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!

I went through something similar when I moved here from Ohio last year. Florida's system is definitely different - much more restrictive than most states. One thing that helped me was registering with CareerSource Florida (it's free) since they have connections with local employers and sometimes know about job openings before they're posted publicly. They also offer resume help and interview prep if you need it. Also, if you have any skills that could translate to gig work or freelance stuff, now might be a good time to explore those options as a bridge while you're job hunting. The hospitality industry here does pick up seasonally, so keep that in mind for your search timing. Hang in there!

Update us when you get your payment! It helps others to know current processing times. DEO timeframes can vary significantly depending on their current workload and staffing levels.

Congrats on finally getting through that nightmare! 10 weeks is brutal. I'm currently on week 6 of adjudication myself and this thread is giving me hope. From what I'm seeing here, it sounds like most people get their payments within a week once adjudication clears, but definitely keep checking those individual week statuses like Ashley mentioned. The fact that you already have some weeks showing 'Payable' is a really good sign! Fingers crossed you get that money soon - being behind on bills while waiting for DEO to get their act together is the worst.

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Got my first few payments, then boom - pending issues appeared out of nowhere. Turns out it was just a routine quarterly review where they verify you're still eligible. The frustrating part is that DEO's system doesn't always show you what the specific issue is right away. In my case, I kept claiming weeks like everyone suggested, and after about 10 days the pending status cleared and I got all my back payments. The key is to NOT stop claiming your weeks even though it shows pending. If you can get through to someone at DEO (good luck with that!), they can tell you exactly what triggered the review. Most of the time it's just bureaucratic stuff and resolves itself within 1-2 weeks.

Hey Charlotte, I know exactly how you're feeling right now - that panic when you see "pending issues" after finally getting some relief! I went through this same rollercoaster about 4 months ago. Got my first payment, felt like I could breathe again, then BAM - pending issues with zero explanation. Turns out it was just DEO doing their thing (aka being completely unhelpful with communication). A few things that helped me: First, like others said, DO NOT stop claiming your weeks - this is super important! Second, try that automated phone system Joshua mentioned - it actually gave me way more info than the website ever did. Third, if you can afford the small fee, Claimyr really did work for me when I absolutely needed to talk to someone. The waiting is brutal when you're worried about rent, I totally get it. But based on what everyone's sharing here, it sounds like you're dealing with a routine review since you already received payments. Try to hang in there - this community has been a lifesaver for navigating DEO's mess of a system!

Just wanted to jump in as someone who recently went through this exact same process! I was laid off from my retail management job in January and had all the same questions about work search requirements. A few things that really helped me: 1. **Download the official DEO work search form immediately** - seriously, print out like 10-15 copies and keep them in a folder. It makes claiming weeks SO much easier when you have everything organized in the format they expect. 2. **Set up email alerts on job sites** - Indeed, LinkedIn Jobs, etc. When you set up these alerts, document it as "Created job search profile and alerts on Indeed.com for management positions" - boom, that's one of your 5 weekly activities right there. 3. **Take advantage of slow days to batch your applications** - I found it easier to dedicate 2-3 hours twice a week to job searching rather than trying to squeeze it in daily. Restaurant management jobs get posted randomly so having those email alerts helps you catch them quickly. 4. **Document EVERYTHING in real-time** - don't wait until the end of the week to fill out your tracking form. I kept a small notebook and wrote down every application, phone call, or networking conversation as it happened. The system is definitely confusing at first, but once you get into a rhythm with the tracking and claiming process, it becomes much more manageable. Good luck with your search - the hospitality industry is definitely bouncing back strong right now!

As someone who works in workforce development, I want to add a few important points that haven't been fully covered yet: **Timing for first claim:** You typically can't claim your first weeks until after your "waiting week" is complete AND your claim is approved. This usually means 2-3 weeks after you initially file, depending on processing times. **Work search exemptions:** Some people are exempt from work search requirements (like if you have a definite return-to-work date within 16 weeks), but most people need to complete the 5 activities weekly starting immediately after filing. **CareerSource workshops are underutilized:** These count toward your requirements AND provide valuable networking opportunities. Many locations offer virtual options now too. Check floridajobs.org for schedules. **CONNECT system tip:** Log in during off-peak hours (Tuesday-Thursday, mid-morning or early afternoon). The system gets overloaded on Sundays/Mondays when everyone tries to claim. Since you mentioned restaurant management experience, definitely look into hospitality recruiting firms like Gecko Hospitality or Horizon Hospitality - initial consultations with recruiters count as legitimate work search activities and they often have exclusive openings not posted elsewhere. Keep detailed records from day one - you're already on the right track asking these questions early!

This thread is incredibly helpful - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions! I'm in a similar situation with my claim stuck in adjudication since June. Reading through all these suggestions, I'm going to try the multi-pronged approach: contacting my state rep with specific details, using that Florida Statute citation in a certified letter, and looking into Claimyr if the other methods don't work quickly enough. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops for a basic government service, but at least now I have a roadmap thanks to this community. Will update if any of these approaches work for my situation!

I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare! My claim has been stuck in adjudication since May 2025 - over 7 months now. I was laid off from my accounting firm due to downsizing, have all the proper documentation, but DEO just keeps giving me the runaround. The "pending issue" status with zero explanation is infuriating. I've called probably 200+ times, been promised callbacks that never happen, and I'm drowning in bills while they sit on my claim. Reading through everyone's experiences here, I'm going to try the multi-pronged approach: contacting my state rep with specific claim details, sending that certified letter citing Florida Statute 443.151(3)(a), and potentially using Claimyr if needed. It's absolutely outrageous that we need to become legal experts and hire third-party services just to access benefits we're entitled to! This system is completely broken and designed to exhaust people into giving up. Thank you all for sharing your strategies - at least we're not suffering through this alone.