What Can I Do to Extend Unemployment Benefits in Florida
If you are interested about 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 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, however, you are found eligible, you will receive a confirmation in the mail that notes for how long you may receive reemployment assistance. Note, however, that you can apply for 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.
About 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 extension and only releases payments for the standard unemployment benefits period. However, if the economic situation in the state worsens, the government will activate emergency programs such as:
The Emergency Unemployment Compensation program was last active in 2012. It consisted of four tiers or stages, each one offering a different period to receive unemployment benefits extension. The time span of unemployment expansion was as follows:
-
Tier 1 – 20 weeks of maximum unemployment extension
-
Tier 2 – 14 weeks of maximum unemployment extension
-
Tier 3 – 13 weeks of maximum unemployment extension
-
Tier 4 – Six weeks of maximum unemployment extension
You may also be eligible to apply for the FL Extended Benefits Program, which is a federal unemployment extension program administered on a state level. Qualified applicants can sign up after they have used their regular and EUC benefits, and while the state unemployment rate is still high. 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.
Note: Unemployment benefits extension programs in Florida are only available during times of economic crisis and lack of open job positions. However, 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.
