Exhausted regular DEO benefits - can I still apply for federal unemployment extension in 2025?

There are NO federal extensions available in 2025!!! This isn't like during COVID when they had PUA and those other programs. Once your regular benefits are exhausted in Florida, that's IT. The system is BROKEN and they don't care that 12 weeks isn't enough time to find decent work. I went through this exact situation last month and wasted HOURS trying to find these mythical "federal extensions" only to have a DEO rep finally tell me they don't exist anymore. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

The previous commenter is correct - there aren't any automatic federal extensions currently available in Florida. The extended benefit programs ended years ago after the pandemic. However, depending on your work history, you might be eligible for a new claim if you had additional qualifying wages in your base period that weren't used for your original claim. This is rare but worth checking. Also, if your unemployment is due to a federally declared disaster or you're a former military/federal employee, different programs might apply. You should call DEO directly to discuss your specific situation and all possible options.

Have you applied for other assistance programs? When my UI ran out I got some help from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program and also applied for SNAP benefits. Not the same as unemployment but it helped.

when my benefits ran out i tried 2 file again but the system wouldnt let me. kept saying i had no more available benefits. crazy how they only give us 12 weeks in florida when other states get like 26!!! anyways i had to pick up doordash for a few weeks until i found something else good luck

I was in your exact situation last month. Tried for days to get through to DEO to ask about extensions but kept getting disconnected or on hold forever. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected to an actual agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending hours redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj The agent confirmed what others said - no federal extensions exist right now. But she did check if I qualified for a different type of claim based on my work history and recommended applying for other assistance programs. At least I got a definitive answer instead of wondering and waiting. Might be worth trying if you need to speak with someone directly.

does anyone kno if they doing the extended benefits again soon? i heard Biden was bringing back some kinda unemploy benefits

As others have mentioned, federal extensions aren't currently available. However, since you mentioned you have a job starting at the end of the month, you might want to: 1. Double-check your CONNECT account for any pending weeks you can still claim. Sometimes there's a week or two left that doesn't show in your balance. 2. Contact your new employer to see if you can start earlier, even part-time. 3. Check with your local CareerSource office - they sometimes have emergency assistance programs for people between jobs. 4. Apply for other assistance as mentioned (SNAP, rental assistance, etc.) In the CONNECT system, also check if you have any unresolved issues that might be holding back any final payments. Sometimes there's money owed to you that's stuck in processing.

The whole system is designed to leave people hanging after just 12 weeks. TWELVE WEEKS! Florida has the lowest benefits and shortest duration in the entire country. And they make it impossible to even talk to someone about your options. The politicians don't care because it makes their unemployment numbers look better when people fall off the rolls. DISGUSTING!

Update: I called DEO this morning (took about 20 tries to get through) and finally spoke with someone who confirmed there are no extensions available. She did help me claim my very last week though, which I didn't realize was still available. So at least I'll get one more payment. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions! I've applied for SNAP benefits and will be reaching out to my new employer about starting a bit earlier if possible.