I'm in a very similar situation right now! Just had a 5-week temp assignment end (data entry clerk) and I'm trying to figure out the same thing with my DEO claim. Reading through all these responses is super helpful - sounds like the consensus is definitely to reopen rather than file new since we're both still in our benefit year. One thing I'm curious about that I haven't seen mentioned - did anyone have issues with the temp agency trying to say you "quit" instead of the assignment ending? My agency keeps saying different things about how they'll report it, and I'm worried it might mess up my claim if there's conflicting information. Also @Danielle Campbell - we filed around the same time (I filed in December 2024) so our situations are really similar. Let me know how it goes when you reopen yours! I'm planning to do mine this week once I get my final paystub. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is way more helpful than anything on the actual DEO website!

I just went through this exact process about a month ago after a 3-week warehouse temp job ended! You definitely want to reopen your existing claim rather than file a new one since you're still well within your benefit year (filed in November 2024). Here's what worked for me: Log into CONNECT and look for the "Reopen Claim" option. When it asks why you stopped claiming benefits, select "returned to work." Then when it asks why the job ended, be very careful to select "temporary assignment completed" or "lack of work" - NOT anything that suggests you quit or were terminated for cause. You'll need to report your exact earnings for each week you worked at the temp job. Have your paystubs ready with the exact amounts. The system is really picky about this part. My claim did go into pending status for about 2.5 weeks while they reviewed everything, but once approved, I got all my back payments and my original remaining balance was still there. One tip: Start doing your 5 weekly work search contacts immediately when you reopen - don't wait for approval. DEO requires this from day one of claiming again. Your $4,800 balance should definitely still be available since your benefit year hasn't expired. Good luck with the process!

Hey Isabella, I just wanted to chime in as someone who went through almost the exact same situation earlier this year. Had 7 weeks stuck in adjudication because my former employer claimed I "abandoned my job" when they actually eliminated my entire department. It's absolutely maddening how they put the burden on us to prove we're telling the truth. Since you mentioned you got through via Claimyr and have that HR email documenting your layoff, you're actually in a really strong position. When that supervisor calls back (and keep calling if they don't), make sure to ask them to email you a copy of whatever your employer submitted disputing your claim. You have a right to see their side of the story, and often their version has inconsistencies that work in your favor. Also, if you haven't already, file a wage theft complaint with the Department of Labor if your employer is trying to avoid paying into unemployment insurance by lying about layoffs. It won't help your current claim but it puts them on notice that this behavior isn't acceptable. The waiting is brutal but you're so close to getting this resolved! Keep us posted on how the supervisor call goes - your persistence is inspiring and will definitely help others in similar situations.

Isabella, I'm really glad to see you got some traction with Claimyr and have someone looking at your case now! Your situation is unfortunately way too common - employers disputing legitimate layoffs just to avoid paying unemployment taxes is such a scummy practice. One thing I learned when I went through a similar dispute last year: if that supervisor doesn't call back within their promised timeframe, don't wait more than 2-3 business days before following up. When I got passive and waited "patiently" for callbacks, my case just sat there for weeks. But when I stayed on top of them with regular follow-ups, things moved much faster. Also, since you mentioned having that HR email about your layoff - that's golden evidence! Make sure you have it ready to send immediately if they ask. I'd also recommend taking screenshots of it in case the original gets corrupted or lost somehow. The fact that you're now employed actually works in your favor here because it shows you weren't just trying to milk the system - you genuinely needed those benefits during your unemployment period. Keep fighting for that money you're owed, and definitely keep us updated on how the supervisor call goes!

As someone brand new to this community and the Florida unemployment system, this entire thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I just filed my first claim a few weeks ago and had no idea that these "on hold" situations were so common. What really stands out to me is how everyone here has basically had to become experts on workarounds for a system that should just work properly. The fact that @Luca Esposito got his payment but CONNECT still showed "on hold" perfectly illustrates how unreliable the official system is. I'm taking notes on all the practical advice shared here - checking payment methods directly instead of trusting CONNECT status, the 2-4 week timeline for mysterious holds to resolve, optimal calling times, and resources like the monetary reconsideration option. This is exactly the kind of real-world knowledge that new claimants desperately need but can't find anywhere in DEO's official guidance. It's both frustrating and comforting to see how this community has come together to fill the information gaps left by the DEO's poor communication. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - you're helping so many people understand what to expect and feel less alone in dealing with this confusing process!

As a newcomer to this community, I'm so grateful to have found this thread! I'm currently dealing with my first unemployment claim and was completely bewildered when one of my weeks went "on hold" with absolutely no explanation from DEO. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - especially @Luca Esposito's update that the payment eventually came through after 3 weeks even though CONNECT never updated properly. That gives me hope that my held week isn't just lost forever! The practical advice shared here is invaluable - I had no idea about checking my actual payment method instead of trusting what CONNECT shows, or about resources like the monetary reconsideration option @Mateo Rodriguez mentioned. It's clear that successfully navigating the DEO system requires this kind of community knowledge that you simply can't get from their official resources. This thread perfectly demonstrates why this community is so important - real people sharing real experiences and actionable advice for dealing with a confusing and often frustrating system. Thanks to everyone who took the time to help others understand what to expect. It really helps newcomers like me feel less alone in this process!

Just wanted to add my voice to this thread - I've been stuck since February and it's been absolutely brutal. The stress of not knowing when (or if) payments will come through is taking a real toll. I tried the Claimyr service mentioned here and while it did get me through to someone after about a week of trying, the agent basically told me my case was "under review" with no timeline. At least I have documentation of that conversation now though. I'm going to try the Inspector General complaint route next - thank you @Ethan Wilson and @Fatima Al-Suwaidi for sharing that option! It's sad that we have to become our own advocates to this extent, but this community has given me so many strategies I never would have thought of. Hang in there everyone - we'll get through this mess eventually! 🙏

I'm going through the exact same thing and it's absolutely infuriating! Filed my claim back in May and haven't seen a single penny. The worst part is the complete lack of communication - like, just tell us what's wrong so we can fix it! Reading through all these comments has been both depressing and helpful. I had no idea about the Inspector General complaint option or reaching out to state representatives - definitely trying both of those this week. The fact that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get basic information about our own claims is beyond ridiculous. Thanks to everyone sharing their strategies and experiences - at least we know we're not alone in this nightmare! 🤞

Just want to add another resource that might help - check with local workforce development boards in your area. They often have emergency assistance programs or connections to temporary work agencies that specialize in hospitality placements. Also, some counties have their own assistance programs that can help bridge the gap between unemployment ending and finding stable work. Your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with county-specific resources. Don't give up hope - the hospitality industry does tend to have seasonal upticks, and with spring/summer approaching, there might be more opportunities opening up soon!

Another option to consider is looking into local community colleges that offer short-term certification programs in high-demand fields. Many have partnerships with local employers and some even offer income support during training. I know Valencia College and St. Pete College have programs specifically designed for career changers. Also, if you're in the Tampa Bay area, the hospitality industry there is actually showing signs of recovery - I've seen more cruise lines resuming operations and theme parks expanding their workforce. Don't lose hope! Sometimes these tough periods force us to discover new opportunities we wouldn't have considered otherwise.