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?

I'm really sorry you're going through this - it's such a stressful situation! Based on what everyone's shared, it sounds like your best bet is to take action on multiple fronts immediately: 1. Contact CareerSource Florida ASAP about training programs that might extend benefits 2. Start applying for other assistance programs (SNAP, rental assistance, etc.) NOW since they take weeks to process 3. Consider expanding your job search to warehouses, distribution centers, and other industries you might not have considered 4. Look into gig work as a bridge once benefits end The 12-week limit is unfortunately real, but don't give up! Many people have gotten through this same situation. Document everything carefully for your remaining weeks and keep pushing forward with applications. You've got this - it's just a really tough system to navigate.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress - the 12-week limit in Florida is really harsh compared to other states. Since you mentioned you've applied to 60+ jobs in retail and customer service without getting interviews, it might be worth having someone review your resume and application approach. Sometimes small tweaks can make a big difference in getting callbacks. Also, don't overlook temp agencies! They often have immediate openings and can sometimes lead to permanent positions. Companies like Adecco, Kelly Services, and Robert Half are always looking for people, especially with your customer service background. The pay might not be ideal, but it could bridge the gap while you continue searching for something better. Hang in there - this is temporary even though it feels overwhelming right now!

I'm really sorry you're in this situation - it's incredibly stressful when benefits are about to run out. Everyone here has given you excellent advice, and I want to emphasize a few key points: First, definitely prioritize CareerSource Florida for potential training programs - that could be your best shot at extending some form of financial support while gaining marketable skills. Second, the suggestion about temp agencies is spot-on - they really can place you within days, and with your customer service background, you'd be attractive to them for office, call center, or admin roles. One additional resource I haven't seen mentioned: many counties in Florida have emergency assistance programs through United Way (dial 2-1-1) that can help with rent, utilities, and food while you're transitioning between benefits and employment. These programs often have faster approval times than state programs. Also consider reaching out to local churches and community organizations - many have emergency assistance funds or food pantries that can help stretch your budget during this gap period. It's not a long-term solution, but every bit of help counts when you're trying to avoid falling behind on bills. You're being proactive by asking these questions now rather than waiting until after your last payment. That gives you a much better chance of bridging this gap successfully. Keep us updated on how it goes!

I've been following this thread and wanted to add one more resource that might help - many libraries in Florida offer free job search assistance, resume workshops, and computer/internet access if you need it. Some even have partnerships with local employers for job fairs or direct hiring events. Since you mentioned applying to 60+ jobs without interviews, it might be worth attending one of their resume workshops to get feedback on what could be improved. Librarians are often surprisingly knowledgeable about local resources too. It's free and could give you an edge in your job search while you're pursuing the other suggestions everyone has shared. Good luck!

I'm really sorry you're going through this - the anxiety of running out of benefits is awful. I went through something similar last year and want to share a few things that helped me get through the gap: 1. Food banks/pantries are lifesavers - many don't require proof of income and can help you stretch your grocery budget significantly while you're transitioning 2. If you have any skills like data entry, writing, or social media management, check out sites like Upwork or Fiverr for quick freelance gigs - even $50-100 here and there helps 3. Don't forget about plasma donation if you're eligible - it's not glamorous but some centers pay $50+ per visit and you can usually donate twice a week The training program route through CareerSource is definitely worth pursuing - I have a friend who got into a medical coding program that paid benefits for 6 months while she studied, and now she's making way more than her old job. Also, when you call places tomorrow, ask specifically about "emergency hiring" or "immediate start" positions. Some employers are desperate enough for workers that they'll hire same day if you can pass a basic background check. Fast food, security companies, and cleaning services often have this flexibility. You're taking all the right steps by planning ahead. This situation sucks but it's temporary - you're going to get through it!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stress - it's such a difficult situation when benefits are running out. Everyone here has given you amazing advice, and I want to add one thing that might help with your job search success rate. Since you've applied to 60+ jobs without getting interviews, consider this: many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) that filter resumes before humans even see them. If your resume isn't optimized with the right keywords from the job posting, it might never reach a real person. Try tailoring your resume for each application by including specific terms from the job description. Also, if you haven't already, try applying directly on company websites rather than just through job boards like Indeed. Sometimes companies get hundreds of applications through job boards but only a few through their direct site, so your chances of being seen are much higher. The fact that you're planning ahead and asking for help shows you're going to get through this. Between CareerSource training programs, temp agencies, and all the other resources people have shared, you have a solid action plan. Keep us posted on how tomorrow's calls go - we're all rooting for you!

