I was in adjudication for 8 weeks earlier this year over a job separation issue and finally got approved last month. I've been so focused on just getting paid that I haven't even thought about when it all might end! Does anyone know if time spent in adjudication counts against your 12 weeks? I was unemployed that whole time but not receiving benefits.

Thanks everybody for clearing this up! Feeling much better now understanding that my regular benefits continue. One last question - do I need to do anything special when Dec 26 comes? Like re-apply or fill out different forms in CONNECT? Or does everything just continue automatically?

BE CAREFUL SHARING YOUR INFORMATION PEOPLE! There are scams targeting unemployment claimants. Always verify you're speaking with actual DEO representatives. The official Florida DEO will never ask for your full social security number over the phone (only last 4 digits), and they will never ask for credit card numbers, gift cards, or payment information. If someone asks for unusual information or requests payment to process your claim, hang up immediately and report it to DEO's fraud department at 1-800-342-9909.

UPDATE: I called the number this morning and did get a callback about an hour later! The rep helped me figure out my adjudication issue was because of a discrepancy with my employment dates. He couldn't fix it fully but did file a request to expedite my review. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS NUMBER!!

I think waiting times are getting longer because the legislature cut DEO's budget again. My claim took 10 weeks to process last year. What worked for me was going to my state senator's office in person (not just calling) and filling out their constituent services form. Had to provide my claimant ID, the dates I applied, and a brief description of my situation. My claim was suddenly "resolved" two weeks later with no explanation. Worth a try if you're desperate.

Update????? Did you get your issue fixed yet??? I'm in same boat and wondering if any of these suggestions worked for you

anybody else notice how they always tell you to call back in exactly 3 days?? its never 2 days or 4 days always exactly 3. i think its just a script they read to get rid of people tbh

An update on my earlier comment - while Claimyr helped me get through quickly, I should clarify that even with the Level 2 escalation, it took about 5 business days for my adjudication to be completed. The key difference was that I got confirmation the escalation was actually submitted (got a reference number) and was able to check the status without spending another full day on the phone. Also, double-check the reason your claim is in adjudication if you can. Mine was stuck because of an employer dispute over separation reason (they coded it as "quit" when I was laid off). If that's your situation too, you might want to upload any documentation you have that proves your side (termination notice, texts from manager, etc.) to your CONNECT account.

After reading through all your responses, I'm pretty confident this is a technical glitch in their payment processing system rather than an intentional hold. These types of issues typically require speaking directly with a claims specialist who can access the backend of the system. One other option I didn't mention: you can try contacting your state representative's office. Many of them have staff dedicated to helping constituents with DEO issues, and they often have direct contacts with higher-level DEO staff. Just google "[your county] state representative Florida" and you should find your rep's contact info.

any update? did u get ur money?

dont stress to much abt this. i got a overpayment notice for $5200 last year and won my appeal. the key is having ANY kind of proof you reported correctly. the judge at my hearing was actually really fair and listened to my side. i think they know the system messes up alot lol

That's reassuring to hear! How long did your appeal process take from start to finish?

I don't know about account locking but I had payment info issues where it kept rejecting my direct deposit info. I ended up having to switch to the Way2Go debit card option because at least that way nobody can redirect the money. Have you tried switching to the card instead of direct deposit? Might be more secure until they figure out whatever's happening with your account.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get this resolved? I'm curious if any of our suggestions helped. I've been seeing more posts about account locks lately and wonder if DEO is having a system-wide security issue they're not telling us about.

Wait you got aproved for extended benefits?? I thought those ended!! What kind of extended benifits are these?

These are just the standard Florida extended benefits that kick in after regular RA benefits are exhausted - not the pandemic ones. You can get them if you meet certain work history requirements. My claim specialist explained I qualified for an additional 12 weeks based on my base period wages.

update on my situation - i finally got my 6 weeks of payments after 5 months! what finally worked was filing a complaint with the florida inspector general (myflorida.com/inspector-general) about the delay. got a call from DEO 3 days later and money hit my account next day. might be worth trying!

One more tip: If you're trying to reach DEO by phone, call right when they open at 7:30am. That's when the queue is shortest. And always make sure to have your claimant ID, PIN, and the last 5 work search contacts you submitted (they sometimes verify these). When you do get through, specifically ask if there are any "pending determinations" or "issues" listed on your claim that you can't see in CONNECT. Sometimes the representatives can see details that aren't visible to claimants online. The DEO is running about 90-120 days behind on adjudication right now, but claims with simpler issues are sometimes grouped together for batch processing. This helps them clear more cases more quickly.

Don't beat yourself up! The CONNECT system is notoriously confusing and the separation reason options are particularly unclear. Many people make this exact mistake. The important thing is you've identified the problem and taken steps to correct it. Keep us posted on what happens after you call tomorrow!

UPDATE: Success!! Called right at 7:30am using the Claimyr service someone recommended here (worth every penny). Actually spoke to a real person who was super helpful. She confirmed the voluntary quit coding was wrong, saw my uploaded termination letter, and changed my separation reason right on the spot to "Lack of Work/Layoff." She said my claim should be approved within 48-72 hours now that the correction is made! THANK YOU all for helping me figure this out!