How to extend Florida DEO unemployment benefits after regular weeks run out?

Unfortunately Florida doesn't offer any benefit extensions right now. The only extensions were during COVID (PUA, PEUC, etc) but those all ended. When your regular weeks run out (currently max of 12 weeks in FL), that's it unless there's a new federal program. You might qualify for other assistance programs though like SNAP/food stamps.

The previous commenter is correct - Florida does NOT currently have any unemployment extensions available. The number of available weeks is tied to the state unemployment rate (it ranges from 12-23 weeks). Since Florida's unemployment rate has been below 5%, we're stuck at the minimum 12 weeks of benefits. Your options now are: 1. Continue job searching (use CareerSource Florida for help) 2. Apply for other assistance (SNAP, TANF, etc) 3. If you've worked in multiple states in your base period, check if you qualify for a claim in another state 4. If you have a partial disability that limits your work options, check if you qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation services Sorry to be the bearer of bad news - the FL system is one of the least generous in the country.

Yep, Florida benefit system sucks!! I went thru the same thing last November. My benefits ran out and that was it. Was told by someone at CareerSource that FL has the WORST unemployment in the country. They pay the least amount for the shortest time. Thanks Governor!!

One thing nobody mentioned - if you're having trouble getting through to someone at DEO to ask about potential options, I had good luck using Claimyr to connect with an agent (claimyr.com). They have a system that waits on hold for you and then calls when an agent is available. Saved me from spending literally days trying to get through. There's a demo video here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj That might help if you need to discuss your specific situation with DEO and see if there are ANY options they can suggest. When I called, they directed me to some retraining programs that had stipends attached.

hey try 2-1-1 they might be able 2 help with rent/utilities while ur looking for work. also food banks helped me when my benefits ran out.

Did you check if you qualify for PUA? That's what I got when my regular benefits expired.

I was in your situation in January. What I did was sign up for a vocational training program through CareerSource that qualified me for a small stipend while I learned new skills. It wasn't much money, but it helped bridge the gap and now I'm working in a completely different industry with better stability. Worth checking if they have any training programs related to construction or that could use your transferable skills. The key is that some of these programs are considered "approved training" which can sometimes extend benefit eligibility (but this varies by program and situation). I'd recommend making an in-person appointment at your local CareerSource office rather than just looking at their website. The staff there were much more helpful face-to-face and knew about programs that weren't obvious online.

I'm in a similar boat - just exhausted my benefits last week and feeling pretty lost about what comes next. The whole 12-week limit thing caught me completely off guard too. I've been looking into some of the suggestions here and wanted to add that if you're in construction, you might also want to check with your local building trades unions. Even if you weren't union before, some of them have apprenticeship programs or know about upcoming projects that might be hiring. Also, I heard that some counties have emergency rental assistance programs that are separate from state benefits - might be worth calling your county's social services department directly. Hang in there, this system definitely wasn't designed with working people in mind.

Just wanted to add another resource that helped me when I was in your exact situation last year - check if your local Community Action Agency has emergency assistance programs. They often have funds for utilities, rent, and sometimes even job training that most people don't know about. Also, if you have any medical conditions (even minor ones), it might be worth getting evaluated to see if you qualify for any disability services or vocational rehabilitation programs through the state. I know it sounds like a long shot, but I had a friend who got into a welding program through VR services because of a back injury from construction work. The application process takes time but they provide support while you're in training. Don't give up - there are more safety nets out there than the unemployment system lets on, you just have to dig to find them.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and it's absolutely crushing when you realize Florida's system basically abandons you after 12 weeks. One thing that really helped me was applying for SNAP benefits immediately - the application process can take a few weeks so don't wait. Also, check if your area has a "One-Stop Career Center" (part of the CareerSource network) - they sometimes have access to emergency funds and job placement services that aren't advertised online. I also want to mention that some churches and community organizations have emergency assistance funds even if you're not a member. I was skeptical but ended up getting help with my electric bill from a local church that had a community outreach program. The key is to apply for everything you might qualify for right now, because most of these programs have waiting periods. Don't let pride get in the way - you paid into these systems and deserve help. Keep us updated on how it goes!

I'm dealing with this same situation right now and it's been really eye-opening reading everyone's experiences. The 12-week limit is brutal, especially coming from other states where I thought 26 weeks was standard everywhere. I wanted to add that if you're struggling with basic necessities, check out your local food banks through the Second Harvest network - they don't require any paperwork and can really help stretch your budget while you're figuring out next steps. Also, some utility companies have hardship programs that can temporarily reduce or defer payments if you call and explain your situation. I'm planning to follow up on the CareerSource training programs mentioned here - it sounds like that might be the best path forward for getting some income while learning new skills. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, it really helps to know we're not alone in this.

I'm going through this exact same nightmare right now - benefits just ran out last week and I had no idea Florida was this brutal with only 12 weeks. Reading through everyone's advice has been incredibly helpful though. I'm definitely going to hit up CareerSource this week to ask about those training programs with stipends, and I'm also going to call 211 to see what other local resources might be available. The food bank and utility hardship program suggestions are going on my immediate to-do list too. It's honestly shocking how little support there is compared to what I assumed existed, but I'm grateful for everyone sharing their experiences here. Sometimes you don't realize how many people are going through the same struggle until you find a thread like this. Going to bookmark this and come back to update on what I find out from CareerSource - maybe it'll help the next person in this situation.

I just went through this same process a few months ago and wanted to share something that really helped me that hasn't been mentioned yet - check if your county has a "Rapid Re-employment" or "Back to Work" program. Mine had emergency cash assistance (like $500-1000) specifically for people who just exhausted unemployment benefits. You had to apply within 30 days of your benefits ending, so don't wait too long. Also, if you have any skills in construction, some temp agencies specialize in short-term construction gigs that can help bridge the gap while you're looking for permanent work. The pay isn't great but it's something. I found mine through Indeed by searching "construction temp" and "day labor." Another tip - if you're really desperate, some plasma donation centers pay decent money (like $50-100 per donation) and you can donate twice a week. I know it's not ideal but when you're facing eviction, every bit helps. Hang in there, the system definitely failed you but there are still ways to survive this.

I'm in the same boat right now - just exhausted my 12 weeks last Friday and I'm honestly panicking. Had no clue Florida was this stingy compared to other states. This thread has been a goldmine of information though. I'm making a checklist from all the suggestions here: calling 211, visiting CareerSource in person (not just online), checking for county rapid re-employment programs within the 30-day window, applying for SNAP immediately, and looking into those WIOA training programs with stipends. The construction temp work idea is brilliant too since that's my background. It's frustrating that none of this information is easily available when your benefits run out - they just cut you off with no guidance. But seeing how many people have navigated this and found resources gives me hope. Going to start making calls tomorrow and will report back on what I find in my county. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and advice!