As someone who's been through the Florida DEO system multiple times, I can confirm what others have said - you're definitely on the right track by asking these questions early! One additional tip I haven't seen mentioned: when you're doing your work searches, try to vary the types of activities you're doing each week. Don't just do 5 online applications every week. Mix it up with things like: - Online applications (2-3 per week) - In-person visits to drop off resumes (1-2 per week) - Networking calls or emails to industry contacts (1-2 per week) - CareerSource workshops or job fairs (as available) This variety shows DEO that you're making a genuine effort to find work through multiple channels, not just going through the motions. Plus, different approaches often yield different results - some of my best job leads came from unexpected networking conversations rather than formal applications. Since you're coming from restaurant management, don't forget about adjacent industries that value your skills: catering companies, event venues, country clubs, corporate cafeterias, and even retail management roles often appreciate hospitality management experience. Keep that detailed documentation everyone's mentioned - it really does matter if you ever get audited. You're being smart about this process and that preparation will pay off!

One thing I want to add that's been super helpful for me - create a dedicated folder on your computer (and phone if possible) for EVERYTHING unemployment related. I have subfolders for: - Work search records/screenshots - DEO correspondence - Job applications and confirmations - Resume versions - Reference contact info This saved me SO much time when I had to provide documentation later. Also, if you're tech-savvy, you can set up automatic forwarding rules in your email so anything from job sites or with keywords like "application received" automatically goes to a specific folder. Makes it way easier to find confirmation emails when you're claiming weeks. The restaurant management experience you have is honestly really valuable right now - so many places are desperate for experienced managers who know how to handle staffing challenges and operations. Don't sell yourself short while you're searching. You've got skills that are in high demand!

Congratulations on winning your appeal! That's such a huge weight off your shoulders after 6 weeks of fighting. From what I've seen in this community, you're definitely on the right track - no additional forms or calls needed, just patience while their system processes everything. I haven't been through an appeal myself, but I've watched friends go through similar situations. The timeline seems to vary quite a bit - some see money in under a week, others wait 2+ weeks. The key thing everyone mentions is watching for those status changes in CONNECT from "Hold - Adjudication" to "Eligible" to "Processed." One thing I'd suggest based on what others have shared here: take screenshots of everything, especially that determination letter. If there are any hiccups down the road, having that documentation readily available will save you headaches. You've already done the hardest part by winning the appeal. Now it's just waiting for DEO's slow system to catch up with the decision. Keeping my fingers crossed that your $4,750 processes quickly and smoothly!

Congratulations on winning your appeal! That's such a huge victory after 6 weeks of fighting the system. I went through a similar appeal process about 5 months ago when DEO incorrectly denied me for "voluntary quit" even though I was clearly laid off due to company downsizing. After I received my favorable determination letter, it took exactly 11 business days for the back payments to hit my account. Here's what I learned: the system needs time to update all the held weeks from "Hold - Adjudication" to "Eligible" status, which usually happens within the first week. Then it takes another few days for the actual payment processing. You're absolutely right to keep claiming your weekly certifications - that's crucial. Also, don't panic if you see your account status fluctuate or if new "to-do" items appear. Sometimes their system gets confused after processing appeals and might ask you to verify things you've already verified. Your $4,750 should process automatically once everything updates in their system. The hardest part is definitely over - you have that determination letter as proof, so even if there are small delays, you will get your money. Try to check your account once a day rather than obsessively refreshing (easier said than done, I know!). You've got this!

I've been claiming on different days for years and honestly, the day doesn't matter much for processing speed. DEO processes next business day no matter what. The real variable is your bank - Wells Fargo usually takes 1-2 days to post unemployment deposits in my experience. So claiming Wednesday = processed Thursday = in your account Friday most likely. I wouldn't worry about system glitches from claiming on a different day - those are random and can happen any day of the week. As long as you claim before midnight Wednesday you're golden. Hope the job interview went well!

I've been claiming on different days for over a year now due to my rotating work schedule, and I can confirm the day you claim doesn't affect DEO's processing timeline. They process all claims the next business day regardless. The key factor is your bank's posting schedule. With Wells Fargo specifically, I've noticed they typically post unemployment deposits on the second business day after DEO processes - so if you claim Wednesday, DEO processes Thursday, and you'll likely see it Saturday or Monday (depending on weekend processing). Some people get lucky with Friday deposits but I wouldn't count on it for bill planning. The system glitches people mention are usually unrelated to claiming day and more about random CONNECT issues. You should be fine for your rent deadline!

