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.

Quick update on what's been happening with retroactive payments in Florida: DEO announced last month they're processing backdating requests in batches based on filing date. If your request was submitted in January, you're likely in the batch scheduled for processing in mid-April. They're severely understaffed in the department that handles backdating. One thing that might help - check your CONNECT inbox daily. Often they'll send a fact-finding questionnaire about your backdating request without any notification. If you miss responding to this within 7 days, they automatically deny the request and you have to start over.

btw dont bother with the contact form on the DEO website. complete blackhole - ive sent like 9 messages there about my backdating issue and never got ONE single response. total waste of time!!!

So typical of DEO to have these ridiculous system errors! I swear CONNECT is the most broken government website I've ever used. During my claim last year, it would randomly log me out mid-certification, make me re-verify my identity for NO reason, and once it even showed my claim as "monetarily ineligible" when I'd already been receiving payments for MONTHS! I called for three weeks straight trying to get that fixed. The whole system needs to be completely replaced, not just "updated.

Thank you everyone for the helpful feedback! I'm definitely going to ignore that PUA prompt. I was able to get through to DEO this morning using that Claimyr service someone recommended, and the agent confirmed it's just a system glitch. She put a note in my file about the error and told me to ignore any PUA-related screens or messages. She also checked if I qualify for any other benefits now that my regular RA is exhausted, but unfortunately I don't at this time. At least the issue is resolved and I won't accidentally apply for something that doesn't exist!

They paid me retroactively for all weeks from when I first applied. It came out to about $870 extra and took about 5 days after the determination was updated. Just a heads up though - when they make the adjustment, your payment status might show "on hold" for a few days. Don't panic, that's normal during recalculation.

You have 20 calendar days from the date on your monetary determination letter to request reconsideration. After that, it gets much more complicated, so don't delay! As far as documentation options, DEO accepts: - Tax documents (1099, W-2, Schedule C) - Bank statements with deposits highlighted - Signed letter from the employer confirming dates and wages - Pay stubs (which you don't have) - Contracts showing agreed payment terms - IRS wage transcripts Just make sure when you submit the reconsideration form (DEO-UCB-13) that you clearly state which quarters the missing wages should be applied to. This helps them process faster.

UPDATE: I just went through this process with a client last week (I help people navigate unemployment issues). The current protocol for changing answers on your initial application requires: 1. A verbal request to a claims examiner (not regular agent) 2. A follow-up written statement explaining the error (they'll provide a secure upload link) 3. Documentation of your work search efforts showing you're looking for full-time positions The good news is they're processing these requests faster now - about 10-14 days instead of months. The key is getting to a claims examiner ASAP before a determination is made.

UPDATE: I finally got through to DEO this morning! Used the Claimyr service after trying for hours yesterday with no luck. The claims examiner I spoke with was actually very helpful and said this happens ALL THE TIME with teachers. She submitted a request to modify my application and gave me a confirmation number. She said it should be processed within 7-10 business days, and in the meantime, I should continue claiming weeks and doing all 5 work searches. She also mentioned I should upload a written statement explaining that I misunderstood the question and am available for full-time work, which I did right after the call. Thank you all for your advice - I would have been completely lost without it!