No more benefit weeks left - How do I get a DEO extension in 2025?

Unfortunately Florida doesn't have extensions anymore. You only get 12 weeks of Regular Unemployment (RA) benefits in Florida right now. That's it. After that you're done unless the unemployment rate goes above 5%. Then they add more weeks but FL unemployment is only like 3% right now so no extensions available. The pandemic extensions are LONG gone. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

The previous comment is correct. Florida currently provides a maximum of 12 weeks of Regular Unemployment (RA) benefits. Extensions are only triggered when the state unemployment rate exceeds 5% (which it currently doesn't). For each 0.5% increase in unemployment rate above 5%, an additional week of benefits becomes available, up to a maximum of 23 weeks. Since you've been applying for jobs, make sure you're utilizing all the resources at CareerSource Florida centers. They offer job search assistance, career counseling, and sometimes even training opportunities that could help you find employment faster. They might also know about other assistance programs you could qualify for after your unemployment benefits end.

hav u tried lookin at warehouse jobs??? thats wat i did wen my benifits ran out. amazon n target distribution centers always hiring + they pay better than retail usually. dont have 2 talk to ppl much either lol. worth a shot

While direct DEO extensions aren't available, there are other financial assistance options you might qualify for after unemployment ends: 1. SNAP benefits (food assistance) 2. Medicaid (if your income qualifies) 3. Temporary Cash Assistance (if you have dependents) 4. Emergency rental assistance through your county 5. Utility payment assistance programs Start applying for these NOW before your benefits end. The approval process can take weeks. Each program has separate applications and requirements. Your local Department of Children and Families (DCF) office can help with many of these applications.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!!!! Florida has THE WORST unemployment benefits in the ENTIRE COUNTRY!!! Only 12 weeks and the weekly amount is a joke. They do this ON PURPOSE to force people to take ANY job no matter how bad the pay. The politicians don't care if you end up homeless. That's why I had to take a job making half what I used to make. It's disgusting how they treat us.

If you need to talk to someone at DEO about your options (which are limited but worth asking about), good luck getting through on the phone. I spent WEEKS trying to reach someone when my benefits were running out. Eventually I used Claimyr.com to get through - they have a service that connects you with a DEO agent usually within an hour instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj The DEO agents can at least tell you if there are any other programs you might qualify for based on your specific situation.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that if you qualify for and enroll in an approved training program through CareerSource, you can sometimes receive Training Assistance benefits. This isn't technically an extension of regular benefits, but a separate program that can provide financial support while you gain new skills. I'd recommend contacting CareerSource Florida immediately to see if this might be an option for you. The programs usually focus on high-demand fields where you could find employment more quickly after completing training.

Just wanted to add - make sure all your work searches are properly documented in CONNECT for these last few weeks. I've seen people get their final payments delayed because they messed up the work search requirements. You need 5 work searches per week, and if they audit you and find problems, it can hold up your last payments when you need them most!

I was in ur same situation back in janurary... It SUCKS! i ended up having to move in with my sister for 2 months til i found another job. one thing that helped me was doing gig work like instacart and doordash while i was looking for permanent work. not great money but kept some cash coming in after benefits stopped. better than nothing right?