If you would like to know how to get an unemployment extension in Florida, you must first familiarize yourself with the eligibility requirements. Oftentimes, an unemployment compensation extension is not readily available since they are usually only offered in times of high unemployment. It is up to each state to decide whether to launch special emergency programs that can help prolong the time period for reemployment assistance.
- Learn About Requesting an Unemployment Benefits Extension in Florida
- Unemployment Extension Programs in Florida
Nonetheless, unemployment benefits should continue to actively look for a new job and be immediately available when a position opens.
Because both regular unemployment benefits and unemployment benefits extensions are available for a limited amount of time, residents should not solely rely on these sources as a means to provide for their families.
Florida Unemployment Resources
What Can I Do to Extend Unemployment Benefits in Florida
If you are interested in learning how to get an unemployment extension in Florida, you must first note the eligibility requirements of your state. Although an unemployment extension applicant may be eligible for regular reemployment assistance, such eligibility does not necessarily make an individual qualified for an unemployment compensation extension.
In times when the rate of unemployment is high, state governments must make careful choices and select the candidates to whom they will continue to pay benefits. If you are found eligible, you will receive a confirmation in the mail that notes how long you may receive reemployment assistance.
Note, however, that you can apply for an unemployment benefits extension only if the state activates emergency programs.
Extensions are not available otherwise, therefore after your regular unemployment benefit period has passed, you will not be eligible to receive any more benefits. If you are wondering how to get an unemployment extension of benefits and whether you will be eligible, visit your nearest DEO office to inquire.
If you are eligible for extended benefits, the amount you will receive will match the amount of your regular unemployment benefits.
Florida Federal Unemployment Extension Programs
Federal unemployment extension of benefits is made available when a state experiences a high level of unemployment, especially in times of economic crisis. Currently, Florida does not offer unemployment compensation extensions and only releases payments for the standard unemployment benefits period.
However, if the economic situation in the state worsens, the government may activate the Extended Benefits (EB) Program. You may be eligible to apply for the FL Extended Benefits Program, which is a federal unemployment extension program administered on a state level. In Florida, you may be eligible to receive up to 20 additional weeks of extended benefits, or 80 percent of the maximum amount of your regular unemployment claim, whichever is less.
At times, the federal or state governments establish an unemployment benefits extension program. For instance, the Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC) program temporarily gave qualified workers additional weeks of unemployment payment in 2008. And in 2020, the federal government initiated the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program.
Note: Unemployment benefits extension programs in Florida are only available during times of economic crisis and lack of open job positions. All eligible benefits recipients are required to look for at least five jobs per week and submit the results of their job search to the DEO.
This rule was established in order to encourage unemployed individuals to actively look for a job rather than to rely on limited government assistance. Claimants who fail to report their job-seeking activities will lose eligibility and be removed from the program.
Last Updated: February 28, 2023