is the maximum. After exhausting regular benefits, check if you qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP benefits or reach out to CareerSource Florida for job placement help. They sometimes have special programs for people who've exhausted unemployment.

Thanks for the info, that's really disappointing. The CareerSource idea is good, I'll try that. Do you know if I'm eligible to apply again after some specific time period has passed? Or am I just completely done with unemployment until I find another job, lose it, and requalify?

DEO IS HORRIBLE!!! I went thru the same thing last month and there are NO EXTENTIONS whatsoever!!! This system is designed to FAIL US!! 12 weeks is a JOKE when other states give 26 weeks!!! I've been sending emails every day to my state rep about this but they dont care!!!

I feel your pain. Going through the same thing now. Florida's system is the worst in the country. 12 weeks flies by so fast.

The previous response is correct. Florida currently offers 12 weeks of Regular Assistance (RA) benefits because our state unemployment rate is below 5%. This is calculated each year on January 1st.\n\nTo answer your follow-up question: You need to earn new qualifying wages in order to be eligible for a new benefit year. You can't reapply until you've worked and earned enough wages in a new base period. Typically, this means working at least 3-6 months at a new job.\n\nI recommend:\n1. Visit your local CareerSource office immediately - they can connect you with training opportunities and job leads\n2. Apply for SNAP benefits at myflorida.com/accessflorida\n3. Check with your county for local emergency assistance programs\n\nIf you need to speak with DEO directly about your specific situation, I recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). I was trying for days to get through on the regular DEO line with no luck, but their service connected me to a DEO agent in about 20 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj

Thank you so much for this detailed answer! This really clarifies things. I'm definitely going to try CareerSource. Has anyone here had success with their job placement services? And I might check out that Claimyr thing if I need to talk to DEO about my remaining payment.

When I lost my job last year I went to CareerSource in Tampa and they actually helped me get into a free IT certification program. Took about 3 months but I got certified and found a job making more than before. Definitely worth checking out!! They have different programs depending on your background.

my friend said something about mixed earner programs if u had both w2 and 1099 income have u looked into that?

The Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC) program was only available during the pandemic. It ended along with other federal unemployment programs in September 2021. There is no mixed earner program currently available in Florida.

One thing nobody mentioned yet - make sure you've actually exhausted all 12 weeks. Sometimes CONNECT shows you're on your last week but if you look at your

I just double-checked and it definitely says

i exhausted my benefits too and have been waiting 6 weeks for deo to process my new application after i worked temp job for 4 months. they said my claim is in adjudication now. this whole system is broken.

Just want to add one more thing - while there are no extensions available right now, it's important to keep checking. During economic downturns, both the state and federal government sometimes create temporary extension programs. For example, during the 2008 recession and the pandemic, multiple extension programs were created.\n\nIf Florida's unemployment rate goes above 5%, the maximum benefit weeks will automatically increase (this is checked annually). And if there's a new recession, Congress might pass new federal extensions.\n\nWhile neither is likely in the immediate future, it's good to stay informed about any changes by regularly checking the DEO website.

That's a good point, I'll definitely keep an eye on any news about extensions. In the meantime, I've scheduled an appointment with CareerSource for tomorrow. Thanks everyone for the advice and information - really helps to know what my options are!

I went through this exact same situation about 8 months ago and it's absolutely stressful. Just wanted to share a few additional resources that helped me get through: 1. Check if your county has emergency rental assistance programs - many still have COVID relief funds available 2. Food banks don't require any paperwork and can help stretch your budget 3. Look into gig work apps like DoorDash or Uber while job hunting - it's not ideal but helps with immediate cash flow 4. Some utility companies have hardship programs that can defer payments Also, when you go to CareerSource, ask specifically about their "Employ Florida" system - it's their job matching database and employers actively post there. Good luck with your appointment tomorrow!

@Amara Adeyemi - I'm in a very similar situation and just wanted to add another resource that might help. Check out 211 (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) - they can connect you with local assistance programs in your area including emergency financial assistance, food assistance, and utility help. They have a comprehensive database of what's available in each Florida county. Also, while you're job searching, consider reaching out to temp agencies in your area. Even short-term assignments can help with immediate income and sometimes lead to permanent positions. Some temp agencies specialize in manufacturing roles which might be relevant to your background. The manufacturing sector has been tough lately, but I've heard some companies are starting to ramp up hiring for Q2. Don't give up - 12 weeks really isn't enough time in this job market. Best of luck with your CareerSource appointment!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this nightmare in 2023. Florida's 12-week limit is brutal compared to other states, but there are a few things that kept me afloat while job hunting: 1. Check if your former employer offers any severance or COBRA assistance - sometimes HR doesn't mention these upfront 2. Look into local churches and community organizations - many have emergency assistance funds that don't require you to be a member 3. Consider freelance or contract work in your field while searching - sites like Upwork or Indeed's gig section sometimes have manufacturing consulting or project-based work 4. Apply for Medicaid immediately if you haven't already - losing employer health insurance adds so much stress to an already difficult situation The CareerSource appointment is a great step. When I went, they also helped me update my resume for free and gave me access to their computer lab for applications. Some locations even have mock interview sessions. Hang in there - the job market is definitely tough right now but it's not impossible. I ended up finding something after about 16 weeks of searching, and the gap didn't hurt me as much as I thought it would with employers.

I'm going through the exact same thing right now - just exhausted my 12 weeks last Friday and feeling completely lost. Reading through all these responses has been so helpful though. I had no idea about some of these resources like 211 or that CareerSource offered free resume help. One thing I wanted to add that helped me a bit - if you have any professional licenses or certifications, check if there are renewal fee waivers available for unemployed people. I found out my state license board offers a hardship waiver that saved me $200 I was dreading having to pay. Also, LinkedIn has been surprisingly useful for networking even when you're unemployed. I've been connecting with people in my industry and letting them know I'm looking - a few have shared job postings that weren't publicly advertised yet. The stress is real though. Some days I can barely get out of bed knowing I have no income coming in. But seeing people like @Nia Thompson who found work after 16 weeks gives me hope that this isn't permanent. We just have to keep pushing through this awful system. Good luck to everyone dealing with this - Florida really needs to do better by its unemployed residents.