the DEO website is such garbage too, half the time I try to login it says my account is locked even tho I KNOW im using the right password!! anyone else have that problem??

FINAL UPDATE: My claim was approved today!!! All 10 weeks will be paid this Friday according to the determination letter I received. The DEO rep I spoke with said the fact-finding form was indeed what was holding everything up. For anyone else stuck in adjudication - definitely check for any pending items in your CONNECT inbox, and don't believe it when they tell you these extreme delays are "normal" for everyone. Thank you all for the support and advice!

Yes, absolutely continue claiming weeks while the appeal is processing! This is critical - if you win the appeal but haven't been claiming weeks, you won't receive backpay for unclaimed weeks. Make sure she completes all five work search activities each week and reports them accurately. One more tip: If it's been more than 72 hours since you filed the appeal and you don't see it reflected in CONNECT, call and ask for the Appeals Department specifically. Sometimes appeals get lost in the system, especially when filed online.

This happened to me but with a twist - I was deemed eligible then they reversed it later and wanted money back! The whole DEO system is just broken. Good luck getting anyone on the phone without spending your whole day trying.

I just called DEO and after waiting for 2 hours, they confirmed what everyone here said - the extra $300 ended in December. The agent told me there's no way to get a higher weekly amount than what's on my determination letter, even though it's so low. She suggested I check with CareerSource for job search help. I feel so discouraged right now.

I'm sorry you're dealing with this. While the regular benefit amount can't be increased beyond your determination, make sure you're claiming all your weeks on time and completing the 5 required work searches per week so you don't miss any payments. Also, check if you qualify for partial benefits if you find part-time work - you can earn up to $69 per week without reducing your benefits.

I think everyone here is missing something important. When your regular benefits exhaust, you SHOULD see a link in CONNECT that says "Apply for PEUC" or something similar for whatever the current extension program is called. If you don't see that link within 24-48 hours after your benefits exhaust, there's likely an issue with your account. At least that's how it worked for me back in November. The system is supposed to automatically determine eligibility, but sometimes you need to initiate the extension yourself through that link.

Based on my experience working with unemployment claims, here's what you should expect: 1. Continue claiming weeks exactly as you have been 2. The system takes 7-14 days to process extension eligibility after regular benefits exhaust 3. You will receive a determination notice in your CONNECT inbox once a decision is made 4. If approved, payments typically begin 1-2 weeks after approval 5. The first payment will include any eligible weeks that occurred during the processing period If you don't see any updates in your CONNECT account after 10 days, I strongly recommend contacting DEO directly. The mainline (1-800-204-2418) is often overwhelmed, but calling right when they open at 7:30am gives you the best chance of getting through. And as others have mentioned, absolutely continue completing and reporting your 5 work search activities each week during this transition period.

Be super careful with remote jobs right now!!! I was desperate last month when my benefits went on hold and almost fell for a check cashing scam that looked like a legitimate data entry job. They sent me a check to "buy equipment" and wanted me to send part of it back. Classic scam! Legitimate employers never send you money upfront or ask you to purchase anything with their funds. Try checking with CareerSource Florida too - they sometimes have leads on remote work and can help update your resume.

While searching for remote work is certainly practical in your situation, I'd also recommend focusing on resolving your adjudication issue as quickly as possible. There are several common reasons claims go into adjudication: employment separation issues, income verification problems, work search compliance, or identity verification concerns. Check your CONNECT inbox and Determination/Pending Issue Summary section to see if there are any fact-finding questionnaires you need to complete. If there's nothing there, your best option is to speak directly with a DEO representative. Regarding remote work: besides the suggestions already mentioned, check USAJobs.gov for federal remote positions, VIPKid for teaching English online (if you have a bachelor's degree), and Lionbridge or Appen for flexible evaluation projects. Just remember that in Florida, you must report any earnings when claiming weeks, and your benefits will be reduced accordingly based on their formula.