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Is anyone else getting automatically disconnected when trying to call DEO right now? I've tried every number I can find (1-800-204-2418, 888-993-9713, 833-352-7759) and each time the call drops in the middle of their automated message! It's driving me INSANE. I submitted all my documents through their portal AND completed ID.me verification like they asked. Instead of fixing things, they've LOCKED my account (which was already pending for weeks) and sent a message saying the info I provided is "insufficient" without explaining what's missing. The documents I sent are EXACTLY what they requested in the first place! I'm at my wit's end trying to get through to a real person. Does anyone know if there's an actual working number to call DEO these days? Or some magic trick to get them to answer? My rent is due next week and I'm getting desperate.
One more thing to consider - depending on the amount of the bonus, it may affect just one week of benefits or potentially more. If the bonus amount exceeds your weekly benefit amount, you may be disqualified for that week entirely. If it's really substantial, it could impact multiple weeks. When you speak with DEO, ask them specifically how they'll allocate the bonus amount.
I just checked the most current DEO handbook, and they calculate earnings impact by looking at your weekly benefit amount (WBA). For any week where you report income: • If you earn less than $58, your benefits aren't affected • If you earn between $58 and your WBA, they deduct 80% of what you earned from your weekly payment • If you earn more than your WBA, you won't receive benefits for that week With a bonus of $2,400, you'll likely have at least 6-7 weeks where you're disqualified from receiving benefits, depending on how DEO chooses to allocate it. Definitely get clarification on this when you speak with them.
Thank you for the detailed explanation. I managed to get through to DEO using the Claimyr service, and you were right. They're allocating my bonus across multiple weeks, so I won't receive benefits for about 6 weeks. The good news is they weren't treating it as fraud since I called to self-report the error. The agent noted everything in my file and told me to keep claiming weeks as normal. At least I don't have to worry about getting in trouble now!
One more thing to prepare for: expect your account to go into "pending" status during the transition between benefit years. This is normal but stressful. You'll still need to claim weeks during this time, even though payments might be delayed until your new claim is processed. If your claim gets stuck in adjudication during the transition (this happened to me), be persistent about contacting DEO. The regular phone lines are nearly impossible, so having alternative contact methods ready is essential. Also, occasionally check your CONNECT inbox and spam folder for any fact-finding questionnaires. Missing these can seriously delay your new claim processing.
One more thing to consider - if they're cutting your hours dramatically, you might already qualify for partial unemployment RIGHT NOW. You don't have to be completely unemployed to get benefits in Florida. If your weekly earnings drop below what your weekly benefit amount would be, you can get partial payments. This way you can stay employed while supplementing your income and looking for a better job.
btw whatever u do DONT badmouth your employer on social media!!! DEO sometimes asks for access to your social profiles during investigations and they can use that against u to say u were trying to get fired on purpose!!
i had this exact problem with backdating last year but it was for my PUA claim when i got laid off not regular unemployment but anyways the agent told me they can only backdate if you can prove you couldnt access the system. did you take any screenshots of the errors? thats what i did and it worked
UPDATE: Thank you all for the advice! I submitted a backdate request through CONNECT yesterday and also sent an email with my screenshots to the DEO.BPC email address. This morning I checked my Determination History tab as suggested and there's already a notice saying my backdate request was APPROVED! Now I just need to figure out how to claim those backdated weeks.
Great news! To claim your backdated weeks: 1. Go to your home page in CONNECT 2. Look for "Claim Weeks" under the "Weekly Benefit Details" section 3. You should now see the backdated weeks available to claim If you don't see them right away, give the system 24-48 hours to fully process the backdate. Remember you'll need to complete the work search requirements for each week (5 job contacts per week) unless you had a specific exemption. Congratulations on getting this resolved quickly!
THIS is why i hate florida unemployment so much... they make everything confusing on purpose hoping u will just give up. use any date and keep filing, but document EVERYTHING in case they try to say u made an error later. screenshot all ur answers and keep records of all ur work hours at the restaurant. the system is designed to make us fail.
anybody know if work search requirements are different if u have a part time job already? do i still need to do all 5 job contacts if im already working 2 days a week?
Yes, you still need to complete 5 work search activities per week even if you have part-time work, unless you've been placed on a Return to Work date by your previous employer. Having part-time work doesn't exempt you from the work search requirements in Florida. Make sure to keep detailed records of all your job contacts!
I had similar question few weeks ago. For me I claim wednsday and got money friday. But my cousin claim same day and didnt get til monday? Wierd system.
Just to add some clarification - the payment process is: 1. You claim your weeks on CONNECT 2. DEO processes it the next business day (generates payment) 3. Your bank or Way2Go card then makes funds available So while DEO is pretty consistent with next-day processing, it's steps 2-3 where variations occur. If you claim Wednesday, they process Thursday, and your bank typically takes 1 day, you'd see it Friday. If your bank takes 2-3 days, it might be Monday. Good luck with your job interview, by the way! Hope it goes well.
my freind works at deo and she told me they have HUGE backlog right now, so everyone is waiting weeks longer than normal. something about system upgrades causing problems???
Yes, this is accurate. The DEO implemented some system changes in early 2025 that have created processing delays. They're working through the backlog, but it's definitely causing longer wait times than the usual 2-3 weeks for new claims. Make sure you're logging in regularly and claiming weeks on schedule despite the pending status.
Update: I used Claimyr this morning and actually got through to someone! The agent said my claim was pending because they needed additional proof of my last day worked (even though I submitted that with my initial application). She sent me a link to upload the document, and said my claim should be processed within 48-72 hours after they receive it. Thanks everyone for your help!
I wanted to add one more thing - check if your husband's claim is near the end of his benefit year. Sometimes when you're approaching the end of your benefit year, the system will put weeks on hold as part of a re-verification process. This is actually more common than many people realize. Also, if this continues to be an issue, you can request monetary reconsideration through CONNECT. Go to: 1. Determination, Pending Issues and Decision Summary 2. Click on the relevant determination (if there is one) 3. Select "Request Monetary Reconsideration" This sometimes prompts the system to review held payments faster.
so do we actually have to apply to 5 jobs every single week? thats like impossible in my small town lol
Yes, 5 work search activities are required weekly for regular unemployment. But they don't all have to be job applications! Work search activities can include: - Submitting job applications - Attending job fairs - Creating profiles on job sites - Meeting with career counselors - Attending workshops at CareerSource - Employment interviews If you're in a rural area with limited opportunities, definitely connect with your local CareerSource office - their activities count toward your requirements and they can help document everything properly.
I just want to say thank you to everyone who responded! I downloaded the work search form and started tracking everything. I had my first interview yesterday and I'm keeping detailed notes of all my applications. This community has been so helpful - I was really confused about the whole process before.
TommyKapitz
my cousin had this problem and she just kept calling like 50 times until she got through lol persistence is key
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Dominique Adams
•I'm at about 15 calls today and counting... guess I need to triple my efforts!
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Louisa Ramirez
Quick update on phone numbers - the most reliable one right now seems to be 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759), but you need to call between 7:30-8:00 AM for the best chance of getting through. Also, make sure you're selecting option 2 for claimant assistance and then option 4 for claim-specific questions when prompted. This routing tends to have more agents available.
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Dominique Adams
•Thank you so much! I'll set my alarm for 7:15 tomorrow morning and try this approach. Really appreciate all the help from everyone.
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