UPDATE: I finally got through to DEO after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. The agent confirmed my application DID go through despite the crash! She said it was flagged for "manual review" because the system crashed during submission, but all my information was saved. It should be processed within 5-7 business days. For anyone else having this issue - definitely try to speak with an agent rather than just waiting and hoping. Such a relief to know I don't have to start over!

Glad to hear you got it sorted out! This is exactly why I always recommend calling DEO directly when there are system issues, even though it's a pain to get through. For future reference, you can also check your application status by logging into CONNECT and looking under "View and Maintain Account Information" > "Reopen/Additional Claim" - sometimes the status updates there before it shows up in your main dashboard. The manual review process usually takes 3-5 business days in my experience, so you should see movement soon. Thanks for updating us with the resolution!

went through this last yr... try contacting 211 for emergency assistance programs in your area. also food banks have improved ALOT since covid - many now have fresh food not just canned stuff. churches sometimes help with utility bills too if ur desperate. good luck man the system is broken

Hey Keisha, I went through the exact same thing about 6 months ago. It's really tough when you're counting on those extra weeks that just don't exist anymore. One thing that helped me was signing up for multiple temp agencies - places like Kelly Services, Adecco, and local staffing companies. Even if it's not your ideal job, temp work can bridge the gap while you keep looking for something permanent. Some of my temp assignments actually turned into permanent offers. Also, don't overlook gig work like DoorDash or Uber while you're job hunting - it's not great money but it's something coming in. The combination of SNAP benefits (definitely apply now!) plus some gig income can help you stretch through this period. Hang in there, the job market is brutal right now but you'll find something!

UPDATE: I finally got through to DEO today after using Claimyr (thanks for that suggestion). The supervisor looked at my account and found that my adjudication was actually completed back in JUNE but nobody ever removed the hold flag from my account! She said this happens sometimes when the adjudicator completes the determination but forgets to release the payments. She removed the hold and said I should see all my backpay within 2-3 business days. I'm cautiously optimistic but not celebrating until I see the money in my account. Will update again when/if the payments come through. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

Wow, that's incredible that your adjudication was actually done months ago but just sitting there with a flag! This really shows how broken their internal systems are. I'm dealing with a similar situation (7 weeks pending after my interview) and this gives me hope that it might just be a simple system error rather than my case actually being stuck in review. Definitely going to try Claimyr this week and specifically ask a supervisor to check if my adjudication is complete but the hold wasn't removed. Fingers crossed for your backpay - please keep us posted!

To answer your previous question about timeframes - yes, interstate claims typically take 4-6 weeks longer than regular claims. You'll need to be vigilant about checking your CONNECT account for fact-finding questionnaires and adjudication notices. They won't always call you - many communications happen through the CONNECT portal. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date so you don't miss any communications. And as others have mentioned, continue claiming your weeks even while waiting for the interstate verification process. You'll be paid retroactively for eligible weeks once approved.

I went through this exact situation when I moved from Texas to Florida in 2023! Here's what I learned: First, definitely report your NJ unemployment in the "Other Income" section as others mentioned. Second, Florida DEO will likely need to request wage records from ALL your previous employers during your base period, not just from Florida. This includes any employers you had while receiving NJ benefits. One thing I wish someone had told me - download and save ALL your documentation from New Jersey before their system locks you out (which can happen after a certain period). I needed my NJ wage statements later for verification and couldn't access them anymore. Also, if you worked for any federal employers or military, that gets handled differently through the UCFE/UCX programs. The interstate process is slow but it works. Just stay on top of your weekly certifications and respond quickly to any requests for information. Good luck with your claim!

That's fantastic news! I'm so glad the technical terminology helped you get connected to the right department. It's really frustrating how many DEO representatives aren't familiar with these cross-system issues, but once you reach someone who understands the ID.me integration problems, they can usually resolve it quickly. Thanks for following up - this thread will definitely help others who run into the same email mismatch nightmare. The key really is knowing the right words to use when you call!

Just wanted to add another option that worked for me when I had this same email mismatch issue a few months ago. If you're still having trouble after trying the other suggestions, you can also try logging into ID.me directly (not through the DEO portal) and look for the "Account Settings" or "Personal Information" section. There's usually an option to update your primary email address. After you make the change, ID.me will send a verification email to your new address that you need to click to confirm. Once that's done, give it 24-48 hours before trying to log into CONNECT again. The systems don't sync immediately, which is why the delay is important. I know it's frustrating to wait when you need access to your benefits, but this method avoided me having to call anyone and worked without any additional fees or services.