I'm dealing with this exact same nightmare right now! Got my determination letter yesterday and have been frantically searching for this elusive 12-digit Issue ID. Thank you SO much to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - this thread is literally a lifeline when you're facing an appeal deadline! I've tried most of the suggestions here and FINALLY found mine buried in the CONNECT Determination Summary details section (had to click "Details" after selecting my specific determination). For anyone else still searching, here's what worked for me: 1) Used desktop not mobile, 2) Cleared browser cache first, 3) Logged out and back in completely, 4) Went to Determination Summary and clicked on the exact determination date, then hit "Details". The 12-digit number was there but NOT clearly labeled - just listed as a string of numbers in the issue description. It's absolutely insane that DEO makes this so difficult when people are already stressed about losing their benefits. The system feels deliberately designed to make us give up. Don't let them win - your benefits are worth fighting for!

I just went through this exact same issue a few weeks ago and was absolutely pulling my hair out! After reading through all these incredibly helpful responses, I want to add one more potential location that saved me when nothing else worked: check your email! Sometimes DEO sends a separate email notification about the determination that includes the 12-digit Issue ID, even if it's not clear on the physical determination letter. I found mine in an email with the subject line "Reemployment Assistance Determination Notice" that had arrived the same day as my determination letter. The Issue ID was listed in the email body in a section I almost missed. Also, if you're still stuck after trying everything mentioned here, try accessing CONNECT through a different browser entirely - I was using Chrome and couldn't see certain fields, but when I switched to Firefox everything displayed properly. The whole system is a nightmare, but don't give up! That appeal deadline is serious and your benefits are worth the fight. This community has been amazing at sharing solutions - we shouldn't have to crowdsource basic information like this, but I'm grateful we can help each other navigate DEO's terrible system!

I'm so sorry you're facing this situation - I know how stressful it must be to realize Florida's system is so limited compared to other states. I went through something very similar about a year ago and felt that same panic when I discovered there were no extensions available. Since you have 2 weeks left, here's what I wish I had done earlier: First, definitely use that Claimyr service others mentioned to call DEO and confirm your exact end date - sometimes there can be confusion about remaining weeks. Second, start your SNAP application through ACCESS Florida immediately since it can take 2-3 weeks to process. Third, reach out to local temp agencies now rather than waiting - even short-term assignments can help bridge the income gap while you job search. One thing that really helped me was contacting my previous employer to see if they had any contract or part-time opportunities available while I looked for permanent work. Sometimes companies have projects that aren't posted publicly but they'd be happy to bring back former employees on a temporary basis. Also don't overlook smaller local businesses - they often don't post on major job sites but might have openings if you check their websites directly or stop by in person. The job market is tough, but there are people who've successfully navigated this transition. You're going to get through this too!

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stress - it's such a difficult position to be in when you're still actively looking for work but running out of benefits. Everyone here has given you accurate information that Florida unfortunately doesn't have any extensions beyond the standard 12 weeks right now. Since you mentioned you have about 2 weeks left, I'd recommend taking action on several fronts immediately. First, use that Claimyr service others mentioned to call DEO and get absolute confirmation of your exact end date - sometimes the CONNECT dashboard isn't completely clear about remaining weeks. Second, start your SNAP application through ACCESS Florida right away since processing can take several weeks. Also consider signing up with temp agencies and exploring gig work platforms like Uber, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit for immediate income while you continue your permanent job search. Many people have found that temp assignments actually led to full-time opportunities, so it's worth considering even if it's not your ideal situation. Don't forget to check with your county's social services department about emergency assistance programs - many still have federal pandemic relief funds available for rent, utilities, and other necessities. Calling 211 can connect you with these local resources quickly. I know this isn't the answer you were hoping for, but at least now you can focus your energy on these concrete next steps instead of searching CONNECT for extensions that don't exist. You've got this!

As someone who just went through this exact same nightmare last week, I can confirm that the system is absolutely broken by design. What worked for me was a combination of what others mentioned here - I had to wait the full 72 hours after ID.me verification, then use a completely different browser (Edge worked when Chrome and Firefox didn't), and create a super complex password. But the real kicker was that my account was still locked even after all that, and I had to get DEO to manually unlock it. The fact that they don't tell you when your account is locked is criminal. For anyone still struggling with this, document EVERYTHING with timestamps and screenshots - it helps when you finally get through to an agent. This system desperately needs a complete overhaul.

