Do I qualify for Federal backpay after maxing out regular DEO benefits and applying for extension?

same EXACT thing happened 2 me!! I exhausted my regular unemployment after like 3 months and applied for the extension last week. still waiting. the lady I talked to at DEO (after like 50 tries calling) said something about how the system is supposed to automatically calculate any federal backpay ur owed when they process the extension BUT that theres a glitch and some ppl arent getting it right. she said theyre aware of the issue but no timeline for fixing it. so frustrating!!!!!!!

To clarify some confusion here - Florida no longer has PEUC extensions as those were COVID-era programs that ended years ago. What you're likely applying for is Extended Benefits (EB) which can become available during periods of high unemployment in Florida. Regarding federal supplements - there is currently a $100 weekly Federal Additional Compensation (FAC) program for eligible claimants. If you were eligible but didn't receive it during your regular benefit period, you should be entitled to backpay. The most effective way to address this is to speak directly with a DEO representative. I know their phone lines are nearly impossible to get through, but there's a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that can help you reach a live agent quickly. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj showing how it works. I was skeptical at first but it saved me hours of redial attempts when I had a similar backpay issue. Once you reach an agent, specifically ask them to check if you have any pending FAC payments and request that they be processed with your extension application.

I just got approved for EB last month after exhausting regular benefits. Yes, you should automatically receive any federal backpay you're entitled to, but in my experience, it didn't happen automatically. Had to call and specifically request a supervisor review my claim for missing FAC payments. Took about 2 weeks after that call, but they did eventually deposit all my backpay (about $1,200) on my Way2Go card.

There's a lot of confusion here, so let me clarify a few things from my experience as someone who's navigated this recently: 1. Florida currently offers Regular Unemployment Assistance (RA) for 12 weeks base period, plus potential Extended Benefits (EB) during high unemployment periods. 2. The Federal Additional Compensation (FAC) program provides an extra $100/week supplement to eligible claimants. 3. If you were eligible for FAC during your regular benefit period but didn't receive it, you are entitled to backpay. 4. This backpay should theoretically be processed automatically when your EB application is approved, but the system often misses this. 5. The current process requires most claimants to specifically request a review for missing FAC payments. The most important thing is to keep claiming your weeks on schedule while your extension processes. Then once approved, call DEO (expect long wait times) and specifically ask for a "Federal Payment Review" of your claim. Have your claim weeks calendar handy to verify which weeks you're missing the federal supplement. Document everything - take screenshots of your CONNECT account showing paid state benefits without the federal supplement, note the names of representatives you speak with, and request claim-specific information be added to your file.

To address the confusion about the $100 FAC program - yes, it is currently available in Florida for eligible claimants. Your brother-in-law might be confusing this with earlier pandemic-era programs or might be referring to eligibility requirements. Not everyone qualifies for FAC, as there are specific criteria based on your base period wages and reason for unemployment.

just chiming in to say I had IDENTICAL problem in Jan!!! I called DEO for TWO WEEKS straight with no luck. finally used that claimyr service someone mentioned and got thru in 20 mins. the rep had to manually review my claim and add all my federal backpay. took about 10 days to get it deposited but it worked! don't give up!!

OMG this system is such a JOKE!!!! 😡 I've been trying to get my backpay for 3 MONTHS and keep getting different answers every time I call (when I can even get thru). One rep says I'll get it automatically, another says I need to file an appeal, a third says there's no such thing as backpay anymore... I'm about to lose my MIND dealing with these people!!!! Why is it so hard to just get what we're entitled to????

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses! I was able to get through to DEO this morning after trying that Claimyr service (worked surprisingly well). The agent confirmed I am eligible for the FAC backpay and has submitted a request for review. She said it should take 7-10 business days to process and will be deposited separately from my regular benefits. She also mentioned that my extension application is still pending but should be processed within the next week. For anyone else in this situation, I learned you need to specifically ask for a "Federal Payment Review" and have them note in your file which weeks you're missing the federal supplement. I'm going to follow up next week if I don't see any updates in my CONNECT account. Thanks again everyone for your guidance!