Federal unemployment benefits in 2025 - is Florida DEO rolling out anything new?
Has anyone heard anything about federal unemployment benefits coming back in 2025? I thought I saw something on the news about Congress approving some kind of extension or new program, but when I checked the DEO CONNECT portal, there's nothing mentioned. My regular RA benefits just ran out last week (only got 12 weeks which is ridiculous), and I'm wondering if there's something else I should be applying for or if Florida is just behind on implementing whatever new federal program exists. The DEO website is useless as always.
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Luca Bianchi
There's no new federal program that I'm aware of. Florida only offers the standard Reemployment Assistance (RA) benefits for a maximum of 12 weeks, and that's it. During COVID they had those special federal programs (PUA, PEUC, etc.) but all that ended years ago. Who told you there's a new federal UI program??
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Zara Shah
AuthorI swear I saw something on Channel 9 about a federal extension being approved for states with high unemployment. Maybe Florida doesn't qualify because they manipulate the unemployment numbers? Wouldn't surprise me.
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GalacticGuardian
The only thing Congress has been discussing is some targeted assistance for specific industries affected by the West Coast port shutdown and the airline technology failures from January. But that wouldn't be processed through the regular DEO system anyway - it would be a special application similar to the disaster unemployment assistance after hurricanes. Nothing has been approved that would extend regular benefits for most claimants.
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Zara Shah
AuthorThanks for clarifying. The news report was pretty vague so I probably misunderstood. Guess I'll have to take that warehouse job I've been avoiding...
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Nia Harris
Dude I'm in the same boat my benefits ran out after 12 weeks and I'm still struggling to find work in my field. This system is rigged against us, Florida's benefits are the worst in the country. 12 weeks is a joke when other states get 26!!
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Mateo Gonzalez
Florida's benefit duration is tied to the state unemployment rate. When unemployment is low (under 5%), benefits last only 12 weeks. It can increase up to 23 weeks if unemployment rises above 10.5%. At least the maximum weekly benefit amount increased to $425 starting in July.
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Aisha Ali
If you're having trouble with your claim or need to speak with DEO directly about your options, try Claimyr (claimyr.com). I spent WEEKS trying to get through to an agent about my exhausted benefits and possible extensions, just getting disconnected over and over. Claimyr got me connected to a DEO agent in under 30 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj
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Ethan Moore
does this actually work?? ive been calling FOR DAYSS and either get disconnected or am on hold forever until they close!
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Yuki Nakamura
STOP SPREADING MISINFORMATION ABOUT FEDERAL BENEFITS!!!! There are NO NEW FEDERAL EXTENSIONS!!! This is how people end up wasting time applying for non-existent programs and then blaming DEO when they don't get money. The only UI available in Florida is the standard RA program, PERIOD. The news is probably talking about some proposal that hasn't even passed Congress yet, and even if it did, it would take MONTHS to implement.
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Zara Shah
AuthorGeez, calm down. I was just asking if anyone knew anything. No need to yell.
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GalacticGuardian
One thing to be aware of - if you exhausted your regular RA benefits, make sure you still submit your work search activities through CONNECT for at least a few more weeks. Sometimes retroactive federal extensions are approved and they can't pay you if you don't have work searches on file. It's unlikely in this case, but it's happened before.
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Zara Shah
AuthorThat's really good advice, thank you. I'll keep logging my work searches just in case something changes.
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Ethan Moore
i heard theres something called extended benefits but only if state unemployment goes above a certain percent??? maybe thats what ur thinking of?
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Mateo Gonzalez
You're referring to the Extended Benefits (EB) program, which can provide additional weeks when state unemployment rates reach high levels. Currently, Florida's unemployment rate is too low to trigger EB. This is a permanent program but only activates during periods of high unemployment, unlike the temporary COVID-related federal programs.
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Luca Bianchi
I think the real issue is that Florida's unemployment system is designed to deny claims and keep the official unemployment rate artificially low. I was denied three times before finally getting approved, and then it was only for 12 weeks at $325 (before the recent increase). They count on people giving up.
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Zara Shah
AuthorYou're 100% right. The whole system feels designed to frustrate people into giving up.
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Mateo Gonzalez
To directly answer your question: There are currently no new federal unemployment programs being implemented through Florida DEO. The regular state Reemployment Assistance provides 12-23 weeks depending on state unemployment rate (currently at the minimum 12 weeks). If you've exhausted these benefits, I recommend connecting with your local CareerSource office for job search assistance and potential retraining opportunities. They can also inform you about other assistance programs you might qualify for.
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Zara Shah
AuthorThank you for the clear information. I'll check with CareerSource tomorrow. Do they help with the job search requirements too or just general assistance?
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Ava Martinez
CareerSource offers comprehensive job search assistance including resume help, interview prep, and skills assessments. They can also help you meet your work search requirements by providing documentation of job search activities like attending workshops or career fairs. Each office varies in services, but most have computers you can use for online applications and staff who can help navigate job boards. Definitely worth a visit - it's free and they're usually much more helpful than trying to deal with DEO directly.
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