UPDATE: I just wanted to follow up with something important for anyone going through appeals. Make sure you're very specific about reviewing your Notice of Hearing document when it arrives. It will list what issues are being addressed in the hearing, and you want to prepare evidence SPECIFICALLY for those issues. Also, if you can't make the scheduled hearing date, contact the Office of Appeals immediately to request a reschedule. Missing the hearing almost always results in losing the appeal automatically.

One more thing I forgot to mention - during my appeal hearing, my former employer didn't even bother to show up! The referee still conducted the hearing, asked me questions, and ruled in my favor. So sometimes these appeals are easier than you might expect.

Update for everyone having these issues: DEO just released a statement acknowledging the address verification problems in the new system. They're working on a fix that should be implemented within the next 2 weeks. In the meantime, they recommend: 1) Try using the address exactly as the system shows it (even if incorrect), 2) Contact the direct support email at CONNECT.Support@deo.myflorida.com with subject line 'Verification Error', or 3) Visit a CareerSource center for in-person registration assistance.

Thanks for sharing this update! Good to know they're at least acknowledging the problem. I managed to get registered using the 'wrong address' method suggested earlier, but I'll pass this info along to my friend who's having similar issues.

UPDATE: I finally got through to a helpful agent using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. The agent confirmed there's a bug in CONNECT affecting document uploads for claims filed in February 2025. She gave me the direct email and took my documents over the phone. For anyone else struggling, the key is getting a live person who actually knows the system.

@helpful_guidance Yes! The agent said once they have the employment verification documents, it typically takes 5-7 business days to update in the system. She also added a note to my file about the verification issues I was having. Feeling much more hopeful now!

To directly answer your question: You will receive the federal enhancement for any week you claim that ended before the program expiration date. The date you request payment or when the money actually arrives in your account doesn't affect your eligibility. Something else to be aware of: Make sure you're also prepared for the transition back to regular state benefits only. This means: 1. Your weekly benefit amount will decrease by $300 2. You'll still need to complete 5 work search activities each week 3. Regular state benefits (RA) will continue until you exhaust your balance or benefit year ends If you anticipate financial hardship after the federal enhancement ends, Florida has various assistance programs for utilities, housing, and food that you may qualify for. Check the DEO website for resources or contact your local CareerSource office for guidance on additional support programs.

this happened to me last time benefits changed and I still got the money like 4 days after the cutoff date so dont worry about it

Update: I finally got through to DEO this morning! The representative confirmed that the $750 was for my waiting week that they're now paying retroactively. She also said the random week I was prompted to claim was due to a "recalculation of my benefit year" whatever that means. She advised me to just keep claiming weeks whenever CONNECT prompts me to, even if the schedule seems weird. Apparently their system update in May caused some weeks to be "lost" temporarily and now they're fixing it. Thanks everyone for the help and sharing your experiences! At least I know I'm not going crazy 😅

@profile4 I called right when they opened at 7:30am and still waited on hold for 1.5 hours. I think Monday mornings are slightly better than other times. Just had to keep redialing when it disconnected me (about 8 times).

Has anyone checked if Florida is doing any state-level tax breaks for unemployment? I know we don't have state income tax, but just wondering if there might be something else at the state level I'm missing?

Thanks everyone for clearing this up! Gonna call my tax guy tomorrow and double check everything. Pretty sure i just misunderstood what the DEO person was saying on the phone. At least i know not to expect any extra refund now!

Dont 4get to cansel ur direct deposit setup in the CONNECT system too. My friend kept gettin random deposits months after she stopd claiming and then DEO wanted all the $$ back!!

Thanks everyone for the helpful info! Just to confirm what I'm understanding: I'll claim my final week (ending right before my start date), answer YES to the return to work question, provide all my new employer details and start date, and then just stop claiming after that. No need to call DEO or fill out any separate forms. My claim will automatically go inactive after I miss two claiming periods. This makes sense and sounds much simpler than I feared! Really appreciate all the guidance.

THEY DO THIS EVRY YEEAR!!!! I've been on FL unemployment 3 times in the past 7 years and EVERY SINGLE TIME there's some issue with the 1099s coming late. One time they didn't get mine until MARCH!!!!! The whole system is designed to make it IMPOSSIBLE to get what you need. Keep calling and document everything.

For anyone still waiting, here's what I learned from speaking with a DEO agent this morning: 1. There was a system update in January that caused delays in generating some 1099-G forms 2. If you changed addresses during the benefit year, you might experience delays 3. All forms should be available online by February 18th at the latest 4. If you need your form urgently, you can request that they email it to you directly while on a call with an agent 5. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in CONNECT, as they sometimes send email notifications when forms are ready Also, if you can't get through by phone, remember you can visit a CareerSource Florida office in person, and they can sometimes help access your 1099-G information through their direct connection to DEO.

welcome to the club lol. unemployment in FL is basically poverty wages. this state is the worst!!

Remember to keep up with your work search requirements (5 per week) and claim your weeks on time. The CONNECT system will lock you out if you miss claiming weeks, and you'll need to contact DEO to reactivate your claim. While the benefit amount is lower without federal supplements, you can maximize your chances of receiving all eligible state benefits by staying on top of the requirements.

I just got my claim approved last week after dealing with this same error. What finally worked was applying between 2-4am when the system traffic is lowest. Seriously! I'd been trying for days during normal hours with the same technical error, tried at 3:30am and sailed through the whole application in one go. Worth a shot if you're desperate!

Just checking back - were you able to complete your application? The 3am trick sometimes works, but if you're still having issues, definitely try reaching a live agent. They can see exactly what's happening with your specific account.