Is Florida DEO still processing PUA claims in 2025? Need urgent info while on medical leave

PUA (Pandemic Unemployment Assistance) ended nationwide back in September 2021. That program was specifically for COVID-related unemployment. Florida's regular unemployment program is called Reemployment Assistance (RA), but unfortunately, being on medical leave usually doesn't qualify for regular unemployment since you're still technically employed and not able to work. To qualify for regular RA, you need to be able and available to work and actively seeking employment (5 work searches per week in Florida). You might want to look into short-term disability through your employer or apply for FMLA if you haven't already. That protects your job but doesn't provide income unless your employer offers paid leave benefits.

The PUA programs gone for years now honey. i was on it during covid it was a godsend but govt took it away long ago. medical leave isnt gonna qualify for regular unemplyment either cause ur still employeed. maybe try calling 211? they can tell u about other help programs.

As others have mentioned, PUA ended years ago. If you're on medical leave, you won't qualify for regular unemployment (RA) in Florida because: 1. You're still technically employed 2. You must be able and available to work 3. You must be actively seeking work (5 work search contacts per week) 4. You must have lost your job through no fault of your own Since you're on medical leave, you wouldn't meet criteria #2. Other options to consider: - Check if you qualify for temporary disability through Social Security (though this process can take months) - Contact local nonprofits - many have emergency assistance funds - See if your county has emergency rental/utility assistance programs - Food banks and SNAP benefits could help with food costs Don't waste time applying for RA - not only will you be denied, but if you somehow got benefits due to a system error, you'd eventually face an overpayment notice requiring repayment.

THE DEO IS A JOKE!!! I applied for regular unemployment (not even PUA) back in November and I'm STILL waiting for them to process my claim!!! Been stuck in "adjudication" for WEEKS and can't get ANYONE on the phone!!! They disconnect you after 2 hours on hold!!! Even if you DID qualify for something (which others are right, you probably don't), good luck actually getting through to anyone there to help you!!! THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO FAIL PEOPLE WHO NEED HELP!!!

my wife went thru something similar last yr, we called 211 and they helped with rent for 2 months while she was out on medical. also check with ur utility companies, some have hardship programs. and def apply for food stamps, that helped us alot

Soooo I know this isn't exactly what you asked but have you looked into applying for disability? My cousin did that when she had to take extended medical leave and it helped her. Not sure how long your medical stuff will last but might be worth looking into?

Just to follow up on the Social Security Disability question - for short-term situations (8 weeks), you definitely won't qualify for SSDI. That's for long-term disabilities expected to last at least a year or result in death. The application process alone often takes 3-5 months for the initial decision. I think your best options are the emergency assistance programs others have mentioned: - 211 for local resources - County emergency assistance programs - Food banks and SNAP (food stamps) - Utility company hardship programs - Religious organizations often have emergency funds - Nonprofits specific to your medical condition might offer assistance Also, double-check with your HR - sometimes companies have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that can provide emergency loans or grants that aren't well advertised.