JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Some unemployed Floridians are starting to see a new application link pop up on their CONNECT account for “Extended Benefits.”
Extended benefits is a program that’s triggered by law in unemployment emergencies.
“Extended benefits is a program by the state that is triggered when the unemployment rate exceeds five percent for a certain period of time,” said unemployment expert Vanessa Brito.
The program allows up to six weeks in additional unemployment benefits after someone has exhausted Federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, which happens after exhausting Reemployment Assistance benefits.
The Department Of Economic Opportunity said the program was triggered on June 7 and was turned off on Nov. 8.
To be eligible, claimants have to have exhausted PEUC between June 7 and Nov. 7.
If you’re eligible, you will see a link pop up on the left-hand menu on your CONNECT account that reads “Apply for Extended Benefits.”
IMPORTANT: Answer the questions on the application as if you were answering them between June 7 and Nov. 7, not at the present moment. DEO mentions this in their how-to guide, but Brito said does not remind claimants of this on the actual application.
If approved, DEO said your weekly benefit amount will be the same as what you received while on PEUC.
The benefits will apply retroactively, which means benefits will be paid for weeks of unemployment during the Extended Benefits period, which is June 7, 2020, through Nov. 7, 2020.
Unlike those currently on federal CARES Act programs, those on Extended Benefits do not have to worry about them expiring Dec. 26.
“Extended benefits carries into 2021, until your benefits year ends,” Brito said.
DEO said individuals who are eligible for Extended Benefits will be notified by the Department and can access step-by-step instructions on how to apply here or view an instructional video here.
The Department said claimants who are currently on Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA will be able to apply for Extended Benefits at a later date.
Click here to view Frequently Asked Questions regarding Extended Benefits. Click here to review all of the Florida Reemployment Assistance benefit programs.
