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DEO mixed messages about Regular UI extension - is my benefit really ending this month?
I'm completely stressed out right now. I got an email from DEO saying my Regular Unemployment benefits would continue until September, but when I logged into CONNECT this morning, there's a notification saying my benefits end on July 22, 2025! That's only 3 weeks away! Has anyone else noticed this discrepancy? I was counting on those benefits to pay my mortgage through summer while I finish this certification program. When I try calling DEO, I just get the "all agents are busy" message and then it hangs up. Are they ending the extended benefits early without telling anyone? I've still got like $4600 remaining in my account balance too!
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Unexpected DEO deposit on top of regular benefits - what could this mystery $270 be?
Logged into my bank account this morning and saw something weird. I filed my regular biweekly claim last Friday like I always do and got my normal payment yesterday ($550). But today I woke up to find another random $270 deposit from the DEO that I wasn't expecting at all! The payment just says "FL DEO UNE" like my normal benefits do. Is this a mistake? A retroactive adjustment? I'm worried they'll realize the error and demand I pay it back later. I've been on unemployment for about 2 months now after my marketing agency downsized. Anyone else get a surprise deposit today or know what this might be for? I checked CONNECT but there's no explanation!
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For anyone else finding this thread with a similar issue: ALWAYS contact DEO when you receive unexpected money. Document the call reference number and the name of the agent you speak with. Take screenshots of your CONNECT account showing the payment. If they later try to claim it was an overpayment, you'll have evidence you tried to verify. The burden of proof should be on them, not us!
Good advice! I took screenshots of everything just in case. The agent gave me a confirmation number too which I wrote down.
DEO benefits ending but workplace still closed - any extension options?
So I'm getting really worried about my situation. My regular unemployment benefits are scheduled to run out in about 3 weeks (I've been on since January), and my job at a concert venue is STILL not open. Management says reopening might be months away, maybe even 2026 at this rate! I know the federal unemployment supplement ends on July 31st too. What happens when both run out? Are there any extensions available in Florida for people whose workplaces literally can't reopen? I've been checking the DEO website daily but can't find clear info about my situation. My rent just increased by $275/month too, so I'm seriously panicking. Has anyone dealt with this or heard anything about extensions?
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Has anyone had luck with getting partial unemployment? Like if you find a part-time job that pays less than your full benefit amount? Might be an option to at least get some income while looking for full-time work?
I did partial unemployment last year. You can earn up to $58 a week without reduction, then they reduce your weekly benefit $1 for $1 after that. So if your weekly benefit is $275 and you earn $100, you'd get $233 in benefits ($275 - ($100-$58) = $233). It's something but the income limits are super low.
DEO CONNECT links to EmployFlorida erased my work search records - any way to recover?
I'm beyond frustrated with this whole system! I spent about 7 hours between Friday and today carefully documenting all my work search activities in EmployFlorida after being directed there from my CONNECT account. I added detailed info for all 5 required weekly job applications, updated my resume, and even completed some of their suggested trainings. Now I log in today to print proof for my claim and EVERYTHING IS GONE! No record of my applications, resume edits disappeared, and now my claim week is about to close. Has anyone else had EmployFlorida erase their work search records? Is there any way to recover this info or am I going to get penalized because their system is broken? I've tried calling DEO but just get the automated message saying call volume is too high.
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i had this happen and its so annoying!!! i think its because if you dont SAVE after each section it doesnt keep anything. like you have to hit save on resume, then hit save on job history, then hit save on applications. if you just hit next it doesn't save anything! the whole system is terrible, i started just taking pictures of everything with my phone so i have proof
After you manually enter your work searches in CONNECT for this week, I strongly recommend keeping separate records going forward. I've been using a simple Google Doc with columns for: - Date of application - Company name - Position title - Method of contact (online, email, in-person) - Contact person (if available) - Result/follow-up This way, even when DEO or EmployFlorida systems fail (which happens regularly), you're protected. Remember that DEO requires 5 work search activities per week for regular unemployment, and they must be completed and documented during the specific week you're claiming.
Thank you! I've started a spreadsheet based on your suggestion. It's ridiculous we have to create workarounds for their broken systems, but at least this way I'll be protected going forward.
DEO fraud victim - $3,700 stolen from CONNECT account with no response
Has anyone had their DEO account hacked and benefits stolen? In March 2025, I logged into my CONNECT account to claim my weeks and discovered someone had changed my payment method from direct deposit to a prepaid card I never authorized. They stole approximately $3,700 in benefits that should have been mine! I immediately reported it through the DEO fraud portal, filed a police report, and submitted all the documentation they requested. It's been FOUR MONTHS with zero response from DEO. I've called literally 50+ times but can never get through to a human. I even contacted my state representative's office (Rep. Wilson's constituent services) three times, and they just keep saying "we've forwarded your information to DEO." Nothing happens! This is beyond frustrating - I'm a single parent and really needed those benefits. Am I just out this money forever? Has DEO actually helped ANYONE recover stolen unemployment funds? This feels completely hopeless at this point.
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i dont get why everyone is having so many problems... i just walked into my local career source office and they helped me with everything. maybe try that instead of calling?
Caesar Grant
I used that Claimyr service I mentioned earlier and finally got through to DEO this afternoon. Wanted to update you on what they told me. The agent said: 1. The email about September was a mass communication that doesn't apply to everyone 2. Your CONNECT account showing the July date is the accurate one 3. You need to submit a new application for the extension 4. If you qualify, it's usually processed within 5-7 business days The most important thing is that you need to call them to verify YOUR specific situation since everyone's claim is different. Hope this helps!
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Elliott luviBorBatman
AuthorThank you so much for coming back and updating us! I'm definitely going to try that service tomorrow if I can't get through on my own. Did they say anything about what qualifications are needed for the extension? I've been on UI for about 10 months total now (with some gaps where I had part-time work).
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Elliott luviBorBatman
UPDATE: I finally got through to DEO this morning! For anyone else dealing with this issue, here's what I learned: 1. The email WAS confusing - the September date only applies if you qualify for the extension 2. I did need to complete a special fact-finding questionnaire that wasn't showing up in my CONNECT inbox 3. The agent manually added it to my account while I was on the phone 4. I have to submit it within 7 days 5. If approved, there shouldn't be any gap in payments The agent said they're getting flooded with calls about this same issue. Apparently the system was supposed to automatically add the questionnaire to eligible accounts, but there's been a technical glitch affecting some users. So glad I kept trying to reach them!
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Kara Yoshida
Thank you for sharing this update! This is extremely helpful information for others in the same situation. Make sure you complete that questionnaire ASAP and continue claiming your weeks as normal during the transition period. The questionnaire is the critical piece that determines your eligibility for the extension.
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