Do Florida DEO benefits end when state unemployment runs out? What about federal?

Unfortunately, there are NO federal extensions available anymore. All the pandemic programs (PUA, PEUC, FPUC, etc.) ended in September 2021. Florida only offers 12 weeks of regular Reemployment Assistance (RA), and once that's exhausted, there are no additional benefits available. The only exception would be if there's a new major disaster declaration or if Congress passes new legislation, neither of which is currently active. Your best option now is to visit your local CareerSource office for job search assistance. They can help with resume building, interview prep, and sometimes have connections to employers who are hiring.

This is why Florida's unemployment system is GARBAGE. 12 weeks is the LOWEST in the entire country!!! Most states give at least 26 weeks of benefits. And the maximum weekly benefit of $575 is a joke in 2025 with rents over $2000 for a 1-bedroom apartment. You should call your state representatives and complain about this ridiculous system. They've been promising reform for years and nothing ever changes!

To give you a complete answer since there seems to be some confusion: 1. Regular state unemployment (RA) in Florida lasts 12 weeks when the unemployment rate is below 5%. It can increase slightly if unemployment rises. 2. Federal extensions (PEUC, PUA, etc.) were only available during the pandemic emergency and ended in September 2021. 3. There are currently NO automatic federal extensions after your state benefits end. 4. The system will NOT automatically enroll you in anything after your 12 weeks expire. If you're still struggling to find work, I recommend applying for other assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps) or reaching out to CareerSource Florida for job placement help.

my cousin had the same thing happen back in january. he said once the state ran out thats it. but he found a job at amazon warehouse after and they hired him right away. maybe check them out they're always hiring

Have you been having trouble reaching DEO to get clear answers? I was in a similar situation last month - couldn't get anyone on the phone for days. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a DEO agent in about 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj The agent confirmed what others are saying - there are no federal extensions available right now. But they did give me information about filing a new claim if I qualify again in the future (you need enough wages in your base period). Might be worth a call to get your specific questions answered.

im so sorry your benefits are ending!! i know exactly how u feel. i ran out in January and there was NOTHING after. have u applied for food stamps?? that helped me alot after unemployment ended. also check ur county for rental assistance programs they sometimes have emergency funds

One important thing to note: If you've worked ANY jobs during the past year while receiving unemployment, you might be able to file a new claim after your current one expires. The wages need to be in a different base period than your original claim used. Look at your monetary determination letter - it shows which quarters they counted for your benefit amount. If you've worked since then and earned enough wages, you might qualify for a new claim (though you'd need to have lost that job through no fault of your own too). This is a specific situation that doesn't apply to everyone, but worth checking if you've had any employment during your benefit year.

this whole system is designed to kick people off asap. 12 weeks is nothing when the job market is bad

Just to give you accurate information for 2025: Florida's maximum duration for unemployment benefits is still tied to the state unemployment rate. The formula is: - When state unemployment is 5% or lower: 12 weeks maximum - Each 0.5% increase in unemployment above 5% adds an additional week of benefits - Maximum possible duration is 23 weeks (if unemployment reaches 10.5% or higher) Currently, Florida's unemployment rate is below 5%, so we're at the 12-week minimum. This system has been in place since 2011 and hasn't changed despite various reform attempts. Also, once your benefits exhaust, you'll still have access to your CONNECT account for a year, which can be helpful for tax documents and checking for any messages.