Hey Sebastián! I just wanted to add one more piece of advice that saved me a lot of headaches - create a backup method for accessing your account. Write down your login credentials and security questions/answers in a secure place. The CONNECT system sometimes locks people out randomly, especially during high-traffic periods, and if you forget your security question answers, getting back in can take weeks. Also, I noticed you mentioned feeling overwhelmed - that's totally normal! The DEO system is intentionally confusing (or at least feels that way). Don't hesitate to reach out here if you run into any weird issues. This community has seen pretty much every possible DEO glitch and can usually point you in the right direction. We're all in this together, and everyone here remembers what it was like being new to the system. You're already ahead of the game by asking questions early instead of waiting weeks like some of us did!

Welcome to the club, Sebastián! I went through this exact same confusion about 3 months ago. One thing that really helped me was setting up calendar reminders on my phone - one to check my CONNECT inbox daily, one to remind me when my next week claiming period opens up, and one to do my work searches throughout the week instead of scrambling to do all 5 at the last minute on Sunday night. The DEO system doesn't send reliable notifications, so you really have to stay on top of the schedule yourself. Also, don't panic if your "pending" status seems to last forever - mine took 4 weeks to change to "active" but I still got paid for all the weeks I claimed during that pending period once it was approved. Just keep doing everything consistently and it will work out!

I'm dealing with the same issue right now - been waiting almost 6 weeks with no updates. One thing that helped me was creating a detailed log of every attempt to contact them (date, time, method, outcome). I also started checking my account multiple times per day because I noticed sometimes the status would briefly change or new messages would appear and then disappear. It's incredibly frustrating but don't give up! I've heard from others that once it finally gets reviewed, the backpay comes through pretty quickly. Stay strong and keep pushing - we shouldn't have to fight this hard just to get the benefits we're entitled to.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress of waiting for unemployment benefits while bills pile up is absolutely awful. I went through something similar a few months ago and here's what I learned: First, definitely try the early morning calling strategy others mentioned - I had the best luck around 8:02-8:05am. Second, if you haven't already, make sure to upload ANY documentation you have from your employer about your separation, even if it seems redundant. Sometimes they're waiting on employer verification and that can speed things up. Third, I'd strongly recommend reaching out to your state representative's office like others suggested - they have staff specifically trained to help with DEO issues and can often cut through the bureaucracy. Finally, keep checking your CONNECT account multiple times a day, especially in the evening and early morning when system updates typically happen. Document everything and don't give up - I know it feels hopeless right now, but most people do eventually get their claims processed and receive all the back pay. Hang in there! 💪

Congratulations on getting your brother's claim submitted! That "Pending - Wage Verification" status is normal and usually takes 5-10 business days for DEO to verify earnings with the employer. Just make sure he continues doing his 5 weekly work searches and keeps detailed records since he'll need to report those once benefits start. Pro tip: Set up text alerts in his CONNECT account if he hasn't already - you'll get notifications about any status changes or if they need additional documentation. And keep checking the account every few days since sometimes they request additional info with short deadlines. Really glad the early morning strategy worked! This thread will be helpful for others dealing with the same frustrating CONNECT issues.

I'm going through the exact same issue right now! Been trying to file for my sister who got laid off from her retail job last week, and we keep hitting that same error at the employer address section. It's so frustrating because the error message gives you this reference number but when you call the phone number they provide, it's impossible to get through to anyone. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope though. I'm definitely going to try the early morning approach tomorrow (around 7am) and the tip about removing special characters from the employer name. Her company name has an apostrophe in it which might be causing issues. Has anyone had luck with the mobile app vs the desktop website? I'm wondering if one works better than the other for getting past these technical errors. We've only tried on the computer so far but maybe the mobile version processes differently? Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's reassuring to know we're not the only ones dealing with this broken system!

This is absolutely maddening and unfortunately way too common with DEO! I went through almost the exact same thing - 6 months stuck in "application being processed" despite multiple ID.me verifications and consistent weekly claims. What finally broke me out of the loop was filing a complaint with Florida's Department of Management Services (DMS) in addition to all the other suggestions here. DMS oversees state agency operations and they can put pressure on DEO to actually review your case. You can file online at dms.myflorida.com under "File a Complaint." Also, try emailing your local news stations' consumer advocacy reporters. I know it sounds dramatic, but DEO is terrified of bad press and sometimes media inquiries get faster responses than months of phone calls. Channel 6 and Channel 13 both have "On Your Side" type segments that cover these exact situations. The fact that you've done everything right (ID verification, weekly claims, work searches) and they're still ignoring you for 7 MONTHS is beyond unacceptable. This is literally your lifeline they're playing games with. Don't let up the pressure - you're not asking for charity, you're demanding what you're legally entitled to receive!

This entire thread is both heartbreaking and infuriating - 7 months is absolutely criminal! What strikes me most is how many people are dealing with the exact same "application being processed" nightmare, which proves this is a systemic failure, not isolated cases. I'm taking notes on all the strategies mentioned here because I have a feeling I might need them soon (my claim is only 2 months old but already showing warning signs). The multi-pronged approach seems to be the consensus - state rep, Inspector General, DMS complaint, media contacts, AND the callback services all at once. One thing I wanted to add: document your financial hardship too. Keep records of late notices, eviction threats, medical bills you can't pay, etc. When you contact your representatives and media, lead with the human impact. "I'm about to lose my apartment" hits different than just "my claim is delayed." These aren't just processing delays - they're putting people on the street while sitting on money that's rightfully theirs. @Evelyn - I really hope you try all these approaches simultaneously this week. You've been way too patient already. The system is literally designed to exhaust people into giving up, but you've got a whole community here rooting for you. Keep us updated on what works! The fact that people are getting resolution in days/weeks once the right person finally looks at their case just proves how deliberately broken this process is. It's not complicated - they just don't want to pay out benefits.

Wow, what a journey! This thread is incredibly helpful and shows just how broken the system really is. It's absolutely ridiculous that people have to jump through so many hoops and use third-party services just to access their own benefits. The fact that Joshua had over $4,000 sitting there for a YEAR while being locked out is infuriating. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - this is exactly the kind of community support that helps people navigate these bureaucratic nightmares. Saving this thread for sure in case I or anyone I know runs into similar issues!

This whole situation perfectly highlights everything that's wrong with Florida's unemployment system. The fact that you had over $4,000 sitting there for an entire year while being locked out is absolutely disgraceful. I'm going through something similar right now - been waiting 8 months for a "pending review" to clear on my account with no communication whatsoever. The ID.me integration has been a disaster from day one, and it feels like it was designed to frustrate people into giving up on their claims. Really glad you finally got through though! This thread is a goldmine of actual useful advice. It's sad that we have to rely on each other and third-party services to navigate what should be a straightforward government benefit system. Definitely bookmarking all these suggestions in case my situation gets worse.