One more tip: if you don't see movement in 72 hours as promised, call back and ask specifically for a "BWI ticket number" for your escalation. This is an internal tracking number they use, and having this number will help if you need to follow up again. Every time they say they're escalating something, you should get one of these ticket numbers.

FINAL UPDATE: It worked!!! After 6 weeks of nothing happening, I finally got all my back pay deposited yesterday! For anyone else stuck in post-appeal limbo, here's what finally worked for me: 1) Used Claimyr to get through to DEO, 2) Spoke with an appeals department agent who escalated my case, 3) Contacted my state rep who also pushed on my behalf. Three days later, everything was processed and paid. Thanks to everyone who helped with advice!

i think home health aides and caregivers should be REGULAR EMPLOYEES not 1099 anyway!!! your probly misclassified which is illegal. my friend got backpay when her agency got in truble for this

One more tip - when you file, under "reason for separation" select "temporary layoff" or "reduction in hours" rather than "quit" or "fired." This accurately reflects your situation as a temporary work gap with a planned return date. Also, be prepared that if approved, you'll still need to complete five work search activities per week unless they specifically exempt you due to the temporary nature of your layoff with a return date. Document all applications, contacts with employers, etc. while you're waiting for July 1st. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

Quick update - I just saw your comment about not seeing anything in your CONNECT inbox. That could actually be part of the problem. Sometimes the DEO system glitches and doesn't display messages even though they're in the system. When you finally reach a representative, ask them specifically to check if there are any pending fact-finding questionnaires or requests for information assigned to your account that aren't visible to you. Also, make sure you're still claiming weeks even while waiting for this to resolve! Many people stop claiming thinking there's no point since they're not getting paid, but once the issue is fixed, they can only pay you for properly claimed weeks.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to anyone? The Claimyr service I mentioned earlier helped me connect within 35 minutes today when I needed to ask about a new issue. The DEO agent was able to see exactly what was holding up my claim - turned out to be something completely different than what I thought. Hope you get answers soon!

Soooo I know this isn't exactly what you asked but have you looked into applying for disability? My cousin did that when she had to take extended medical leave and it helped her. Not sure how long your medical stuff will last but might be worth looking into?

Just to follow up on the Social Security Disability question - for short-term situations (8 weeks), you definitely won't qualify for SSDI. That's for long-term disabilities expected to last at least a year or result in death. The application process alone often takes 3-5 months for the initial decision. I think your best options are the emergency assistance programs others have mentioned: - 211 for local resources - County emergency assistance programs - Food banks and SNAP (food stamps) - Utility company hardship programs - Religious organizations often have emergency funds - Nonprofits specific to your medical condition might offer assistance Also, double-check with your HR - sometimes companies have Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that can provide emergency loans or grants that aren't well advertised.

anybody try calling the naples office? i heard they sometimes answer faster than the main line

I just wanted to follow up on this - the changing payment amounts issue is actually a known system problem DEO is working on fixing. I was at a CareerSource office yesterday and overheard a DEO representative telling someone that their IT department identified a bug affecting certain claims filed between March-May. The bug occurs when the system applies income deductions incorrectly. If you're experiencing this, they recommend: 1. Document all payment amounts received 2. File a formal appeal for each incorrect payment (this puts it in a different processing queue) 3. Submit all appeals together with a cover letter explaining the pattern 4. Request retroactive adjustment of all affected payments For the backpay issue, they're currently about 90-120 days behind on processing those requests, so you should hear something within the next 30 days hopefully.