JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Department of Economic Opportunity began implementing additional unemployment benefits, which has brought some confusion for claimants to know for what benefits they can apply.
Much of the confusion is between the program “Extended Benefits” (EB), and the extension federal CARES Act programs PUA and PEUC.
Extended Benefits
Extended Benefits is a state program that is triggered when the state unemployment rate exceeds 5% and allows up to six weeks in additional benefits.
To qualify, you must have started on a state claim, moved onto the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) program and exhausted that between June 7 and November 7.
DEO has just started implementing this program, and if you’re eligible, you should see this a link pop up on your connect account prompting you to apply.
You must apply for EB to be able to move onto future unemployment programs.
CARES Act Programs Extensions (PUA & PEUC)
On December 27, President Donald Trump signed the COVID-19 relief bill that extended federal programs PUA and PEUC by 11 weeks.
DEO said it is working on implementing the changes in the system to make these benefits available.
It is still unclear if people on these programs will need to reapply to receive the extension.
DEO said in a statement:
“In the coming weeks, the Department will be sending important emails to claimants, including actions that may need to be taken on their CONNECT account. The Department sends emails from Do-Not-Reply email addresses, these are official notifications from the Department.”
You can always find out the latest in issues with unemployment benefits with First Coast News' Unemployment Maze Facebook Group. Tap this link to visit the and join the group.