So typical of DEO to have these ridiculous system errors! I swear CONNECT is the most broken government website I've ever used. During my claim last year, it would randomly log me out mid-certification, make me re-verify my identity for NO reason, and once it even showed my claim as "monetarily ineligible" when I'd already been receiving payments for MONTHS! I called for three weeks straight trying to get that fixed. The whole system needs to be completely replaced, not just "updated."

Thank you everyone for the helpful feedback! I'm definitely going to ignore that PUA prompt. I was able to get through to DEO this morning using that Claimyr service someone recommended, and the agent confirmed it's just a system glitch. She put a note in my file about the error and told me to ignore any PUA-related screens or messages. She also checked if I qualify for any other benefits now that my regular RA is exhausted, but unfortunately I don't at this time. At least the issue is resolved and I won't accidentally apply for something that doesn't exist!

They paid me retroactively for all weeks from when I first applied. It came out to about $870 extra and took about 5 days after the determination was updated. Just a heads up though - when they make the adjustment, your payment status might show "on hold" for a few days. Don't panic, that's normal during recalculation.

You have 20 calendar days from the date on your monetary determination letter to request reconsideration. After that, it gets much more complicated, so don't delay! As far as documentation options, DEO accepts: - Tax documents (1099, W-2, Schedule C) - Bank statements with deposits highlighted - Signed letter from the employer confirming dates and wages - Pay stubs (which you don't have) - Contracts showing agreed payment terms - IRS wage transcripts Just make sure when you submit the reconsideration form (DEO-UCB-13) that you clearly state which quarters the missing wages should be applied to. This helps them process faster.

This whole backpay mess is exactly why I told my brother to just take ANY job he could find instead of dealing with Florida's unemployment system. Been broken for years and they never fix it!!! My sister-in-law waited 4 months for backpay in 2023 and almost got evicted. The system is DESIGNED to make you give up.

Update for everyone following this thread: I just spoke with a DEO supervisor about effective date changes. As of February 10, 2025, they've updated their policy. You now need to: 1) Submit a monetary reconsideration request through CONNECT, 2) Upload documentation proving your actual unemployment date, and 3) Call to speak with an adjudicator who can flag your case for priority review. The standard processing time is currently 3-4 weeks unless you get an adjudicator to flag it (then it's about 7-10 days).

Sorry you're going through this. The system is so broken.

After 5 months, this definitely needs escalation beyond regular channels. While you're trying the other suggestions, also submit a complaint through the Florida CFO's Division of Consumer Services: https://www.myfloridacfo.com/division/consumers/ They have a specific category for DEO issues, and in my experience, filing a complaint there often gets faster action than going through DEO directly. They're required to respond to these complaints within a certain timeframe. Also, be sure to have all this information ready when you do reach someone: - Your claimant ID number - The exact date you filed your initial claim - Names and contact info for all employers in your base period - Any confirmation numbers from communications you've sent - Screenshot showing your claim status Good luck - keep us posted!

UPDATE: I finally got through! Used Chrome incognito mode at 5:30 AM, and it worked without any crashes. The whole process took about 45 minutes, and I got a confirmation number at the end. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions! For anyone else struggling, early morning really seems to be the key, along with using incognito mode and not using autofill.

Emails to employers can count as work search activities, but you need documentation. Each work search contact should include: 1. Date of contact 2. Method of contact (email, online application, in-person, etc.) 3. Company name, address, and phone number 4. Name of person contacted (if possible) 5. Type of work sought 6. Result of contact CareerSource workshops and job fairs also count toward your work search requirements. I recommend mixing different types of activities rather than just doing emails. And save everything - screenshots of applications, copies of emails, etc. DEO can request proof up to a year later.

UPDATE: I just went through this process with a client last week (I help people navigate unemployment issues). The current protocol for changing answers on your initial application requires: 1. A verbal request to a claims examiner (not regular agent) 2. A follow-up written statement explaining the error (they'll provide a secure upload link) 3. Documentation of your work search efforts showing you're looking for full-time positions The good news is they're processing these requests faster now - about 10-14 days instead of months. The key is getting to a claims examiner ASAP before a determination is made.

UPDATE: I finally got through to DEO this morning! Used the Claimyr service after trying for hours yesterday with no luck. The claims examiner I spoke with was actually very helpful and said this happens ALL THE TIME with teachers. She submitted a request to modify my application and gave me a confirmation number. She said it should be processed within 7-10 business days, and in the meantime, I should continue claiming weeks and doing all 5 work searches. She also mentioned I should upload a written statement explaining that I misunderstood the question and am available for full-time work, which I did right after the call. Thank you all for your advice - I would have been completely lost without it!

One important clarification regarding extensions and your benefit year: Even if you don't qualify for a new claim after your current benefits exhaust, make sure to continue checking your CONNECT account regularly. Florida occasionally implements special extension programs during economic downturns or after natural disasters. These wouldn't be announced directly to former claimants, so you need to stay informed. Also, regarding your job search: Make sure you're documenting ALL your work search activities in detail, even after benefits exhaust. If any future programs become available, having that documentation will be crucial for eligibility.

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

just went thru this. its dumb but you gotta do it. take like an hour if the site doesnt crash lol

One more thing to be aware of - after you complete the Employ Florida registration, you'll need to log in regularly (at least once every two weeks) to maintain your active status. I've seen people lose benefits because they thought it was a one-time registration and then their account went inactive. Also, Employ Florida will sometimes send you job matches via email. While you're not obligated to apply to every one, completely ignoring all of them can trigger a review of your account. Just something to keep in mind.

btw if u havent been working at all during ur benefit year ur probably not gonna qualify for a new claim... u need to have enough work history in the last 18 months to get approved again

I noticed some confusion in the comments. Just to be 100% clear: - The "balance" shown in your account is the maximum potential payout remaining on your current claim - This balance expires completely on your Benefit Year End date (September 4th, 2025) - You can file a new claim immediately after your benefit year ends - For the new claim, you need qualifying wages in your new base period - Part-time work may qualify you for a new claim, but at a potentially lower weekly benefit amount - If you haven't earned any wages during your benefit year, you likely won't qualify for a new claim I recommend scheduling a meeting with a CareerSource Florida office before your benefits end. They can review your specific situation and help with both job searching and understanding your benefit options.

This whole system is designed to deny ppl benefits!! My nephew works for DEO (not in claims) and says they literally TRAIN agents to find reasons to deny benefits. They get BONUSES for keeping payout rates low!! The system isnt broken its working EXACTLY as intended!!!!

Quick update for everyone - I just got my first payment today! Took exactly 2 business days after adjudication completed for the money to hit my account. If you're stuck waiting, PLEASE try contacting your rep. I wasted so much time trying to go through DEO directly when this solved it in 48 hours.