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I've been on DEO unemployment since early March 2025 and just found out about the work search requirements when I tried to claim my weeks today. I honestly had no idea this was reinstated! The system is now asking me for 5 work search activities per week which I haven't been keeping track of. When exactly did Florida DEO bring this requirement back? Was there any notification sent out? I'm freaking out because I don't have all these records and don't know what to do about my previous weeks. Has anyone else been blindsided by this change?
Beyond frustrated right now! I just got off a call with DEO about my missing weeks. I was supposed to claim my last 2 weeks of June on July 2nd, but when I logged into CONNECT, those weeks weren't available to claim! The agent just told me that because we're in a new quarter, I have to reapply completely, and I FORFEIT those two weeks from June that I was eligible for!!! Is this actually correct??? I worked those weeks in June and was eligible for benefits but now I'm being told I lose approximately $550 because the quarter changed over? This can't be right - has anyone dealt with this quarterly changeover issue before? I'm a single parent and that money was budgeted for bills already. ๐
DEO agent here. I can clarify this situation for everyone: 1. When quarters change, many claimants need to file a new application to determine continued eligibility - this is required by Florida law, not DEO policy. 2. However, weeks that were AVAILABLE TO CLAIM during the previous quarter that you were eligible for but didn't claim (for whatever reason) CAN be requested retroactively. This requires a supervisor override in most cases. 3. The confusion happens because regular agents often aren't trained on how to process these retroactive claims across quarter boundaries. It requires a specific process in the CONNECT system. 4. What you need to do: First, complete your new quarterly application. Once approved, call and specifically request to speak with a supervisor about "retroactive certification for eligible weeks from the previous quarter." Be persistent. 5. Make sure you have documentation showing why you were unable to claim those weeks on time (if applicable). Hope this helps clarify the situation!
THANK YOU for this detailed explanation! This is exactly what I needed to know. I'll file my new quarterly application today and then follow up about the retroactive weeks once it's approved. I really appreciate the specific terminology to use - that's super helpful.
Just an update for anyone who might face this issue in the future - the key details from this thread: 1. Quarter changes (end of March, June, September, December) can affect your ability to claim weeks 2. If you need to claim weeks from a previous quarter after a new quarter has started, you should: - Complete your new quarterly application first - After approval, call DEO and ask for a supervisor - Request "retroactive certification for eligible weeks from the previous quarter" - Be prepared to explain why you couldn't claim on time 3. Regular agents often don't know how to handle this situation, so supervisor involvement is crucial 4. Document everything - dates, times, names of representatives Hope this helps someone avoid losing their benefits!
Hi everyone, I just got the dreaded 'benefits exhausted' message on my CONNECT account yesterday. I'm in Fort Myers and our area got absolutely destroyed by the hurricane last month. My employer's business is still flooded and won't reopen until at least March 2025. The work search requirements were supposedly waived for areas like mine, but now that my regular benefits ran out, I'm panicking. Does anyone know if there are extensions available specifically for hurricane-affected areas? Or am I just out of luck now? The DEO website is so confusing about disaster assistance vs regular unemployment. I've tried calling 5 times today but keep getting disconnected.
anyone know how long DUA lasts? my brother got it after the hurricane but he said something about it ending soon?
UPDATE: I just wanted to thank everyone for their help! I used Claimyr this morning and actually got through to a DEO agent who was incredibly helpful. She confirmed I'm eligible for DUA since my workplace is still closed due to hurricane damage. I've submitted my application with photos of the damage and a letter from my employer confirming the closure until March. The agent said the work search requirements are definitely waived in my county through the disaster period. Such a relief! The waiting week is also waived for disaster claims. For anyone else in a similar situation, definitely apply for DUA if you're in a declared disaster area!
That's great news! Make sure you keep an eye on your CONNECT inbox for any requests for additional information. Sometimes they'll ask for more documentation even after initial approval. But sounds like you're on the right track now!
Hey everyone, I'm in complete panic mode right now. I just found out my DEO claim was sent to the FRAUD department because of ONE stupid typo in my application! Apparently my phone autocorrected something and now I'm being treated like a criminal. The DEO agent I finally reached told me I have to get a special form notarized to prove I'm actually me! I have to go to my local CareerSource tomorrow with my ID, social security card, and TWO pieces of mail with my address. Then I need to get this form notarized and bring it back so they can fax it to DEO. The agent said it will take 72 hours after that to fix my account. I'm so stressed because I haven't received ANY benefits for 3 weeks now because of this ridiculous situation. Has anyone else dealt with this fraud investigation process? Is it really going to be fixed in 72 hours like they promised?
Yes, they released all my pending payments yesterday! The money hit my account this morning. Such a relief after all this stress. The DEO agent I finally spoke with was actually very helpful and apologetic about the situation. She said their system automatically flags accounts when there are discrepancies, and unfortunately, the fraud department is severely understaffed right now, which is why it takes so long to resolve these issues. For anyone dealing with this in the future - definitely utilize all resources available (CareerSource, state representatives, and services that help you reach DEO). Being persistent is key!
Anyone else struggling with the CONNECT system today? I've been trying to claim my weeks since yesterday morning and it's been a nightmare!! I finally got ONE week submitted after trying for hours, but the system kept freezing when I tried to claim my second week. Today it's even worse - can't even get past the login screen without it timing out or giving me an error message. My benefits are already a week late and rent is due in 3 days. Is the system down for everyone or is it just my terrible luck? This is my first time having issues claiming weeks since I started unemployment in January.
UPDATE: Finally got both weeks claimed! For anyone still struggling, I followed the advice to use Chrome incognito mode at 5am this morning and got through with no issues. The system was super fast compared to yesterday. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
Adaline Wong
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.
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Ezra Beard
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.
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Adaline Wong
AuthorThanks for the advice! I'm definitely going to be much more careful going forward and document everything. It's so stressful dealing with these inconsistencies when you're already worried about finding work.
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