I've been in a very similar situation and want to share something that really helped me when I was down to my last few weeks of benefits. While you're pursuing all the excellent advice here about CareerSource, temp agencies, and other assistance programs, don't overlook retail positions that are hiring for immediate seasonal needs - even though it's March, many stores are starting to hire for spring/summer seasonal help, garden centers are ramping up, and tourist areas in Florida are entering busy season. Also, if you have any experience with elderly care or know someone who does, companion care and home health aide positions are in huge demand right now and many will hire quickly with minimal training required. The pay is often better than retail and the work is meaningful. One last thing - when you call CareerSource tomorrow, specifically ask about their "Rapid Response" services. Sometimes they have special programs or emergency assistance for people whose benefits are about to exhaust that aren't widely advertised. It's worth asking about every possible option they have available. You're being so proactive about this, which puts you way ahead of where many people are when they hit this wall. With all these resources and strategies, I'm confident you're going to find a path forward. Keep us updated!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - running out of benefits is one of the most stressful situations imaginable. Reading through all the advice here, it sounds like you have an incredible action plan now! I wanted to add one more thing that helped me when I was in a similar spot last year. Since you mentioned having customer service experience, consider reaching out to call centers that do remote work - companies like LiveWorld, ModSquad, and Arise are often hiring for remote customer service roles and can sometimes get you started within a week or two. The pay isn't amazing but it could be a perfect bridge while you pursue the CareerSource training programs or other opportunities. Also, don't forget about your local Workforce Development Board (which works with CareerSource) - they sometimes have emergency hardship funds or vouchers for gas/transportation to job interviews that aren't well publicized but can help with immediate expenses. You're handling this crisis so well by reaching out and making a plan instead of just panicking. That proactive attitude is exactly what's going to get you through this rough patch. Between all the resources everyone has shared - temp agencies, training programs, seasonal hiring, assistance programs, resume optimization - you have so many avenues to pursue. Keep your head up and keep us posted on how tomorrow goes!

I've been following this thread and I'm really impressed by how much helpful advice everyone has shared! As someone who works in workforce development, I wanted to add a few more specific resources that might help: 1. Florida's Department of Economic Opportunity has a "Reemployment Assistance Program" (RESEA) that provides additional job search support - ask CareerSource about this specifically when you call 2. Many community colleges offer short-term certificate programs (4-8 weeks) in high-demand fields like medical coding, pharmacy tech, or IT support that qualify for training benefits 3. Check if your county has a "211" helpline (dial 2-1-1) for comprehensive local resources including emergency financial assistance, food banks, and utility help The remote customer service suggestion is excellent - companies like Concentrix, TTEC, and Working Solutions are also constantly hiring for immediate start positions. With your background, you'd be a strong candidate. Most importantly, don't let pride get in the way of accepting help from food banks, churches, or community organizations while you transition. These resources exist for exactly this situation, and using them smartly can help you avoid debt while getting back on your feet. You're going to get through this - having a plan and taking action immediately puts you way ahead of the game. Keep pushing forward!

I just want to say how incredible this community is! Aisha, you came here scared and overwhelmed with your benefits running out, and look at all the amazing support and practical advice you've received. This is exactly what these forums should be about - real people helping each other through tough situations with actionable solutions. You now have a comprehensive action plan that covers immediate needs (temp agencies, remote call centers, gig work), medium-term support (CareerSource training programs, emergency assistance), and long-term strategy (resume optimization, expanding job search). The fact that you're being proactive about this instead of waiting until after your last payment shows you're going to make it through this. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation - save this post! The resources shared here (2-1-1, CareerSource RESEA program, emergency hardship funds, ATS resume optimization, remote customer service companies) are gold for anyone facing benefit exhaustion in Florida. Aisha, please do keep us updated on how your calls go tomorrow. I have a feeling you're going to find multiple options that work. The combination of your customer service experience, willingness to learn new skills, and all these resources puts you in a much better position than you probably felt this morning. You've got this!

I'm new to this community but had to jump in after reading through this entire thread. Aisha, I'm so sorry you're facing this stressful situation, but honestly, you couldn't have asked for better advice! The response from everyone here has been incredible. As someone who just moved to Florida last year, I had no idea the unemployment benefits were so limited - only 12 weeks is shocking compared to other states I've lived in. But reading through all these suggestions, you now have such a comprehensive action plan that covers every angle. What really stands out to me is how everyone emphasized taking action IMMEDIATELY rather than waiting. That advice about applying for assistance programs now because they take weeks to process could be crucial. Same with the temp agency suggestion - if they really can place people within days, that could bridge your gap perfectly. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread in case I ever need these resources. The combination of CareerSource training programs, 2-1-1 emergency assistance, temp agencies, remote customer service jobs, resume optimization tips, and even plasma donation creates such a thorough safety net of options. You're going to get through this, Aisha. The fact that you reached out for help instead of just panicking shows you have the right mindset to navigate this challenge. Please keep us posted on how your calls go tomorrow - I think you're going to be surprised at how many doors open once you start making those contacts!