This entire thread is a perfect example of why Florida's unemployment system is fundamentally broken. @Paolo Moretti I'm so glad you finally got through, but the fact that you had to use a third-party service just to contact DEO about THEIR system failing is absolutely insane. I've been helping people navigate CONNECT issues for over a year now, and the ID.me integration has made everything exponentially worse. The lack of clear communication about account locks, the hidden password requirements, the sync delays - it's like they designed this system to fail. What really gets me is that DEO knows these issues exist but does nothing to fix the root problems or even provide better error messages. Instead they just tell people to "keep trying" while their accounts get locked behind the scenes. For anyone reading this thread later: save yourselves the headache and assume your account will get locked if you have ANY issues after ID.me verification. Don't waste days trying technical fixes - go straight to getting DEO on the phone (however you can manage it) and have them manually verify everything. The system is broken, not you.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! I went through something very similar earlier this year - 8 weeks stuck on hold with absolutely no explanation despite having an approved determination letter. What finally broke it loose for me was a combination of persistence and escalation. First, I started documenting everything obsessively - screenshots of my CONNECT account, notes from every phone call, dates of every attempt to reach someone. Then I contacted my state representative's office (you can find yours at myfloridahouse.gov) and also reached out to local news stations that have been covering DEO issues. The media attention angle actually worked faster than I expected - a local reporter reached out to DEO for comment and suddenly my case got "priority review." Within 48 hours all my back pay was released. Also try the DEO Executive Escalation line at (833) 352-7759 - it's supposed to be for cases stuck over 30 days. The system is absolutely broken but don't give up! Your determination letter is solid proof you're entitled to these benefits. Keep claiming your weeks no matter what and stay on top of your work search requirements. You WILL get through this!

Reading through all these responses has been both frustrating and encouraging at the same time! I'm currently dealing with a nearly identical situation - 7 weeks stuck on hold with zero explanation despite being approved back in January. My determination letter shows I'm eligible for $275/week but every single claim just sits there showing $0.00. Like @Sean Flanagan, I've completed ID.me verification, answered all fact-finding questionnaires, and there are no visible pending issues in my CONNECT portal. It's maddening! Based on everyone's advice here, I'm planning to take a multi-pronged approach starting tomorrow: 1) Contact my state representative's office, 2) Try that DEO Executive Escalation line at (833) 352-7759 that @Daniel Rivera mentioned, 3) Look into Claimyr if the free options don't work quickly enough, and 4) Maybe even reach out to local news since that seemed to work for Daniel. I've been keeping detailed records of everything but wish I had started escalating sooner. Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread has been more helpful than months of calling DEO directly! Will definitely update when I make progress.

Just wanted to chime in as someone who recently navigated this same confusing situation! I was stuck in "Able and Available" adjudication for about 2 weeks last month after mentioning I had some scheduling constraints due to medical appointments. What really helped speed up my case was uploading a comprehensive statement that addressed every possible concern DEO might have. I included: - Exact availability schedule (Monday-Friday 8am-5pm, weekends flexible) - Confirmation that I have reliable transportation - That any medical appointments are scheduled around work availability - That I'm actively job searching and can accept employment immediately - Contact info in case they needed clarification The statement was probably overkill, but it worked! My adjudication cleared faster than expected and I got all my backpay within a few days. For everyone waiting - I know the stress is overwhelming when bills are due and you're in limbo, but keep claiming those weeks and stay on top of your work search documentation. The system is slow but it does eventually catch up. Wishing everyone quick resolutions! 🙏

I'm new to this whole unemployment process and this thread has been incredibly educational! I had no idea there was such a difference between "monetary eligible" and actually getting approved for payments. Reading everyone's experiences really helps set realistic expectations. I'm curious - for those who successfully got through adjudication, did DEO ever send you any kind of notification when it cleared? Or did you just have to keep checking CONNECT until the status changed? I'm trying to figure out the best way to stay on top of things without obsessively checking the website every few hours! Also wanted to say thanks to everyone sharing specific tips about what to include in statements and documentation. As someone who might need to file soon, this real-world advice is way more helpful than anything on DEO's official website. This community is amazing! 🙏