Just a heads-up for everyone - this 7:30am technique does work, but you're still going to have a several hour wait for the callback. I've had success with this method twice (once for an ID.me verification issue and once for missing work search requirements). One thing to note: when they call back, it often shows as "Unknown Number" or "No Caller ID" on your phone. MAKE SURE YOU ANSWER even if you don't recognize the number during your expected callback window! If you miss their call, you'll have to start the whole process over again the next day at 7:30am. Also, while waiting for your callback, gather any documentation related to your claim - determination letters, emails, fact-finding questionnaires, work search records, etc. Having everything ready will make your call much more productive.

Has anyone who used this 7:30am trick actually gotten their issues RESOLVED or just callbacks? Because I've gotten callbacks twice but they just tell me "your claim is under review and there's nothing we can do to speed it up" which is completely useless information I already knew from the CONNECT website. It's been 9 weeks of "adjudication in progress" with zero movement!

This reminds me of last year when they suddenly stopped my payments because they claimed I didn't submit my work searches but I definitely did. Took 3 months to fix and I nearly lost my apartment. The DEO system is so broken. I switched to direct deposit instead of the Way2Go card and that seemed to help with getting payments faster once they started again.

UPDATE: I just received an email from DEO about the payment delays. They confirmed they're processing backpayments in batches and everyone should be caught up by June 30th. They apologized for the delay and confirmed no additional action is needed from claimants. Just wanted to share this official confirmation with everyone.

did u check ur way2go card if u have 1? sometimes they send it there even if u picked direct deposit. suuuuper annoying!

just wait it out man. everyones saying the same thing. DEO sucks and nothing works right but the money shows up eventually lol

One more tip: if you don't see movement in 72 hours as promised, call back and ask specifically for a "BWI ticket number" for your escalation. This is an internal tracking number they use, and having this number will help if you need to follow up again. Every time they say they're escalating something, you should get one of these ticket numbers.

FINAL UPDATE: It worked!!! After 6 weeks of nothing happening, I finally got all my back pay deposited yesterday! For anyone else stuck in post-appeal limbo, here's what finally worked for me: 1) Used Claimyr to get through to DEO, 2) Spoke with an appeals department agent who escalated my case, 3) Contacted my state rep who also pushed on my behalf. Three days later, everything was processed and paid. Thanks to everyone who helped with advice!

BTW if none of the fixes work for you, try using a completely different device. My CONNECT account wouldn't work on my laptop AT ALL last month but worked perfectly fine on my sister's iPad. Makes zero sense but that's DEO for you!

UPDATE: For anyone finding this post later - the homepage navigation method worked for me (don't click directly on claim weeks link). I was able to successfully claim my weeks. The system still glitches if I try to use the direct link, but going through the homepage works every time.

Quick update based on recent changes - just last month, the DEO implemented a new processing system for extensions that's been causing some unusual delays. The current average processing time has increased to about 12 business days according to what agents are telling claimants. If you're approaching that timeframe, I'd recommend checking your CONNECT inbox for any requests for additional information. Sometimes they send these without any notification and your extension won't process until you respond.

UPDATE: My extension finally processed! It took exactly 9 business days but this morning when I logged in, my account now shows active with the extended benefits. For anyone else waiting - check your CONNECT inbox daily for any requests (I had one asking me to verify my last employment date), keep claiming weeks even while exhausted, and make sure you're doing all 5 work searches. Thanks for everyone's help and advice!

One thing that might help is looking at your Determination Status in CONNECT. Log in, go to your claim, and look for any issues listed there. Sometimes there are specific fact-finding questions they need answered, but the system doesn't notify you clearly. If you see any items with 'pending' status, click on them to see if there are additional questions or document upload requirements. Also check your inbox AND correspondence tabs every few days. DEO is notorious for sending requests for information that get buried in your inbox, then disqualifying claims when people don't respond in time because they never saw the message.

Based on what you've shared, you have a multiple employer verification issue, which unfortunately is one of the longer adjudication processes. The system has to verify your employment and wages with each employer separately, and if any employer is slow to respond, it holds up your entire claim. At this point, your best options are: 1. Contact an adjudication specialist directly (difficult but possible) 2. Reach out to your state representative's office for help - they have special channels to DEO 3. Submit a formal escalation request through the CONNECT system For option 3, go to your claim, look for the 'Request Assistance' option (sometimes under 'More Actions'), and specifically mention that you're experiencing financial hardship due to the delay. Use the phrase 'economic emergency' if applicable - this can sometimes flag your claim for expedited review.

this is why im moving out of florida lol the unemployment system is literally designed to make it as difficult as possible

Update: I finally got through to DEO this morning after trying for hours! Turns out there was an issue with my employment separation reason. My employer had coded it as "quit" instead of "layoff due to lack of work" which triggered the adjudication. The agent was able to update it after I explained the situation and provided the layoff letter. She said my payments should be released within 48-72 hours. Fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. This whole process has been so stressful.

i think home health aides and caregivers should be REGULAR EMPLOYEES not 1099 anyway!!! your probly misclassified which is illegal. my friend got backpay when her agency got in truble for this

One more tip - when you file, under "reason for separation" select "temporary layoff" or "reduction in hours" rather than "quit" or "fired." This accurately reflects your situation as a temporary work gap with a planned return date. Also, be prepared that if approved, you'll still need to complete five work search activities per week unless they specifically exempt you due to the temporary nature of your layoff with a return date. Document all applications, contacts with employers, etc. while you're waiting for July 1st. Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

btw my sister applied last month and her account got locked randomly for "verification" issues. if that happens dont freak out, just call or use that claimyr thing someone mentioned. the whole process is like designed to be confusing i swear

One last tip - create a DEO-specific email folder and save EVERY email they send you. Also document every time you log in, claim weeks, or make changes to your account (with dates and screenshots if possible). If there's ever a dispute about whether you followed procedures correctly, having your own documentation can save your claim. I learned this the hard way when they claimed I missed claiming a week that I definitely claimed. Good luck with your application!