One more thing to note - if you're on Extended Benefits or in a DEO-approved training program, different rules might apply. Also, some claimants may qualify for exemptions from work search requirements under specific circumstances (like if you have a verifiable job return date within 8 weeks). If you think you might qualify for an exemption, you should document your situation thoroughly and be prepared to explain during any potential review of your claim. The safest approach is to complete and record your work searches anyway unless you've received explicit confirmation of a waiver from DEO.

I went through this exact same situation a few weeks ago! Here's what worked for me: I called DEO first thing in the morning (around 7:30 AM) and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The representative was understanding and let me submit my work search activities via email for the weeks I had already claimed without them. They gave me a specific email address and format to use. I had to list each job application with: company name, position title, date applied, contact method (online/email/in-person), and any reference numbers from the applications. Even though I hadn't been keeping perfect records, I was able to reconstruct most of it from my email sent folder and browser history. The key is to be proactive about fixing it rather than waiting and hoping they don't notice. My payments resumed normally once they processed the additional information. Good luck getting through to them - persistence really pays off with DEO!

Just wanted to share my experience from last month - I had this exact same issue where CONNECT showed "Processed and Paid" on a Friday but the money didn't hit my account until the following Wednesday. What helped me was screenshotting the payment status in CONNECT showing it was processed, which I used to explain the delay to my landlord. Also, if you're really in a bind financially, some banks will give you a temporary overdraft extension if you show them proof that a deposit is coming. The DEO system is definitely confusing with how it displays payment status - "deposited" really should mean the money is in your account, not just that it's been approved for processing!

I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Filed Thursday, CONNECT shows "Processed and Paid" Friday, but still no deposit as of today (Wednesday). Reading through all these comments is actually really reassuring - I was starting to think my claim got messed up somehow. It's so frustrating that their system says "deposited" when it really just means approved. I'm definitely going to screenshot my payment status like Marcelle suggested in case I need to show my utility company. Has anyone who experienced this delay noticed if it affects future payments, or do they usually go back to normal timing once this backlog clears? Really hoping mine comes through in the next day or two!

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.

This is incredibly helpful information! I'm currently on week 6 of adjudication with no updates despite calling daily. I had no idea contacting state representatives was even an option. For anyone else who might be hesitant to try this - I found my rep's info on the Florida House website by entering my address. Going to send that email first thing tomorrow morning. Paolo, did you mention anything specific about the timeline in your email or just focus on the hardship aspect?

I'm so relieved to see your update that you got your payment! I just filed my first claim last week and have been absolutely panicking about the timing. Reading through all these experiences has been incredibly helpful - especially learning about the 6 AM claiming strategy and setting up those push notifications. It's amazing how much variation there seems to be in payment timing even though most people get theirs within that 2-3 business day window. I'm definitely bookmarking this thread for future reference. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences with DEO - it makes navigating this confusing system so much less scary when you know what to actually expect!

Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so eye-opening! I'm dealing with DEO for the first time myself and had no idea about things like the 6 AM claiming window or how much your bank's processing time can affect when you actually see the money. It's crazy how the official DEO website gives you basically no useful timeline info, but this community thread has all the real details you actually need. I'm saving all these tips about text notifications, confirmation numbers, and watching for fact-finding requests. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their experiences - it makes such a difference when you're trying to navigate this mess of a system!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - 5 months is absolutely ridiculous! I went through something similar last year where my claim was stuck for 3 months. What finally worked for me was a combination approach: 1. I called the DEO executive escalation line at (850) 245-7105 - this bypasses the regular customer service queue 2. Filed a complaint with my local state representative AND senator (not just one) 3. Submitted a written complaint to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity Director's office via certified mail The key thing that seemed to get attention was when I mentioned in all my communications that I was documenting everything for potential legal action due to the unreasonable delay. Within 2 weeks of doing all three things, my claim suddenly moved forward. Also, don't just rely on the chat feature - it's basically useless. The responses are supposed to show up in your CONNECT inbox under "Correspondence" but most people report never getting replies anyway. Keep claiming your weeks no matter what! When this gets resolved (and it will), you'll get all the back pay you're owed. Hang in there!

I feel for you - this system is absolutely broken and 5 months is unacceptable. I've been helping people navigate DEO issues for years and here's what I'd recommend trying immediately: 1. Call the DEO Reemployment Assistance Program at (833) 352-7759 at exactly 7:30 AM when they open - don't wait until 8 AM 2. If you can't get through by phone, try the online virtual queue system at floridajobs.org - sometimes this works better than calling 3. Contact your state legislature representatives - both House and Senate. Their constituent services can often get DEO to respond within days 4. File a complaint with the Florida Department of Management Services Ombudsman Program For the chat responses - they're supposed to appear in your CONNECT inbox under "Correspondence" but honestly, most people never get replies. The chat feature is basically abandoned. One thing that's helped others: when you do reach someone, ask them to check for "system flags" or "automation holds" on your account. Sometimes claims get stuck in automated loops that only a specialist can clear manually. Document everything - dates, times, confirmation numbers, who you spoke with. If this drags on much longer, you may want to consider consulting with an unemployment attorney. Some work on contingency for cases involving unreasonable delays. Keep claiming your weeks and don't give up! You will eventually get your back pay.