Hey Harold, glad you finally got back into your CONNECT account! That 3-week lockout sounds like a nightmare. Just wanted to add to what everyone else has said - you're absolutely right to be disappointed about the $600 supplement being gone. I remember when it ended in 2021, it was such a shock to go back to just the regular state amount. One thing that might help while you're job searching - if you're struggling to make ends meet on the $306/week, look into local food banks and utility assistance programs. Many counties in Florida have emergency assistance programs that can help with rent/utilities while you're between jobs. Also, some temp agencies count as valid work search contacts, so you might be able to find some short-term work to supplement your unemployment. Hang in there - the job market has been pretty decent lately, so hopefully you'll find something soon!

Harold, I completely understand your frustration! I went through a similar CONNECT lockout situation about 6 months ago and it was one of the most stressful experiences I've had. Three weeks is brutal - you must have been going crazy not being able to access your account. Everyone here has given you great info about the $600 supplement being long gone (pandemic-only benefit that ended in 2021). It's such a bummer because that extra money really made a difference back then, but now we're stuck with just the regular Florida amounts which are honestly pathetic. Since you're getting $306/week, I wanted to suggest looking into SNAP benefits if you haven't already - the income limits are pretty generous when you're on unemployment, and it can really help stretch your grocery budget. Also, if you have any utility bills piling up, most power companies in Florida have hardship programs for people on unemployment. For the work search requirements, don't sleep on attending virtual career fairs - they usually count as 2-3 contacts each since you can talk to multiple employers. Florida Works (employflorida.com) posts them regularly. Hope you find something soon and can get off this roller coaster! The system definitely isn't designed to actually help people, but at least you got back into CONNECT finally.

anybody else notice how DEO is quick to process overpayment notices but sooooooo sloooow to process backdates??? funny how that works!!!!

I went through this exact same nightmare last year! My backdate request sat in limbo for 4 months before I finally got it resolved. Here's what ultimately worked for me: 1. Document EVERYTHING - keep records of every call, message, and interaction with DEO including dates and reference numbers 2. File a complaint with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's Inspector General at DEO.InspectorGeneral@deo.myflorida.com - they investigate cases where DEO isn't following proper procedures 3. Contact your local Legal Aid office - many have unemployment assistance programs and can advocate for you at no cost 4. If all else fails, file a writ of mandamus in small claims court to force DEO to process your claim (sounds scary but it's actually pretty straightforward) The squeaky wheel gets the grease with DEO unfortunately. You have to make yourself heard through multiple channels. Don't give up - you're entitled to those benefits! Also keep claiming your current weeks while waiting for the backdate so you don't lose any additional benefits.

To all those having trouble reaching a human at Florida Unemployment. I just ran across this video that gave me a shortcut to reach a human. Hope it helps! https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss

I'm in a similar situation - been trying to reach someone for weeks with no luck. Have you tried calling first thing in the morning right when they open? I've heard that's when you have the best chance of getting through. Also, make sure you're calling the right number and have all your documentation ready before you call. It's frustrating but don't give up! You might also want to try reaching out to your local state representative's office - sometimes they can help escalate unemployment issues.

my cousin works at a call center that takes DEO calls (not actual deo employees) & she says theres a huge differnce between what regular agents can do vs the real DEO people. regular agents can just put notes & check status but they cant acually FIX anything! you gotta get to a tier 2 agent who works for actual DEO to make changes

This whole tier system is incredibly frustrating and honestly feels like psychological warfare against people who are already struggling financially. I've been dealing with DEO for a different issue (identity verification) for 6 weeks now and had no idea about these escalation tiers until reading this thread. The fact that they make you call every 2 weeks just to move up in line is ridiculous - it's like they're deliberately making the process as painful as possible to discourage claims. And requiring people to mention "severe financial hardship" to get priority treatment? What unemployed person isn't experiencing financial hardship?! I'm definitely going to try the state representative route that Jessica mentioned. It's sad that we have to go around the system to get the system to work, but at this point I'll try anything. Cameron, I hope you get to Tier 3 soon and finally get this resolved. Keep us posted on what works!

After reading everyone's comments, I want to emphasize something: Florida's system is frustrating but the rules do work consistently if you follow them exactly. Report earnings when EARNED (not paid), keep claiming every week even when your income fluctuates, and be prepared that some weeks you might get $0 benefits while others you'll get partial. The most important thing is accurate reporting - being off by even a day in when you report income earned can trigger issues. Also, for the work search requirements, log into CONNECT and check if your work search requirement status has changed based on your specific claim. Some claimants are assigned different work search requirements.

Just wanted to add one more tip that saved me a lot of headaches - keep a simple spreadsheet tracking each week with columns for: week ending date, work performed, amount earned, date payment received, and whether you claimed benefits that week. When I started doing this, it made reporting so much clearer and gave me documentation if DEO ever questioned anything. Also, screenshot your CONNECT submissions each week showing exactly what you reported - the system sometimes glitches and doesn't save properly. I learned this the hard way when they said I didn't report income for a week that I definitely did report. Having those screenshots saved me from a potential overpayment situation.