Dylan, congratulations on your first payment! I see everyone has given you great advice already. Just wanted to add one more perspective as someone who's been through this process recently. The waiting week confusion is totally normal - I think every first-time filer gets confused about this. You're correct that you won't get paid for that first week (6/30-7/4 in your case), and yes, you just move forward from here. Don't stress about it! One thing I wish someone had told me early on: set up a simple system NOW to track everything. I use a basic notebook where I write down: - Each work search with full details (date, company, contact method, result) - Screenshots of my biweekly claims - Any correspondence with DEO - My claim schedule dates It seems like overkill at first, but trust me, if you ever get selected for an audit or have any issues, you'll be SO glad you kept detailed records from day one. The people who run into trouble are usually the ones who tried to recreate their records months later. Also, don't be afraid to ask questions here! This community has been super helpful, and there's no such thing as a stupid question when it comes to navigating Florida's unemployment system. We've all been where you are now. You're off to a great start - just stay organized and you'll be fine!

Dylan, congratulations on getting your first payment! That's always such a relief when you're dealing with Florida's unemployment system for the first time. Everyone has given you excellent advice already, but I wanted to add one small tip that helped me when I was starting out: if you're ever unsure about anything related to your claim, check the "Messages" section in CONNECT regularly. Sometimes DEO sends important notifications through the system that don't always trigger email alerts. Also, regarding your work search activities - since you're just getting started, consider registering with your local CareerSource center if you haven't already. They offer free resources like resume help, job search assistance, and networking events. Plus, attending their workshops counts as valid work search activities, and they can provide documentation if you need it for an audit later. The learning curve is steep at first, but once you get into the routine of claiming every two weeks and keeping track of your work searches, it becomes much more manageable. You're asking all the right questions, which shows you're taking this seriously - that's going to serve you well throughout the process. Keep doing what you're doing, stay organized, and don't hesitate to ask more questions as they come up. This community is really helpful for navigating all the quirks of the Florida DEO system!

This is incredibly helpful! I've been calling DEO for 7 weeks about my claim that's been stuck in "eligibility determination pending" since January 20th. I've been calling randomly throughout the day - sometimes morning, sometimes afternoon - and always getting that automated "all representatives are busy" message before it disconnects. I had no idea there was a specific time window that actually worked! The 7:30AM timing makes perfect sense now - of course their queue fills up immediately when they open. I've been doing this completely wrong. Setting multiple alarms for tomorrow morning to try this. My claim got stuck because I had a brief gap in employment where I did some gig work (DoorDash) before filing, and apparently that triggered some kind of review. I submitted all my 1099 documentation and earnings records weeks ago but haven't heard anything back. This thread has been more useful than months of trying to navigate the DEO website or calling the automated line! Thank you so much for sharing this timing hack - it's giving me real hope for the first time in weeks that I might actually get some answers. Will definitely update tomorrow if the 7:30AM method works for me too. Really appreciate you taking the time to help everyone out!

This is amazing - thank you so much for sharing this timing trick! I've been calling DEO for almost a month about my claim that's stuck in "work search requirement review" since early February. I've been calling at completely random times during the day and getting absolutely nowhere with that awful "all representatives are busy" message every single time. The 7:30AM timing makes total sense - their system probably gets flooded within minutes of opening and then it's impossible to get through for the rest of the day. I can't believe I've been wasting all this time calling at random hours like an idiot! Setting my alarm for 7:25AM tomorrow to try this. My claim got flagged because I apparently didn't submit my work search activities correctly for a few weeks in January (the CONNECT website is so confusing about what counts as valid work search), and now everything is frozen while they review it. I have all my job application records saved but just need to talk to someone to explain the situation. Reading through all these success stories actually gives me hope for the first time in weeks! Will definitely update tomorrow if the 7:30AM method gets me into the callback queue. Thank you for figuring this out and sharing it with everyone - you're literally helping so many people get their lives back on track!