
Ask the community...
I want to clarify something important for everyone here - there are different TYPES of pending issues, and they have different resolution processes: 1. **Monetary issues**: Related to your wage determination, base period, etc. 2. **Non-monetary issues**: Including separation reason, availability, work search 3. **Identity verification issues**: Related to ID.me and fraud prevention 4. **Technical issues**: System flags and glitches that don't reflect actual problems Each has a different department handling it. That's why it's CRUCIAL to find out specifically what type of pending issue you have. Just knowing it's "pending" isn't enough information to determine the right course of action. When you call, ask them to tell you the exact issue code or type listed in the system.
This is really helpful! I'll definitely ask for the specific issue code next time I call. Do certain types tend to be resolved faster than others?
Yes, technical issues can often be fixed immediately by the right agent. Identity verification issues usually resolve within 1-2 weeks once properly submitted. Monetary issues typically take 3-4 weeks. The non-monetary issues (especially employer disputes) are the ones that can drag on for months if they go to full adjudication. That's why knowing which type you have is so important for setting expectations and pursuing the right resolution path.
Update: I finally got through to DEO this morning (called right at 7:30am and waited 45 mins). The rep told me my pending issue is a 'wage verification' problem because my previous employer reported different quarterly wages than what I claimed. They said this requires adjudication but she marked it for 'expedited review' since it's been pending so long. She said to expect 7-10 more business days. I'm not holding my breath based on everyone's experiences here, but at least I know what the issue is now. Will try the 72-hour supervisory review request too if nothing happens in a week. Thanks for all the advice everyone!
That's progress! Wage verification issues are actually easier to resolve than separation disputes, so there's hope. Make sure you have pay stubs or bank statements showing your deposits ready to upload if they request them. And definitely follow up with that 72-hour review request if nothing happens by next Friday. Fingers crossed for you!
After months of trying to access my unemployment benefits, I'm at my wit's end with DEO! My account randomly locked up in March and I've been jumping through hoops ever since. Finally completed the ID.me verification process (what a nightmare that was - took me 3 attempts to get through the video call part). Thought that would solve everything but NOPE - account still locked!\n\nDrove 45 minutes to the nearest CareerSource office yesterday thinking they could help. Sat there for literally 3 HOURS only for them to access some internal website I don't have access to. They submitted something and told me to wait ANOTHER 4-5 business days before anything might happen.\n\nThey gave me this number to call: 407-531-1222. Has anyone actually gotten through on this line? I've tried calling 8 times and either get disconnected or infinite hold. Is there ANY way to get my account unlocked faster? Bills piling up and I'm about to lose my mind with this broken system!
Excellent news! Glad you got it resolved. This is unfortunately very common - the ID.me verification solves one security lock but not necessarily all of them. For future reference for anyone reading, there are actually three different types of security locks that can be placed on DEO accounts:\n\n1. Identity verification lock (solved by ID.me)\n2. Fraud prevention lock (requires agent intervention)\n3. Multiple login attempt lock (automatically clears after 24 hours unless escalated)\n\nSometimes you need all three addressed to fully regain access.
THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY YOU!!! don't expect any help from DEO. They terminated my PUA early claiming I didn't provide proper documentation when I DID and now I can't even get through to anyone. They owe me 3 weeks of payments I'll never see. Florida has THE WORST unemployment system in the entire country BY DESIGN.
Regarding work search requirements - if you do qualify for regular benefits, be prepared that Florida now requires 5 work search contacts per week (it was waived during much of the pandemic). You need to keep detailed records of where you applied, contact information, etc. The DEO can audit your work searches at any time. Also, you must use the Employ Florida website (employflorida.com) to register and create a profile within 7 days of filing your new claim. A lot of people miss this step and end up having their benefits held up.
5 per week? That's a lot more than before. Do online applications count? And does applying for gig work count or does it have to be traditional employment?
Online applications definitely count! Each job application can be one work search activity. Applying to gig work is trickier - technically they want you applying for jobs similar to your previous work, but many people report that applying to any legitimate job opportunity counts. The important thing is documenting everything - date, company name, position, how you applied, contact info, etc.
By the way, if you do have a fact finding questionnaire in your inbox, complete it ASAP even if it's past the deadline. Sometimes their system will still accept late responses, especially if you call and explain that you never received notification. The key is to respond to SOMETHING rather than nothing at all. The system flags non-responsive claims for closure automatically.
