ive been on unemployment 3 times in florida and deo has never called me once for anything ever. everything was always through connect or mail

This is definitely a scam - you made the right call hanging up! I work in fraud prevention and these scammers have gotten really sophisticated. They're targeting unemployment claimants specifically because they know people are anxious about their benefits and might give up info without thinking. A few red flags from your description: - Miami area code (DEO calls from official numbers) - Immediately asking for FULL SSN (they already have this) - No proper identification or claim reference Real DEO calls would reference your specific claim number, the rep would give their name/ID, and they'd never ask for your complete social. If you're ever unsure, just tell them you'll call back through official channels - legitimate reps will understand and encourage this! Keep an eye on your CONNECT messages for any real communication needs.

Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm going to file today. Sounds like it might be cutting it close with the timing, but worth trying. I'll make sure to be clear about the "business needs" reason consistently. And I'll definitely check out that Claimyr service if I run into trouble getting through to DEO. Really appreciate all the help!

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - if you're worried about the timing, you can also call the DEO customer service line at 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to check on your claim status once you submit it. They're usually swamped but sometimes you can get through early in the morning (like 7-8 AM). Also, even if your benefits don't arrive before you start your new job, they'll still be backdated to cover those eligible weeks. So don't stress too much about the timing - just get that application in ASAP and let the process work. You've got this!

UPDATE: My claim was just approved this morning!!! Only took 4 business days after the expedite request. All pending weeks changed to "PROCESSED" and payment status shows they'll be deposited tomorrow. I'm actually shocked it worked so fast after weeks of nothing happening. If anyone else is stuck in adjudication limbo, seriously try the CareerSource approach - it really worked for me!

This is amazing news! Congratulations on finally getting approved - 4 business days is incredible compared to the months some people are waiting. I'm definitely going to try the CareerSource route. Just to clarify for anyone else reading this - did you go to the Tampa CareerSource center specifically or would any location work? Also, when you called your state rep Jennifer Canady's office, did you have to provide any specific documentation beyond your claim number and address? I've been stuck in adjudication for 7 weeks now and I'm willing to try both approaches. Thanks for sharing your success story - it gives the rest of us hope!

I used the regular DEO number (800-297-0586). There's no special adjudication department you can call directly. But here's a tip - when you do get through, politely ask if you're speaking with a Tier 2 agent. If not, ask if they can transfer you to one. Tier 2 agents have more authority to actually help with adjudication issues vs. the first-level representatives who often just tell you to wait.

I went through something very similar last year when I claimed 4 back weeks after a CONNECT glitch locked my account. All my back weeks went to "waiting adjudication" too and I was terrified I'd lose the money. Here's what I learned: the adjudication is usually just to verify you met the work search requirements during those weeks and weren't working/earning income that would disqualify you. In my case, it took about 3 weeks but I did get all my back pay. The key is staying on top of it - check your CONNECT inbox daily for any fact-finding questionnaires they might send. If you don't respond to those within the deadline (usually 10 days), your claim gets denied. Also document every call you make to DEO with dates/times and what they told you. The system is definitely broken but most people do eventually get their money if they stay persistent.

I'm dealing with the exact same phone disconnection issue! Been trying to call DEO for the past week and getting cut off during their automated message every single time. It's like their system is programmed to fail. What's really frustrating is that I completed my ID.me verification successfully (got the confirmation email and everything), but now my CONNECT account shows some vague "pending review" status that's been stuck for over two weeks. I can't even request my certification because the system won't let me proceed. Has anyone tried calling their local CareerSource office? I'm wondering if they can help with DEO issues or at least provide some guidance on what to do when you're completely locked out of the system. At this point I'm willing to drive somewhere in person if it means talking to an actual human being who can help! The timing couldn't be worse - my savings are almost gone and I have bills piling up. This whole system feels designed to make people give up on their legitimate benefits.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the DEO phone system and ID.me verification issues are absolutely maddening right now. I went through something similar last month and it took me over a week of constant calling to finally get through. A few things that helped me: First, definitely try the early morning approach everyone mentioned (7:30 AM sharp). Second, when you do get through, immediately ask for your case to be escalated to a supervisor if the first agent seems unsure about anything. Third, keep detailed notes of every call - date, time, agent name if they give it, and exactly what they tell you. This helped when I had to call back multiple times because different agents were giving me conflicting information. Also, double-check that your name appears EXACTLY the same on all your documents. My account got locked because my ID.me had my full middle name but my original application only had my middle initial. Something that small can trigger their system to flag your account as having "insufficient documentation." Hang in there - I know it feels impossible but people do eventually get through and get their accounts fixed. The system is broken but persistence does pay off eventually.