This thread has become an amazing resource! I'm dealing with a similar Way2Go card issue right now - card keeps declining even though I have funds available. Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been incredibly helpful. I'm planning to try the 2-4-3 sequence tomorrow morning at exactly 8:30am like so many people recommended. The tip about spacing out transactions by at least an hour is something I never would have considered - it's crazy that normal shopping behavior triggers their fraud detection! I'm also going to try using "credit" instead of "debit" and stick to Wells Fargo ATMs based on the advice here. It's absolutely infuriating that we need these elaborate workarounds just to access our own benefits, but I'm so grateful this community exists to help each other navigate these broken systems. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their solutions - you're literally saving people from financial emergencies!

I just want to echo what others have said about documenting everything when you have these Way2Go card issues. I went through a similar situation a few months ago and wish I had kept better records from the start. One thing I'd add that I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're still having trouble after trying all the phone sequences, you can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) online. They forward complaints directly to Way2Go's executive team, and I've heard of people getting callbacks within 24-48 hours after filing. Obviously try the phone workarounds first since they're faster, but the CFPB complaint is a good backup option if you're still stuck after several days. The complaint form asks for specific details about the issue, dates, and what you've tried to resolve it, so having that documentation really helps. It shouldn't be necessary to file federal complaints just to access our own benefits, but sometimes that's what it takes to get their attention!

I just went through this exact same issue a few weeks ago and was absolutely pulling my hair out! After reading through all these incredibly helpful responses, I want to add one more potential location that saved me when nothing else worked: check your email! Sometimes DEO sends a separate email notification about the determination that includes the 12-digit Issue ID, even if it's not clear on the physical determination letter. I found mine in an email with the subject line "Reemployment Assistance Determination Notice" that had arrived the same day as my determination letter. The Issue ID was listed in the email body in a section I almost missed. Also, if you're still stuck after trying everything mentioned here, try accessing CONNECT through a different browser entirely - I was using Chrome and couldn't see certain fields, but when I switched to Firefox everything displayed properly. The whole system is a nightmare, but don't give up! That appeal deadline is serious and your benefits are worth the fight. This community has been amazing at sharing solutions - we shouldn't have to crowdsource basic information like this, but I'm grateful we can help each other navigate DEO's terrible system!

This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm currently facing this exact situation - got my determination letter two days ago and have been searching everywhere for this mysterious 12-digit Issue ID. The panic is real when you see that appeal deadline approaching! Based on everyone's experiences here, I've created a comprehensive checklist that I'm working through: 1) Re-examine determination letter carefully (especially top right section), 2) Check email for "Reemployment Assistance Determination Notice", 3) Log into CONNECT on desktop (not mobile), 4) Clear browser cache and try different browser if needed, 5) Go to Determination Summary → click specific determination → look for Details button, 6) Check CONNECT inbox messages and any PDF attachments, 7) Look in Benefit Payment Control section for held payments, 8) Try logging out completely and back in if pages aren't loading properly. If all else fails, I have the Appeals Office number (850) 245-7105 and the paper form (DEO-RA0310) as backups. It's absolutely shameful that Florida DEO has made this process so unnecessarily difficult, but I'm not letting their broken system prevent me from fighting for my benefits. Thank you to everyone who shared their solutions - you're literally helping people save their unemployment benefits!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stress - it's such a difficult position to be in when you're still actively looking for work but running out of benefits. Everyone here has given you accurate information that Florida unfortunately doesn't have any extensions beyond the standard 12 weeks right now. Since you mentioned you have about 2 weeks left, I'd recommend taking action on several fronts immediately. First, use that Claimyr service others mentioned to call DEO and get absolute confirmation of your exact end date - sometimes the CONNECT dashboard isn't completely clear about remaining weeks. Second, start your SNAP application through ACCESS Florida right away since processing can take several weeks. Also consider signing up with temp agencies and exploring gig work platforms like Uber, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit for immediate income while you continue your permanent job search. Many people have found that temp assignments actually led to full-time opportunities, so it's worth considering even if it's not your ideal situation. Don't forget to check with your county's social services department about emergency assistance programs - many still have federal pandemic relief funds available for rent, utilities, and other necessities. Calling 211 can connect you with these local resources quickly. I know this isn't the answer you were hoping for, but at least now you can focus your energy on these concrete next steps instead of searching CONNECT for extensions that don't exist. You've got this!

