For anyone dealing with backdating issues: Florida state law actually requires DEO to accept backdating requests when there's evidence of system failures or other good cause reasons. Per Florida Administrative Code 73B-11.013, they must consider technical difficulties as valid reasons for late filing. Keep this regulation in mind if they initially deny your request - you can cite it in your appeal.

Wow, this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm dealing with a similar backdating issue where my claim shows August instead of May when I first became unemployed. The CONNECT system kept timing out during my initial applications, and I have email confirmations showing my attempts. Reading through everyone's advice, I'm going to submit the formal backdate request through the "Request to Modify Claim Date" option and try calling at 7:30am sharp tomorrow. Thanks especially to @Sean Doyle and @Diego Vargas for the detailed step-by-step instructions - this community is a lifesaver when DEO's own help resources are so lacking!

Any update? Were you able to get through to the Account Access team?

That's such great news! I'm so glad you got it resolved. This thread is going to be super helpful for others dealing with the same issue. The key seems to be knowing to ask specifically for the Account Access Control team and mentioning that action code - regular customer service just doesn't have the tools to fix these verification system problems. Thanks for following up with the solution!

To give everyone the most up-to-date information: I just checked the latest DEO communications, and they're indicating that IF the new federal assistance program passes, claimants who exhausted benefits within the last 6 months would likely need to submit a special application through CONNECT. They'll also need to provide documentation proving continued job search activities during the gap period. For those who have active CONNECT accounts (even with exhausted benefits), the announcement would appear in your CONNECT inbox with application instructions. For those whose benefit year has ended, they would need to reopen their claim. Remember though - this program is still just proposed legislation. It's important to pursue all other available resources in the meantime.

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through benefit exhaustion recently. I exhausted my regular Florida benefits in December 2024 and have been navigating this exact situation. A few things I learned that might help: 1. Even after your benefits end, keep your CONNECT account active and check it regularly. I got a survey from DEO about potential new programs through my CONNECT inbox that I almost missed. 2. If you're worried about the income gap, look into temporary/gig work while waiting. I started doing some part-time warehouse temp work through staffing agencies - it's not ideal but it helps cover basic expenses and shows continued work search activity. 3. Contact your local American Job Center (part of CareerSource). They have resources beyond just job searching - some locations offer emergency assistance referrals and skills training programs that can help bridge the gap. The uncertainty is really stressful, but don't give up. Keep all your documentation organized and stay engaged with the process even after benefits end. Wishing you the best of luck with your job search!

BE CAREFUL SHARING YOUR INFORMATION PEOPLE! There are scams targeting unemployment claimants. Always verify you're speaking with actual DEO representatives. The official Florida DEO will never ask for your full social security number over the phone (only last 4 digits), and they will never ask for credit card numbers, gift cards, or payment information. If someone asks for unusual information or requests payment to process your claim, hang up immediately and report it to DEO's fraud department at 1-800-342-9909.

UPDATE: I called the number this morning and did get a callback about an hour later! The rep helped me figure out my adjudication issue was because of a discrepancy with my employment dates. He couldn't fix it fully but did file a request to expedite my review. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS NUMBER!!

I had a similar employment separation issue back in February and it took about 19 days total to resolve. Once it moved to adjudication, I got paid within 3 days. Hang in there!

I went through this exact same situation back in June! My claim was stuck on pending for employment separation for almost 3 weeks. What really helped me was documenting everything - I took screenshots of my CONNECT account showing the pending issue, saved all my correspondence, and kept a log of when I claimed my weeks. When I finally got through to speak with someone (took multiple attempts calling right at 7:30am), the agent was able to see that my former employer had actually responded but there was a glitch in the system that wasn't updating my claim status. She manually pushed it through and I got paid within 2 days after that call. My advice: keep claiming your weeks religiously, take screenshots of everything for your records, and if it hits the 3-week mark with no movement, definitely try calling or use one of those callback services. The waiting is nerve-wracking but most employment separation issues do get resolved eventually!