my sister in law works at career source and she said theres NO pandemic extensions but they DID add some extra weeks for people in counties hit by hurricane last year. maybe thats what ur neighbor meant?

Just to clarify some information shared in this thread: 1) Regular Reemployment Assistance in Florida is capped at 12 weeks (can extend to 23 weeks if state unemployment exceeds 10.5%, which it currently doesn't) 2) Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is available in some hurricane-affected counties but has specific eligibility requirements 3) The Florida Workforce Training Initiative is launching soon through CareerSource offices 4) All pandemic-specific federal programs (PUA, PEUC, FPUC) have permanently ended If you've exhausted regular benefits, I'd recommend: - Connect with CareerSource for free job search assistance and training opportunities - Check eligibility for other assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid) through ACCESS Florida - Look into the new Workforce Training Initiative if you're interested in changing career fields - Keep claiming weeks in CONNECT (even with zero benefits) if you want to maintain an active claim status Hope this helps!

My neighbor works at DEO (not in claims but in IT) and she says the system is SUPER backed up right now because they did some kind of software update in June that messed up a lot of things. Apparently they're going through and fixing accounts manually but there's a huge backlog. Might be why you're still waiting even though you paid the overpayment.

UPDATE: I finally got through! Used the 7:30am trick and asked specifically for a Tier 2 representative who could access the BPC system. Had to be firm but polite. The claims specialist confirmed exactly what was mentioned here - my overpayment showed as satisfied in BPC but there was a hold in CONNECT that needed manual removal. She processed it while I was on the phone and said I should see payments in 2-3 business days for all my back weeks! Thank you all so much for the advice - especially about using their internal terminology and calling right when they open.

I tried that Claimyr service the other person mentioned when my benefits got stuck in adjudication. It actually did work - got me through to someone at DEO when I'd been trying for weeks. The DEO rep told me they're getting hammered with fraudulent claims right now because of some data breach (not DEO's fault). They're extra cautious with new claims from people who haven't claimed before, especially if you're over 55 since scammers often target seniors' identities.

After you get this resolved, make sure you set up Multi-Factor Authentication on your CONNECT account if you haven't already. It's under "Account Security" in your profile settings. This helps prevent future fraud flags. Also, once your account is unlocked, you'll need to claim all those missed weeks immediately - there's only a 14-day window to claim past weeks once they become available again.

There are some important distinctions to understand about Florida's unemployment system. Your benefit year (June 2025) is simply the period during which you can collect benefits, but your maximum benefit amount is fixed and doesn't replenish. Florida calculates your total benefit amount when you first qualify by multiplying your weekly benefit amount ($275 in your case) by the number of weeks you're eligible for (typically 12 weeks unless the state unemployment rate is high). Once that money is gone, there are no extensions currently available. During COVID there were federal extensions (PEUC, PUA, etc.) but those have all ended. I recommend: 1. Continue filing weekly claims to maintain your claim status 2. Ensure you meet work search requirements (5 activities per week) 3. Look into other assistance programs through DCF (food assistance, etc.) 4. Contact CareerSource Florida for help with job placement services If you find temporary work and then lose it again before June 2025, you may be able to reopen your claim, but you won't get additional funds beyond your original maximum benefit amount.

Thank you everyone for the responses. I'm going to try using that Claimyr service to talk to DEO directly about my options, but it sounds like I need to prepare for my benefits ending. I'll keep filing my weeks and focusing on my job search. Really appreciate all the information and support!

UPDATE: I tried the Claimyr service and actually got through to someone at DEO! The agent confirmed someone had changed my security questions (likely fraud). They had to transfer me to a supervisor, but after verifying my identity with my driver's license number, last employer details, and some other personal info, they were able to reset my PIN and security questions. They said there's been a big increase in these issues lately and they're working on better security. For anyone else dealing with this - definitely worth getting through to a real person rather than waiting for email responses that never come. Thank you all for the help and suggestions!

About 45 minutes total, but most of that was the verification process and waiting for a supervisor. The actual fix just took a few minutes once I got to the right person. Way better than the weeks I was waiting with no response to my forms!

hey at least u got someone on the phone! i been trying for 3 weeks just to talk to anyone at deo lol. my claim has been pending for 6 weeks now

Just wanted to follow up - did you get anywhere with this? Did contacting your state representative help? I'm curious because I'm helping my brother who's now in a similar situation (7 weeks in adjudication with no movement).

To answer your follow-up question, there's unfortunately no direct line to adjudicators. You need to call the main DEO number (800-204-2418) and specifically request to speak with an adjudicator or claims examiner about your pending adjudication issue. Many frontline reps will try to handle it themselves, but they often lack the system access or authority to resolve adjudication issues. When you call, be very specific: "I have a pending adjudication issue that's been unresolved for X weeks, and I need to speak with an adjudicator to identify and resolve the specific issue." If they say they can't transfer you, politely ask if they can see what the specific issue is in your file. Sometimes they can at least tell you what's being investigated even if they can't resolve it themselves. Also, check if you missed any fact-finding questionnaires or interviews. These are sometimes scheduled without much notice, and missing them can further delay your claim.

Just wanted to add that if your adjudication has been pending for more than 21 days (which is DEO's standard timeframe), you can also try contacting your state representative or senator's office. They have liaisons who work directly with DEO and can often get answers faster than you can on your own. Just Google "Florida state representative [your city]" to find your rep, then call their office explaining your situation. This worked for me when I was stuck in adjudication for almost 2 months last year.

I ran into similar problems last month when my account got locked for no reason. After trying unsuccessfully to call for weeks, I finally broke down and tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Not gonna lie, I was super skeptical, but it actually worked! Got me through to a real person at DEO within about an hour. Turned out my account was locked because of a system error on THEIR end. The agent fixed it in like 5 minutes once I finally talked to them. So frustrating that it takes these extreme measures just to get basic help.

I'm hearing this Claimyr service mentioned a couple times now... it sounds promising. At this point, we're willing to try anything because this situation is beyond ridiculous. I appreciate you sharing your experience with it!

my cousin went thru this whole process last year. the trick is to apply for EVERYTHING - unemployment, WIOA training, SNAP benefits, etc. She said the most important part was connecting with a specific case manager at CareerSource who could champion her application. Don't just talk to whoever answers the phone. Ask for the training specialist by name (call ahead to get it).

One other option worth considering - Florida has the "No Fee Identification Card Program" if you're unemployed and need an ID for job seeking. They also have the "Employ Florida Marketplace" which sometimes lists employers willing to hire and train simultaneously. If you've exhausted your job search and can't get into a training program quickly, you might qualify for Reemployment Assistance (RA) benefits while you continue looking. The application process is through CONNECT on the DEO website. You'd need to meet regular work search requirements (5 work searches per week) and claim weeks on time. That could at least provide some income while you navigate the training options or find an employer offering on-the-job training.

Back in 2022 i had a similar issue my boss said i was fired for attendance but i had doctors notes for everything. the appeal hearing took about 30 minites and the appeals judge was actually pretty cool. dont be nervous just tell the truth and have your evidence ready. i won my case and got backpay for all the weeks during the appeal process

After your hearing concludes, you'll typically receive a written decision within 2-3 weeks by mail and in your CONNECT inbox. If you win, payment usually processes within 1-2 weeks after that. If you lose, you can file a second appeal to the Unemployment Appeals Commission (UAC), but you only have 20 days from the date of the referee's decision to do so. Overall, from initial appeal to money in your account can take anywhere from 8-12 weeks if you win. It's definitely a test of patience.