I'm really sorry to hear about your situation - this is such a stressful time when you're already dealing with job searching pressure. Unfortunately, everyone in this thread is correct that Florida doesn't currently offer any benefit extensions beyond the standard 12 weeks of state unemployment benefits. There's no separate extension application in CONNECT because these programs simply don't exist right now. Since you have about 2 weeks left, I'd strongly recommend starting to prepare for the transition now rather than waiting. First, definitely try that Claimyr service others mentioned to call DEO and get absolute confirmation of your exact end date and make sure you haven't missed any weeks you're eligible to claim. Second, start applying for other assistance programs immediately - the SNAP application through ACCESS Florida can take 2-3 weeks to process, so don't wait until your unemployment stops. Also call 211 to find out what emergency assistance programs might be available in your county for things like utilities and rent. Consider registering with temp agencies right away too. Even if it's not your ideal work, having some income coming in can really reduce the stress while you continue searching for permanent employment. Many temp positions can actually lead to full-time opportunities. I know this isn't what you were hoping to hear, but at least now you can focus your energy on these concrete steps instead of searching for extensions that unfortunately don't exist. You're definitely not alone in dealing with Florida's limited system - hang in there!

I've been dealing with DEO for almost 2 years now helping family members navigate this system, and I wanted to add a few more resources that have worked recently: **New contact method that's been working:** Try texting "FLORIDA" to 67283 - it's DEO's new text service that sometimes connects you faster than calling. You can check claim status and sometimes get transferred to a live agent. **Weekend strategy:** Call the main line on Saturday mornings around 8am. I know they say they're closed, but sometimes you get connected to an overflow call center that can actually help with basic issues. **Document upload tip:** When uploading through CONNECT, try doing it between 11pm-1am. The system seems to process uploads faster during off-peak hours, and I've noticed adjudicators review overnight uploads first thing in the morning. **Local help:** Your state legislator's office can also intervene. I helped my sister contact her state representative's constituent services, and they got her adjudication resolved in 3 days after 8 weeks of waiting. Also want to mention - keep screenshots of everything! CONNECT has been glitchy lately and sometimes claim information disappears. Having screenshots saved me when an agent claimed there was no record of my nephew's previous calls. This thread is such a lifesaver - finally a place where we can share what actually works instead of DEO's useless generic advice!

I've been watching this thread develop and it's honestly the most helpful resource I've found anywhere for dealing with DEO adjudication issues! As someone who just hit week 6 of waiting, I wanted to add a couple things that worked for me this week: **Email strategy that got results:** I sent emails to BOTH ra-deoCustomerService@deo.myflorida.com AND my local state senator's office on the same day. Put "URGENT: 6-Week Adjudication Delay - Constituent Needs Help" in the subject line for the senator's office. Within 24 hours, someone from the senator's office called DEO directly and I got a call back from an adjudication supervisor the next day. **Phone timing update:** I tried the Tuesday 7:30am strategy everyone's been mentioning, but also discovered that Thursday around 4:30pm has been working lately - I think it's shift change time and there's less call volume right before they close. **CONNECT tip:** If you're having trouble with the site, try using an incognito/private browser window. I was having constant login issues until I tried this, and now everything loads properly. The combination of legislative pressure + persistent calling seems to be the magic formula. Don't give up - I finally got movement on my case after trying multiple strategies from this thread. This community knowledge is gold! @Fatima Al-Qasimi - really hope you've gotten some resolution by now with all these amazing tips everyone shared!

Dylan, congratulations on your first payment! I see everyone has given you great advice already. Just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who's been through this process recently. The waiting week confusion is totally normal - I think every first-time filer gets confused about this. You're correct that you won't get paid for that first week (6/30-7/4 in your case), and yes, you just move forward from here. Don't stress about it! One thing I wish someone had told me early on: set up a simple system NOW to track everything. I use a basic notebook where I write down: - Each work search with full details (date, company, contact method, result) - Screenshots of my biweekly claims - Any correspondence with DEO - My claim schedule dates It seems like overkill at first, but trust me, if you ever get selected for an audit or have any issues, you'll be SO glad you kept detailed records from day one. The people who run into trouble are usually the ones who tried to recreate their records months later. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions here! This community has been super helpful, and there's no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to navigating Florida's unemployment system. We've all been where you are now. You're off to a great start - just stay organized and you'll be fine!

Dylan, congratulations on getting your first payment! That's always such a relief when you're dealing with Florida's unemployment system for the first time. Everyone has given you excellent advice already, but I wanted to add one small tip that helped me when I was starting out: if you're ever unsure about anything related to your claim, check the "Messages" section in CONNECT regularly. Sometimes DEO sends important notifications through the system that don't always trigger email alerts. Also, regarding your work search activities - since you're just getting started, consider registering with your local CareerSource center if you haven't already. They offer free resources like resume help, job search assistance, and networking events. Plus, attending their workshops counts as valid work search activities, and they can provide documentation if you need it for an audit later. The learning curve is steep at first, but once you get into the routine of claiming every two weeks and keeping track of your work searches, it becomes much more manageable. You're asking all the right questions, which shows you're taking this seriously - that's going to serve you well throughout the process. Keep doing what you're doing, stay organized, and don't hesitate to ask more questions as they come up. This community is really helpful for navigating all the quirks of the Florida DEO system!