DEO just extended work search requirements until Sept 5th - how does this affect my claim?
Just saw on the DEO website that work search requirements have been extended until September 5th, 2025. I'm currently on my 3rd week of unemployment and was planning to start a new job next month that fell through. Does this mean I HAVE to keep submitting 5 work search contacts every week until September even if I'm just waiting for my next position to start? My previous employer said they might bring me back in August but nothing is confirmed yet. Also, does anyone know if there's any exception for people over 55? My neighbor mentioned something about this but I can't find any info on the DEO site.
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Freya Christensen
yes u definitely need to keep doing all 5 work searches each week no matter what!! they will cut ur benefits if u don't, happened to my brother last month and he lost 2 weeks of payments. the DEO doesn't care if ur going back to work soon, rules are rules
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Ravi Malhotra
•Seriously? That's so frustrating. Even if I have something lined up for August? Ugh.
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Omar Farouk
The work search requirement extension applies to all current claimants regardless of age or pending job offers. You must continue to complete and document 5 work search activities per week to remain eligible for benefits. However, there are a few exceptions: 1. If your employer filed a TEMPORARY LAYOFF status for you (with a return-to-work date within 8 weeks) 2. If you're in an approved training program through CareerSource 3. If you're in a union with a hiring hall that regularly refers you to jobs Regarding age exemptions - there used to be one for 55+ during certain periods, but it's not currently active. Your neighbor might be referring to outdated information.
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Ravi Malhotra
•Thank you for the clear explanation! My employer didn't file anything formal, just verbally told me they might bring me back. I guess I need to keep doing the work searches then...
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Chloe Davis
Im in the same boat!! Started my claim in April and DEO is making me jump through all these hoops. The work search thing is such a waste of time when we have jobs waiting for us. Like seriously who has time to apply to 5 places EVERY WEEK??
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AstroAlpha
•RIGHT?? And half the time the employers never even respond to the applications. I spent 3 hours last week applying to meet the requirements and got zero calls back. It's all just bureaucratic nonsense.
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Diego Chavez
You can actually get a work search waiver if your employer provides a return-to-work date. Have them submit Form DEO-WS23 (Return to Work Verification) through CONNECT. If they specifically give a return date in August, you might qualify for standby status and avoid the 5 weekly search requirements. I'd recommend calling DEO directly to explain your situation - they can sometimes make notes on your account or guide you through the proper exemption process. But good luck getting through to an actual person. After days of busy signals, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect with a DEO agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj The agent helped me get my work search waiver processed correctly when my construction job was set to restart after a 6-week delay.
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Ravi Malhotra
•Thank you! I'll ask my employer about the form. I had no idea this was an option. And I'll check out that Claimyr service too - I've been trying to get through to DEO for days with no luck.
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Anastasia Smirnova
Dont listen to half the people here... I just got off the phone with DEO last week and they told me if you have a DEFINITE return to work date (not a maybe) within 6 weeks, you can request standby status and avoid work searches. But you MUST have documentation and your employer has to verify it. If its just a verbal "maybe" then yeah youre stuck doing the 5 searches every week until sept 5.
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Sean O'Brien
•This is mostly correct, but there's a small correction - the standby status is available for return-to-work dates within 8 weeks, not 6 weeks. This changed in January 2025 when they updated the CONNECT system. But yes, the employer must provide written verification through the proper channels, not just a verbal agreement.
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AstroAlpha
when i was on unemployment last winter i just made up my work searches lol. nobody ever checked them. its not like the deo has time to verify everyones job contacts 🤷♀️
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Omar Farouk
•This is terrible advice. DEO routinely conducts random audits of work search activities, especially since the new verification system was implemented in March 2025. If caught submitting false information, you can face benefit repayment, disqualification from future benefits, and potentially legal consequences for fraud. Always document legitimate work search activities.
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Sean O'Brien
To directly answer your question about the age exemption - Florida did have a provision for claimants 55+ that reduced the work search requirement from 5 to 3 activities per week, but this was suspended in 2023 and hasn't been reinstated with the current extension. Your neighbor might be thinking of this previous policy. If your employer is seriously considering bringing you back, I'd recommend getting something in writing from them with a specific return date. Then you can apply for standby status in your CONNECT account under the "Request Waiver of Work Search Requirements" section. Without this documentation, you'll need to continue with all 5 work searches weekly until either September 5th or until you return to work.
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Ravi Malhotra
•Thank you! I'll reach out to my employer tomorrow to see if they can give me something in writing. Really appreciate the clear explanation about the age exemption too - that must be what my neighbor was talking about.
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