New DEO Regular Benefits exhausted - timeline for applying to Extended Benefits?
My Regular Unemployment benefits just ran out yesterday and this morning I noticed a link in my CONNECT account to apply for Extended Benefits. Can anyone share how long it typically takes for Extended Benefits applications to get processed? I'm really worried about a gap in payments. Also, I'm confused about income verification - should I proactively upload my W2s and payment stubs now or wait until DEO specifically requests them? The instructions weren't clear about when to submit documentation. Bills are piling up and I can't afford any delays. Thanks for any advice!
14 comments
Join the conversation
Zainab Ismail
I went through this last month. Extended Benefits application took about 7-10 days to process for me. The system might show your claim as 'pending' for a while, but keep claiming your weeks according to your regular schedule even if it looks like nothing is happening. As for documentation, I'd recommend uploading your income verification now through the CONNECT portal under the 'Determination, Monetary and Issue Summary' section. Being proactive helped me avoid delays. Some people got stuck in verification limbo for weeks because they waited for a request that came via email and went to spam. Make sure you meet the work search requirements - you need 5 job contacts per week now. The DEO is pretty strict about this with Extended Benefits.
0 coins
Miguel Silva
•Thank you so much! That's really helpful. I was getting so anxious about having to wait months. I'll upload my verification documents tonight and keep claiming my weeks. Did you have to do anything special during the application process that might not be obvious?
0 coins
Connor O'Neill
mine took FOREVER!!! like 5 weeks before i saw a payment. they kept saying system issues or whatever. upload ur docs NOW trust me dont wait
0 coins
Yara Nassar
•5 WEEKS?? That's absolutely ridiculous! This system is DESIGNED to make people give up. I waited nearly 7 weeks when transitioning to Extended Benefits because of a so-called "technical glitch" that magically resolved itself the day after I contacted my state representative. The DEO doesn't fix anything unless you force them to! OP - don't just wait around hoping they'll process your claim. Be proactive and document EVERYTHING. Keep screenshots of your submissions because they "lose" things all the time.
0 coins
Keisha Robinson
The transition timing largely depends on your specific situation, but here's what you need to know about Extended Benefits in Florida: 1. Processing time is currently averaging 10-14 days for most claimants if there are no issues with your application 2. Documentation: Proactively upload your income verification (W2s, pay stubs, tax returns) through the CONNECT portal under the "Claimant Information" section. Click "View and Maintain Account Information" then "Add Additional Documents" 3. Eligibility requirements for Extended Benefits are slightly stricter than Regular Benefits - you must have earned at least 40x your weekly benefit amount during your base period 4. Continue claiming weeks on your regular schedule during the transition 5. If your application shows "pending adjudication" for more than 14 days, you'll need to contact DEO directly One important note: make absolutely sure you're completing the required 5 work search activities per week and documenting them properly. The DEO is conducting more audits on Extended Benefits claims.
0 coins
GalaxyGuardian
•This is great info but I had a similar situation last year and my benefits kicked in after only 3 days. My cousin waited 6 weeks. It's totally random with DEO honestly.
0 coins
Paolo Ricci
I was in your same situation back in January and couldn't get anyone on the phone for weeks! I finally discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to a DEO agent in about 25 minutes instead of spending days hitting redial. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj Once I got through to someone, they were able to explain exactly what documentation I needed to upload and also fixed a small issue with my Extended Benefits application that would have caused major delays. Definitely worth it when you're facing bill deadlines and need answers right away.
0 coins
Amina Toure
•I tried Claimyr too when my account got locked during my EB transition. It really does work! The agent I spoke with actually walked me through the whole application process and made sure everything was set up correctly. Saved me weeks of stress.
0 coins
Amina Toure
Random question but does anyone know if holiday pay affects Extended Benefits? I got a small holiday bonus from my previous employer (they laid me off but still sent holiday pay) and I'm not sure if I should report it when claiming weeks?
0 coins
Zainab Ismail
•Yes, you absolutely need to report any holiday pay! It's considered earnings for the week you receive it, not when you earned it. If you don't report it and they find out (which they often do through employer reporting), you could end up with an overpayment notice and possible fraud investigation. Always better to report everything and let DEO determine how it affects your benefits.
0 coins
Miguel Silva
Update: I uploaded all my documentation last night and called DEO this morning using the Claimyr service that was recommended. Got through in about 20 minutes! The agent confirmed they received my documents and said my Extended Benefits application looks good so far. She mentioned there's currently a 7-10 day processing time. Just wanted to update in case anyone else is in the same situation. Thanks everyone for your help!
0 coins
Keisha Robinson
•Great news! Make sure to keep claiming your weeks during this transition period, even if your payment status shows as pending. Document each of your five weekly work search activities thoroughly - include the company name, position, application date, contact method, and contact person if possible. The DEO has been requesting proof of work searches more frequently for Extended Benefits recipients.
0 coins
Connor O'Neill
did u get that weird fact finding thing in ur inbox when u applied for extended benefits? i got that and didn't understand half the questions lol
0 coins
Yara Nassar
•Those fact finding questionnaires are DELIBERATELY confusing! It's just another way they try to deny benefits. I got one asking if I had refused any "suitable work" but never defined what they consider "suitable" - is it just any job offer or something in my field? And why do they ask the same questions five different ways? Pure bureaucratic nonsense designed to trip people up.
0 coins