How to apply for DEO benefit extension after $3300 runs out? CONNECT confusion

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Florida no longer offers automatic benefit extensions like they did during COVID. Regular Reemployment Assistance (RA) is limited to 12 weeks in Florida (or up to 23 weeks when state unemployment is high). Once your initial claim is exhausted, you can only file a new claim if you've worked and earned qualifying wages since your last claim started. The system is designed to be temporary assistance, not long-term support.

The previous commenter is mostly correct. Florida doesn't have the extended benefits programs that were available during COVID (no more PUA, PEUC, etc). However, there are two things to know: 1. If Florida's unemployment rate rises above a certain threshold, the maximum benefit duration can increase from 12 weeks up to 23 weeks. 2. If you work part-time during your benefit period but don't earn enough to disqualify you completely, you might effectively "stretch" your benefits over a longer period since you'd receive partial payments each week. But there's no application for an "extension" in CONNECT - when your benefit balance hits zero, that's it unless you qualify for a new claim with new employment.

Have you tried calling DEO directly to ask about your options? After my benefits were about to expire last year, I called and they explained my exact situation. The problem is actually GETTING THROUGH to someone. I spent 3 days calling non-stop with busy signals before I found Claimyr.com - they got me connected to a DEO agent in about 25 minutes when I couldn't get through for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj. The agent explained exactly what I qualified for and updated my claim. Worth checking your specific situation since everyone's claim details are different.

Yes, it's legitimate. I was skeptical too but when you've been calling for days with no luck, you get desperate. They just help you bypass the DEO phone tree and get connected to an actual agent. I asked the DEO person I spoke with about extensions specifically and they confirmed what others are saying - there's no automatic extension after your benefit amount exhausts unless Florida's unemployment rate triggers the extended weeks provision.

my wife ran out of benefits last month and we couldnt get an extension. she had to find a parttime job even tho its not in her field just to have SOME income. the system is rigged against us!! 12 weeks is nothing when the job market is trash

IMPORTANT INFO: Check if you might qualify for Federal Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) if your job loss was related to foreign trade/competition. It's separate from regular unemployment and offers extended benefits plus training $$. Not many people know about it but worth looking into if you worked in manufacturing, tech, or certain service industries affected by outsourcing.

For hospitality workers specifically, you might want to connect with CareerSource Florida. They sometimes have special grant programs for retraining in industries with high demand. While not an extension of benefits, they can sometimes provide stipends during training programs. Also, don't forget to check if you qualify for other assistance like SNAP (food stamps) to help bridge the gap. When your unemployment is running low, apply for those programs BEFORE your benefits run out to avoid gaps in assistance. One more tip: in your work search activities, make sure you're documenting any interviews or contacts with CareerSource as those count toward your required 5 activities per week.

i heard from my cousin that if you get a part time job you can still claim partial benefits and that makes your total benefit amount last longer cuz they dont take the full amount each week. maybe thats a strategy?

Thanks everyone for the information! I'll focus on these steps: 1. Continue my job search efforts in hospitality while exploring other industries 2. Look into CareerSource Florida programs for possible retraining opportunities 3. Consider part-time work to stretch my benefits longer 4. Apply for SNAP and other assistance before my benefits run out 5. Call DEO directly (using that Claimyr service if needed) to confirm my specific options It's definitely not the answer I was hoping for regarding extensions, but at least now I can plan accordingly. I appreciate all the advice!