good luck getting thru to deo if u have problems! took me 3 days of calling!!!

I went through something similar last year with a seasonal retail job that ended after 6 weeks. Here's what worked for me: Log into CONNECT and look for "Reopen Claim" - sometimes it shows up as "Request Weekly Benefits" if your claim is still technically active. You'll need to report ALL your earnings from the temp job, including exact dates and gross pay amounts. One thing nobody mentioned - make sure you have documentation ready in case they ask for it later. I kept my hiring paperwork that showed it was a temporary position from day 1, plus my final paystub. Even though they didn't ask for it during the reopen process, having it saved me when they did a review 3 weeks later. Also heads up - your first payment might be delayed while they process the work separation. Mine took about 10 days longer than usual, but once it cleared, all my back weeks came through at once. The good news is your $4,800 balance should still be there since you're well within your benefit year. Just be super accurate with those work dates and earnings - any discrepancies will trigger a longer review process.

UPDATE: I finally got through to DEO! I actually tried two approaches at once - I emailed my state representative yesterday AND used the Claimyr service this morning. Not sure which one made the difference, but a DEO agent called me back about 2 hours after I used Claimyr. They confirmed there was a "security flag" on my account that needed manual removal even though my ID.me was successful. The agent fixed it while I was on the phone with them and I was able to log in right away. So relieved! They also backdated my claim weeks since I couldn't access the system to claim them. Just wanted to update in case anyone else has the same problem. Don't give up!

Congratulations on getting it resolved! Your experience really highlights how broken the DEO system is - the fact that you had to use multiple workarounds just to get a basic account issue fixed is ridiculous. But I'm glad the combination of contacting your state rep and using Claimyr worked out. For anyone else still struggling with this issue, it sounds like the key takeaway is that ID.me verification doesn't automatically unlock your CONNECT account - there's a separate "security flag" that DEO has to manually remove. This explains why so many people get stuck in limbo even after successful verification. Thanks for updating us with what worked - these success stories give the rest of us hope when dealing with this nightmare system!

UPDATE: I called HR and confirmed they do need the DEO's FEIN (59-3451366) for their work opportunity tax credit documentation. They also asked for my benefit end date which I was able to find in my CONNECT account under payment history. Thanks everyone for your help! Starting the new job on Monday!

Congrats on the new job! This is really helpful info - I had no idea employers could get tax credits for hiring people transitioning from unemployment. That explains why they need all this verification. Good to know the DEO's FEIN is something we might need to provide to future employers. Thanks for sharing the update!

Just to follow up on your specific issue with payments showing as eligible but not being deposited - this is usually due to one of three things: 1. Payment method issues (direct deposit info incorrect, Way2Go card not activated, etc.) 2. A hidden hold on your account that isn't displaying properly in CONNECT 3. A system glitch where the payment was processed but not properly recorded When you do reach someone, specifically ask them to check for any payment holds or flags on your account. Also ask if they can see when/if payments were issued. Sometimes payments were sent to the Way2Go card even when claimants requested direct deposit. If the payments are for weeks in January 2025, make sure you completed all work search requirements (5 work search activities per week) and reported them correctly. That's the most common reason for payment delays.

I've been in a similar situation and found success with a combination of strategies. First, try calling the 1-833-352-7759 technical support line right at 7:30 AM - they sometimes transfer you to claims if you explain you've been unable to reach anyone for weeks. If that doesn't work, definitely contact your state representative's office like others mentioned. You can find yours at myfloridahouse.gov or flsenate.gov. Their constituent services staff are usually very responsive to DEO issues. Also, since your payments show as eligible but aren't depositing, log into CONNECT and check your "Payment Method" section carefully. Sometimes the system reverts people back to Way2Go cards without notification, even when you selected direct deposit. If you see a Way2Go card listed, you might need to activate it or request a replacement if you never received one. One more tip - try calling on Wednesday afternoons around 2-3 PM. I've noticed less call volume then compared to Monday mornings when everyone is trying to reach them. Good luck!

has anyone actually gotten through to DEO lately?? I've been trying for 3 weeks straight!!

I went through something very similar last year! The "Hold in Excess" status drove me crazy for weeks. What helped me was calling and asking specifically about any "overpayment flags" on my account - turns out DEO had flagged my account for a potential overpayment from 2022 that was never actually resolved. Once they cleared that flag, my back pay processed within a week. The key is getting someone who can actually see what's causing the hold. Regular customer service reps can see the status but can't always see the underlying reason. For your benefit amount dropping from $275 to $143 - definitely challenge that if you think it's wrong. When they recalculate based on a new base period (which happens when you reapply), sometimes they miss wages or use incorrect quarters. I've seen people get thousands more in back pay once the calculation was corrected. Hang in there - I know it's frustrating but "Eligibility Redetermined" is actually a good sign that you're close to resolution!