I'm really sorry you're going through this - it's such a stressful situation! Based on what everyone's shared, it sounds like your best bet is to take action on multiple fronts immediately: 1. Contact CareerSource Florida ASAP about training programs that might extend benefits 2. Start applying for other assistance programs (SNAP, rental assistance, etc.) NOW since they take weeks to process 3. Consider expanding your job search to warehouses, distribution centers, and other industries you might not have considered 4. Look into gig work as a bridge once benefits end The 12-week limit is unfortunately real, but don't give up! Many people have gotten through this same situation. Document everything carefully for your remaining weeks and keep pushing forward with applications. You've got this - it's just a really tough system to navigate.

Reading through this entire thread as someone who went through the exact same situation in Florida last year, I'm both heartbroken for what you're going through and amazed at the incredible advice everyone has shared here. The 12-week limit really is brutal - I remember that same panic when I realized my weeks were running out. One thing I wanted to add that saved me: if you have ANY experience with kids (babysitting, tutoring, etc.), check out care.com and sittercity.com for immediate childcare gigs. Many parents need last-minute help and will pay cash same-day. It's not steady work but can help with bills while you pursue the other excellent suggestions here. Also, when you call CareerSource tomorrow, specifically ask if they have any "On-the-Job Training" programs where employers get incentives to hire you while you learn. Some companies will basically get paid to train you, which makes them much more likely to hire someone without specific experience. The fact that you're planning ahead instead of waiting until your last payment posts shows you're going to make it through this. With customer service experience and all these resources everyone shared, you have so many options to explore. This community has basically created a masterclass in surviving Florida's harsh unemployment system - you're in good hands!

This thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - completed ID.me verification 5 days ago and my CONNECT account is still locked. I've been panicking about missing my claim weeks but reading that you can still claim them once unlocked is such a relief. I'm going to try the email approach first thing tomorrow morning. Question for those who've been through this - when you finally got back in, did your payment schedule go back to normal or were there any delays with the actual payments hitting your account?

This is such a frustrating but unfortunately common issue right now. I went through something similar back in January - ID.me completed but CONNECT stayed locked for almost 2 weeks. What worked for me was a combination of the email approach (which Daniel outlined perfectly) AND calling right at 7:30am sharp. I know the phone method is hit or miss, but I found that Mondays and Tuesdays at opening time had slightly better connection rates than other days. Also, make sure you're clearing your browser cache before trying to log into CONNECT - sometimes the old session data can make it look like you're still locked even after they've unlocked it on their end. The whole system is definitely broken and needs a complete overhaul, but don't give up. You WILL get through this and you won't lose those benefit weeks once you're back in!

One last tip: If you get denied for backdating or can't get through on the phone after multiple attempts, consider reaching out to your state representative. Many of them have staff dedicated to helping constituents with DEO issues. Google "[your county] state representative" and look for their constituent services contact info. Their offices can often cut through bureaucracy faster than we can as individuals.

I went through something similar last year - the key is persistence and knowing exactly what to ask for. When you finally get through to DEO (try calling right at 7:30 AM when lines open), ask specifically for the "Request to Modify Claim Filing Date" form that Julian mentioned. Technical issues with CONNECT are absolutely valid grounds for backdating. A few things that helped me: 1) Keep detailed notes of every call attempt with date/time, 2) Save any screenshots or error messages you have from October/November, and 3) Be prepared to explain your timeline clearly - when you lost your job, when you first tried to file, what specific issues prevented you from completing it. Also, don't panic about the work search records for those back weeks. You can reconstruct activities you did during that time period - any job applications, networking, even informal inquiries count. The important thing is getting that backdate request submitted ASAP since there are time limits. Good luck!

Pro tip: Next time you call, ask to speak with a tier 2 representative. They usually have more authority to make changes and give you real answers. Don't let them brush you off!

A new monetary determination after adjudication usually means they've made a decision on your case and are updating your benefit amount or eligibility. Since you mentioned it shows you're eligible for redetermination starting tomorrow with max benefits, this could actually be good news! It might mean they've resolved whatever issue was keeping you on hold. I'd definitely check your CONNECT account online for any status updates and try calling first thing tomorrow to confirm what this means for your payments. Keep that determination letter safe - you'll want it for reference when you call!

UPDATE: Just wanted to check if you were able to resolve this? Did you end up getting through to someone at DEO or find the extension application?

So glad you got it resolved! That's exactly the kind of hidden system glitch that makes Florida's unemployment system so frustrating. It's ridiculous that a resolved issue from months ago can suddenly pop back up and block your benefits without any notification. Thanks for sharing the update - this will definitely help others who run into the same problem. The fact that DEO agents are aware this is "happening to a lot of people" but haven't fixed the underlying system issue is pretty telling about their priorities.