And make sure you don't miss the fact that you HAVE TO register in EmployFlorida.com BEFORE your appointment!! Some CareerSource offices won't even let you do your appointment if you haven't already done this step!! They don't make this clear enough in the emails!

i got one of these last year when i was on unemployment after i got laid off from construction work. its just them making sure ur actually looking for work and not just collecting checks. they helped me find a new job actually so it wasnt all bad.

whats the appeals implementation unit?? never heard of that before

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that my CONNECT account finally updated today (10/16). Status changed from "disqualified" to "eligible" for all my back weeks! Still no payment yet, but at least I can see progress happening. Will update again when the money actually comes through. Thanks everyone for your help!

One other thing to try while you're waiting - contact your state representative's office. Their constituent services can sometimes help push unemployment claims through when they're stuck. Just Google "Florida state representative" plus your zip code, call their office, and explain your situation. Many have staff dedicated to helping with DEO issues specifically because so many Floridians have these problems. They won't be able to get you an immediate answer, but they can sometimes escalate cases that have been pending for an unreasonable amount of time.

UPDATE: I finally got through to DEO using Claimyr this morning (took about 35 minutes but that's way better than never). Turns out there was a discrepancy between my reported last day of work and what my employer reported - off by just TWO DAYS. The agent was able to verify my information, and my claim has been moved from adjudication to processing! The agent said I should see payments for all 6 weeks within 2-3 business days. I'm almost afraid to believe it, but this seems like real progress. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

For what it's worth, I just called right now (2:15pm) and actually got through after only 9 attempts! So they are definitely open today. The agent told me they're experiencing extremely high call volume this week because a bunch of new claims from seasonal tourist industry layoffs just hit the system. She suggested trying to call first thing in the morning (7:30am) for the best chance of getting through.

I just kept redialing, but I also made sure to select the right options in the phone menu. Don't press 1 for general information - that goes to a different department. Press 2 for specific claim questions, then 4 for existing claims. That route gets you to the agents who can actually help with adjudication issues. And definitely keep claiming your weeks while waiting! If your claim is approved, you'll get backpay for all properly claimed weeks during the adjudication period.

have u tried clearing cookies and cache? sometimes the CONNECT site gets stuck in a weird loop and thats all it takes

Just following up - were you able to resolve this? If emailing didn't work, another option is to contact your state representative's office. They often have liaisons who can escalate DEO issues. I've seen people get results within 24-48 hours going this route when they were stuck for weeks trying on their own.

UPDATE: I found my work search info using the steps @helpful_guidance provided and the mistake wasn't as bad as I thought - I transposed two digits in the phone number. I'm going to bring printouts of the email confirmation I got from that employer showing the correct contact info to my fact finding appointment just in case. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance!

fyi if anyone else needs this in the future... i found out u can actually print all ur work search info from connect by going to determination&pendingissues tab then theres a link at the bottom for work search history report. gives u everything in 1 pdf

To clarify some misinformation in this thread: The type of phone you use shouldn't affect which department you reach. The DEO's routing system is based on the options you select and agent availability, not caller ID or phone type. What does sometimes help is calling from the exact phone number listed in your CONNECT profile. This can help with verification when you do reach an agent. Also, stay on the line even if it seems like you're being transferred incorrectly - sometimes there's a series of transfers before reaching claims. For adjudication issues specifically, be sure to have your claim ID number, the week(s) in question, and any fact-finding document numbers ready when you call. This helps the agent quickly locate your specific issue.

anyone else notice that the connect website and phone systems are extra glitchy on mondays? i swear they do it on purpose cuz they know more people try to call on mondays

Just to clarify a few things: 1. The CONNECT work search log is sufficient documentation. You don't need to print anything unless specifically requested during an audit. 2. Extensions are processed automatically - the system will determine if you qualify for Extended Benefits based on your earnings during your base period and how much of your regular claim you exhausted. 3. There may be a brief processing period (1-3 days) when you transition from regular benefits to extended benefits, but if you continue claiming weeks as scheduled, there shouldn't be any payment gaps. 4. Work search requirements remain at 5 verifiable work searches per week unless you have a Work Search Waiver. 5. The current federal supplement ($375/week in Florida) continues with your extension as long as the program remains funded.

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure your address and direct deposit info are up to date in CONNECT before your claim rolls over! When mine switched to extended benefits, it somehow reverted to an old address I had in the system, and they tried mailing me a paper check instead of direct deposit. Took 3 weeks to fix the mess.

Since you already got your hearing notice from CONNECT, make sure to download and save it immediately. Sometimes they disappear from the system (happened to my cousin). Also, write down the exact phone number and access code for the hearing and set multiple reminders. Missing the hearing automatically means you lose the case.

One last piece of advice - during the hearing, keep your answers brief and directly address the question asked. Don't volunteer extra information or try to tell your whole story at once. The hearing officer will guide the conversation. If you're asked a yes/no question, answer yes or no and then elaborate only if asked to do so. Stay focused on the key facts: 1) You gave proper notice, 2) Employer terminated you early, 3) You had a new job lined up with a specific start date, and 4) You only claimed benefits for that gap period. Good luck!

the deo website says they have a backlog right now because of some technical update they did last month. maybe thats why its taking so long for everyone

UPDATE: I finally got through to DEO this morning! Had to call 14 times before I wasn't disconnected. The representative confirmed there was a system glitch that affected my account and several others. She said the missing weeks should reappear within 48-72 hours and gave me a confirmation number this time. She also added a note that I'm eligible for those weeks when they do appear. Fingers crossed this actually works! Thanks everyone for your advice - especially about asking for the Tier 2 rep and getting confirmation numbers.