OMG this system is such a JOKE!!!! 😡 I've been trying to get my backpay for 3 MONTHS and keep getting different answers every time I call (when I can even get thru). One rep says I'll get it automatically, another says I need to file an appeal, a third says there's no such thing as backpay anymore... I'm about to lose my MIND dealing with these people!!!! Why is it so hard to just get what we're entitled to????

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful responses! I was able to get through to DEO this morning after trying that Claimyr service (worked surprisingly well). The agent confirmed I am eligible for the FAC backpay and has submitted a request for review. She said it should take 7-10 business days to process and will be deposited separately from my regular benefits. She also mentioned that my extension application is still pending but should be processed within the next week. For anyone else in this situation, I learned you need to specifically ask for a "Federal Payment Review" and have them note in your file which weeks you're missing the federal supplement. I'm going to follow up next week if I don't see any updates in my CONNECT account. Thanks again everyone for your guidance!

Just to add some specific details that might help: when you reapply, DEO will look at your "base period" which is the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before you apply. You need at least $3,400 in earnings spread across at least two quarters in that period. And yes, you will likely need to verify through ID.me again, but once you've done it before, the second time is usually much faster. Also, with the work search requirements - make sure you're documenting EVERYTHING. Name of business, position, date of application, how you applied, contact information, etc. DEO can audit your work searches at any time within 2 years of payment.

btw if ur planning to reapply make sure ur CONNECT acct password is up to date cuz mine expired rite when i needed to apply again and i got locked out for like 2 weeks trying to get it reset. total nightmare. check that today if u can

Wait you got aproved for extended benefits?? I thought those ended!! What kind of extended benifits are these?

These are just the standard Florida extended benefits that kick in after regular RA benefits are exhausted - not the pandemic ones. You can get them if you meet certain work history requirements. My claim specialist explained I qualified for an additional 12 weeks based on my base period wages.

When I worked at the DEO call center (left in 2024), this was actually a common question. The tax withholding updates follow their own schedule separate from the regular payment processing. Here's what happens: 1. You make the change in CONNECT 2. The change gets queued for processing in the tax batch (runs weekly) 3. Once processed, it's applied to future payment calculations Depending on when you made the change relative to the tax batch schedule, it typically takes 1-2 payment cycles, but can occasionally take 3 cycles in worst-case scenarios. The withheld money isn't lost - you'll get it back when you file your taxes next year if you're due a refund. Unfortunately, there's no way to get it released sooner once it's been withheld. If it doesn't change after 2 more payments, you should call and ask them to verify the change was properly saved in their system.

my cousin had this problem too! he said he talked to someone at DEO who told him they process those changes on Thursdays so if you do it after Thursday it won't happen till the next week. dunno if thats true but might explain why its taking so long for you

To answer your question @profile5 - the rep said they're reviewing cases individually and not automatically demanding repayments for this specific system error. She suggested I gather whatever documentation I can for previous job searches, even if it's incomplete, and be ready to provide it if requested. She also mentioned something about a "good faith" policy for system errors, but didn't go into details.

The most frustrating thing about Florida's unemployment system is how the requirements are enforced inconsistently. I know people who never did a single work search during their entire benefit period and had no issues, while others get flagged and investigated for the smallest discrepancy. The work search requirement has technically been in place since 2021, but the system enforcement varies wildly. My advice is always document EVERYTHING and take screenshots of every screen when you claim. Better safe than sorry with DEO.