New unemployment program launched for some unemployed Floridians Some unemployed Floridians are starting to see a new application link pop up on their CONNECT account for “Extended Benefits.” Author: Josslyn Howard Updated: 11:45 PM EST December 16, 2020 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.