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Unfortunately, your situation is exactly why we need better safety nets in Florida. The system has gaps where people fall through - too ill to work (so no unemployment) but not disabled enough for SSDI, or waiting for short-term disability to kick in. One thing to consider: if your surgery recovery period will be relatively short (under 3 months), you probably wouldn't qualify for most disability programs anyway since they typically require longer periods of disability. I'd recommend: 1. Contact United Way's 211 service for emergency assistance options 2. Check with hospital social services about medical bill assistance 3. Look into temporary payment arrangements with your creditors 4. Consider whether a hardship withdrawal from retirement accounts is possible (as a last resort
Thanks everyone for your explanations and suggestions. I feel at least less confused now, even if the news isn't great. I'm going to try to get through to someone at DEO using that Claimyr service just to confirm what you're all saying, appeal my short-term disability denial, and check out the local assistance programs mentioned. Really appreciate the help during this stressful time.
I went through the same nightmare back in January. Called the Way2Go customer service number every day for a week straight until someone finally helped me. The trick is to call very early in the morning (like 7:01am when they open) or right before they close. Middle of the day is impossible to get through. When I finally got someone, they expedited my card and I had it in 3 days. Make sure you triple check that your address is correct in both CONNECT and the Way2Go system - they need to match exactly or you'll have even more delays. I also filed my claims for almost a month before I could access my money because of the card delay. The whole system is set up to make us suffer, I swear.
update: I just checked CONNECT again and mine shows 'pending resolution' too now. I swear it didn't say that earlier. This system is so glitchy
For everyone dealing with this issue, here's what usually happens with these holds: 1. Simple availability questions (like doctor appointments) typically get resolved in 3-8 days if you don't contact them 2. If you can reach an agent, they can often remove the hold same-day 3. When resolved, you'll receive all back payments at once 4. Your CONNECT inbox will receive a determination letter explaining the resolution If you do call, make sure to have your claimant ID ready and clearly explain that you were fully available for work despite the doctor appointment. Under Florida rules, routine appointments don't make you unavailable for work unless they would prevent you from accepting suitable employment.
I finally got through to a DEO agent this morning! She confirmed exactly what you said - the single answer about my doctor appointment triggered an automatic hold. She said since it was a 2-hour appointment and didn't affect my ability to accept work, she removed the hold and my payment should process within 48 hours. Thank you everyone for your help!
@OP - To answer your question, the adjudicator asked me about the circumstances of my previous disqualification (it was a job I quit for health reasons without proper documentation). I explained that the situation was resolved years ago and that I'd worked and paid taxes for 3 years since then. She said that old disqualifications aren't supposed to carry forward if you've had substantial employment since then (apparently 1.5+ years of work should clear it). She said it was clearly a system error and removed it. Probably took 10 minutes once I explained everything. Good luck tomorrow!!
Thank you for these details! My wife's situation is very similar - her 2018 disqualification was because she found a new job within 2 weeks of applying (so she only collected for 2 weeks). She's worked continuously from 2018 until this February. Hopefully we can get an adjudicator who understands the system as well as yours did!
dont stress urself out 2 much... my roommate made more $ on FL unemployment + doordash (part time) than at his regular job. u can work part time and still get some benefits as long as u report it right. just dont go over the weekly $ limit or u get nothing
Thanks everyone for the helpful info! I'm a little disappointed about the federal benefits being gone, but at least I know what to expect now. I'll make sure to do all 5 work searches each week and document everything carefully. Really appreciate all the advice as a first-timer navigating this confusing system!
I'm at my wits end with this ID.me verification for DEO! Been trying for 3 days straight, submitted my driver's license and selfie AT LEAST 9 times but keep getting rejected. Each time it says 'verification unsuccessful' with no explanation why! My rent is due next week and I haven't received a payment in over a month because my account is locked until this verification goes through. Has anyone actually managed to get through this process? The worst part is I can't even get a live person on the video verification option - I've waited in the 'virtual line' for HOURS yesterday and today and nobody ever connects. My CONNECT account just shows 'Action Required - Identity Verification Needed' and I can't access any of my claim information. I'm seriously panicking and don't know what to try next. Any help would be LIFESAVING at this point!!!
Quick update for you - just wanted to mention that while you're working through this ID.me nightmare, make sure you're still claiming your weeks on time if possible. Even with your account locked, you should be able to access the "Claim Weeks" function. If you miss claiming weeks, you might lose those benefits permanently. Also, document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots of error messages, keep notes of all verification attempts with dates/times, and get the names of any DEO representatives you speak with. This will be vital if you need to appeal or request backdating of your claim later.
Oh no, I didn't realize I could still claim weeks with a locked account! I thought I had to wait until everything was verified first. I'm going to try to access that section right now. It's been almost 2 weeks since I last claimed, so hopefully I haven't missed too much. Thank you so much for this critical info!
Same thing happened to me and I found out my drivers license was expiring soon (within 60 days) and the system kept rejecting it for that reason! Check if your ID is close to expiration date.
You're right that Florida doesn't have state income tax, but unemployment benefits are still subject to FEDERAL income tax. That's what the 10% withholding is for - federal taxes only. So the DEO is withholding money to send to the IRS, not to the state of Florida.
Geoff Richards
Let's be honest - NOBODY at DEO actually loses their job over poor performance. I filed FORMAL COMPLAINTS with names and dates of representatives who gave me completely wrong information that caused my benefits to be delayed for months. Know what happened? NOTHING!!! The entire "accountability" system is a JOKE designed to LOOK like they care while doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! The only thing that works is public shame and media attention. Contact every news station, newspaper, and social media channel. The moment a reporter starts asking questions, MIRACULOUSLY claims get resolved!!!
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Laila Fury
•This reminds me - there's a Facebook group called "Florida Unemployment Issues" with like 20k members where people share their DEO horror stories. They actually have some news reporters who monitor the group and sometimes pick up stories when they're particularly bad. Might be worth checking out.
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Hazel Garcia
Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I've been taking notes on everything suggested. I've already emailed my state rep and senator this morning with all my claim details. I'm going to try calling at 7:30am tomorrow using the specific phrases about tier 2 agents and hardship escalation. I'm also going to email the Inspector General with my documentation. I've been keeping a log of all calls and conflicting information I've received, so at least I have that ready. I'm seriously considering that Claimyr service too since it sounds like it might actually get me through to someone who can help. Will update once I make any progress. Seems like there's plenty of responsibility to go around but nobody willing to take it...
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Nasira Ibanez
•Good approach. One last tip: when you do connect with someone helpful (and eventually you will), get their direct extension or employee ID if possible. Some agents are genuinely good at navigating the system and can be valuable contacts for follow-up. Best of luck, and please do update the thread with your results to help others.
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