That's a relief. I'm filling it out right now. It's asking about my work search activities from last month which I have documented but not in the exact format they want. Should I just do my best to remember the dates and details?
Yes, do your best with the work search info. They mainly want to see that you're making the required 5 work search contacts per week. Even if you get some details wrong, showing good faith effort to comply is what matters. Just be as accurate as you can and explain in the comments section if needed.
I wanted to add - if you're stuck in this situation, also try contacting your state representative's office. I had a similar issue where DEO was ignoring me for WEEKS and threatening to close my case, and my rep's office contacted them on my behalf. Had my issue resolved in 3 days after that. They have special liaisons at DEO who actually answer their phones!
That's a great idea and something I hadn't considered. How do I find out who my state representative is? I'm in Hillsborough County if that helps.
Based on your situation, I'd recommend trying these three steps before proceeding with the attorney (this is what worked for me with a similar disqualification issue): 1. Submit a formal appeal through CONNECT even without a specific determination letter - this creates a paper trail 2. Contact the DEO Reemployment Assistance Service Center directly at 833-FL-APPLY (833-352-7759) and specifically ask for a "claim escalation" to a supervisor - use those exact words 3. Send a detailed email to DEO.Appeals@deo.myflorida.com with your claimant ID, full name, last 4 of SSN, and a clear timeline of the issue The appeals email actually got me a call back within 3 days, which was faster than anything else I tried.
PLEASE update us on if the lawyer actually works!!! I bet we're not the only ones having this issue and if attorneys are the only way to get DEO to do their jobs, a lot of us need to know!
UPDATE: Thanks for all the advice everyone! I tried the email approach that @profile4 suggested, documented EVERYTHING including screenshots of all my CONNECT errors, and followed up exactly 7 days later asking for a supervisor review. And guess what? IT WORKED! Just got notification that my claim effective date has been changed to 03/29! Now I need to go back and claim those additional weeks. For anyone dealing with this same issue, be super persistent and document EVERYTHING. I'll post again once I actually receive the backdated payments.
Just be careful when claiming those backdated weeks! Make sure you accurately report any income or job searches during that period. DEO is doing a lot of audits this year and if they find discrepancies, you could end up with an overpayment notice. I'd recommend keeping a spreadsheet of all weeks claimed, work searches reported, and payments received just to be safe.
i just went thru this exact thing!!!! they told me 'good cause' for backdating HAS to be something like u were in the hospital or the CONNECT website was down. saying u thought you'd find work quickly isnt good enough for them. sorry but they're super strict now :( i tried for 3 weeks and gave up
That's why it's so important to actually talk to a claims specialist and not just submit through the system. When I finally got through to someone knowledgeable, they explained exactly what documentation I needed to provide and how to word my request. Regular agents and the online system alone will get you denied almost automatically.
One more important point: If your backdating request is denied, you still get the full 12 weeks from your actual filing date. You're not losing any of your total eligible weeks - you're just missing out on potential past weeks. Also, make sure you're completing your 5 work search contacts each week while you wait for a decision. Even if you're focused on the backdating issue, you need to keep up with current requirements to avoid problems with your existing claim.
did u try logging into CONNECT and checking ur payment history? sometimes it says more details there
Update us if you get this resolved! I'm currently waiting on my payment too (though mine still says processing) and now I'm worried I'll have the same problem.
I'll definitely update! I tried that Claimyr service someone mentioned above and I actually got through to DEO in about 15 minutes! The agent said there was a batch processing error affecting multiple claimants. They're reissuing the payments but it will take 2-3 business days. I explained my rent situation and they're sending me an email confirmation I can show my landlord. Not ideal but at least I know what happened now!
Sorry to hijack but this reminded me - does anyone know if Florida still has the work search waiver available? I heard some counties still have it but others don't? I'm in Broward if that matters.
Just wanted to update - I successfully reopened my claim and already claimed my first two weeks! The ID.me verification took about 10 minutes (way easier than I expected). My weekly benefit amount stayed the same as before. Thanks for all the help everyone!
Mei Wong
So happy for you! Did you happen to get the agent's name? It's always good to keep track of who actually helps vs who makes things worse.
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GalaxyGlider
Yes! Her name was Melissa and she gave me her ID number too. I wrote down everything this time. Lesson learned!
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