I'm so glad to see people sharing what actually works! I've been lurking here for weeks reading everyone's experiences while my own claim sits in adjudication hell. @c43714aed98c your update gives me hope - I'm going to try the "payment issues" route first thing tomorrow morning at 7:30am. @fa0691986852 thank you for that detailed script, I'm writing it down word for word. And @f52366f8c41d the advice about contacting state reps is something I hadn't considered. It's crazy that we have to become experts in gaming the system just to get basic help, but I really appreciate everyone sharing their hard-won knowledge. This community has been a lifesaver during this nightmare process!

This is exactly what I needed to see right now! I'm on week 6 of adjudication and was starting to lose hope. @c43714aed98c congratulations on getting through - the "payment issues" tip is genius and I'm definitely trying that tomorrow at 7:30am sharp. @fa0691986852 that script about escalating hardship is gold, thank you for sharing the specific language that works. @f52366f8c41d your legal perspective really helps explain why the system works the way it does, even if it's frustrating. I've been calling randomly throughout the day but clearly timing and word choice matter way more than I realized. Going to contact my state senator's office too based on @dd3d070ae4f8's success story. It's sad that we have to jump through all these hoops, but I'm grateful this community exists to share what actually works. Will report back after I try these strategies!

One more important thing - if you're on Extended Benefits or any special program (not regular Reemployment Assistance), double-check the specific requirements for your program. Some have different work search rules. You can see which program you're on in the "Program Type" field when you log into CONNECT.

Just wanted to add that I've been on unemployment for 6 months now and can confirm the 5 work search requirement is definitely back in full effect. What really helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track everything - date, company name, position applied for, method of contact, and any follow-up. I also take screenshots of online applications showing the confirmation page. DEO audited me last month and having everything organized made it super easy to provide the documentation they requested. Don't stress too much about it, just stay consistent with your 5 searches each week and keep good records!

This is an incredibly helpful thread! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - won my appeal in September but still haven't received any payments. Reading through everyone's experiences gives me hope and a clear action plan. For anyone else who might find this thread, here's what I'm taking away as the key steps: 1. Call and specifically ask for "Special Projects" or "Appeal Payment Processing" 2. Mention the "technical flag" that needs manual removal 3. Request an "expedited payment release" due to financial hardship 4. Use services like Claimyr if you can't get through on your own 5. Contact your state representative's office if all else fails @Zachary Hughes thank you for keeping us updated throughout your process - it's so rare to see someone follow through with updates after getting their issue resolved. This thread should be pinned as a resource for others! Going to try calling the Benefits Payment Control Unit number tomorrow morning. Wish me luck!

This thread is incredibly valuable - thank you @Zachary Hughes for documenting your entire journey and providing updates! As someone who works with unemployment cases, I want to add a few additional tips that might help others in similar situations: 1. **Document everything**: Keep a log of every call attempt with date/time, any confirmation numbers, and names of representatives you speak with 2. **Email backup**: Send yourself an email summary after each successful call - this creates a timestamp record of what was promised 3. **Check for system glitches**: Sometimes after appeals, your claim can get "stuck" between different processing queues. Ask the agent to verify which queue your claim is currently in 4. **Payment method verification**: Double-check that your direct deposit info wasn't somehow corrupted during the appeal process - this is more common than people realize The "technical flag" issue @Zachary Hughes mentioned is actually a known problem in the CONNECT system where appeals reversals don't always trigger the automatic payment release. It's frustrating that claimants have to know to ask specifically about this. For anyone still struggling: if you've tried all the suggested phone numbers and services, you can also file a complaint with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's ombudsman office. Sometimes having an official complaint on file can expedite resolution. Great job staying persistent - your story will definitely help others navigate this broken system!

I heard they might be passing a new relief bill next month but who knows if it'll happen. Politicians keep arguing while we're all struggling to pay bills. This whole situation is so stressful.

I'm in a similar situation and just wanted to share what I learned after weeks of confusion. The federal supplements (both the $600 FPUC and later $300 extension) have ended, so we're only getting the state maximum of $375/week now. What helped me was creating a strict budget and immediately applying for other assistance programs. I got approved for SNAP benefits which covers about $200/month in groceries, and I'm waiting to hear back on rental assistance through my county. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're documenting every single job application for your work search requirements - I keep a spreadsheet with company names, positions, dates, and contact info. The uncertainty about new federal programs is frustrating, but focusing on what assistance is actually available right now has helped me manage until hopefully something new gets passed.

So glad you got it fixed! Just FYI it usually takes 24-48 hours for the verification to be processed by DEO after you complete it with ID.me. Don't panic if your claim still shows "on hold" tomorrow.

This thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - back of ID scans fine but front camera won't initialize. Going to try the suggestions about closing other apps that might be using the camera. It's crazy how these tech issues always seem to happen when you're already stressed about money. Really appreciate everyone sharing their solutions here!