Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! Based on what you've all shared, I'm going to: 1. Keep claiming my weeks even after I start working 2. Report my gross earnings accurately for the days worked in each claim week 3. Take screenshots of everything I submit as proof 4. Continue this process for at least 2-3 weeks after my earnings exceed my benefit amount I really appreciate all the help - the DEO website doesn't explain this clearly at all!

One more tip - if you're worried about accidentally creating an overpayment, you can always call the overpayment department at DEO (different from regular customer service) and ask them to verify that you're reporting correctly. The number is usually less busy than the main line. Also, keep copies of your pay stubs once you start getting them - if there's ever a discrepancy later, having documentation of what you actually earned vs what you reported will save you a lot of headache. Good luck with the new job!

This whole tier system is incredibly frustrating and honestly feels like psychological warfare against people who are already struggling financially. I've been dealing with DEO for a different issue (identity verification) for 6 weeks now and had no idea about these escalation tiers until reading this thread. The fact that they make you call every 2 weeks just to move up in line is ridiculous - it's like they're deliberately making the process as painful as possible to discourage claims. And requiring people to mention "severe financial hardship" to get priority treatment? What unemployed person isn't experiencing financial hardship?! I'm definitely going to try the state representative route that Jessica mentioned. It's sad that we have to go around the system to get the system to work, but at this point I'll try anything. Cameron, I hope you get to Tier 3 soon and finally get this resolved. Keep us posted on what works!

Reading through everyone's experiences here is both helpful and infuriating. I'm currently on week 6 of adjudication hell over a simple vacation payout issue - they're treating two weeks of accrued vacation pay like it's some complex financial mystery that requires a team of forensic accountants to figure out. What really bothers me is how they've gamified our desperation. Making us call every 2 weeks to "level up" in their tier system feels deliberately designed to exhaust people into giving up. And the fact that we have to use specific magic words like "severe financial hardship" to get basic priority treatment is just cruel. I'm going to try Benjamin's advice about requesting "DEO Merit Staff" when I call next week, and also reach out to my state rep as Jessica suggested. It's ridiculous that we need a multi-pronged approach just to get the benefits we're entitled to, but clearly playing by their hidden rules is the only way to get results. Cameron, thanks for posting this - you've inadvertently created a support group and information sharing hub that's probably more useful than DEO's actual help resources!

That's awesome that it worked out so smoothly for you! Quick tip - I'd recommend keeping a spreadsheet or notebook to track all your work searches with dates, company names, and method of contact. The DEO can request proof at any time and having everything organized will save you major headaches if they audit you. Also, make sure you're reporting your work searches correctly in CONNECT each week - don't just put "online application" for everything. Be specific about what you did (applied online, called, visited in person, etc.). Good luck with your job search!

Just wanted to add something that might help others in similar situations - if your restaurant/business is permanently closing, make sure you get some kind of written documentation from your employer about the closure date and reason. Even just an email or text from your manager can be helpful if DEO questions your separation later. When I went through a similar situation with a retail store closing, DEO asked me to provide proof that it wasn't a voluntary quit. Having that documentation made the whole process much smoother and helped avoid any delays in my benefits. Also, don't forget that if you have any unused vacation or sick pay that gets paid out, you'll need to report those wages for the weeks they cover - even though the business is closed, those payments still count as wages for unemployment purposes.

Thank you! I'll send that email right now with the payment tracer request. I didn't realize CareerSource could help with this - there's an office about 20 minutes from me, so I'll try going there tomorrow morning. Really appreciate all these options!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been waiting 3 months for payments that show as "processed" but never arrived. One thing that helped me was creating a detailed timeline document with screenshots of my CONNECT account showing the payment dates and amounts, then screenshots of my Way2Go card statement showing no corresponding deposits. When you do get through to DEO (whether by phone, email, or CareerSource), having this visual evidence ready makes it much easier for them to see exactly what's wrong. I also recommend taking screenshots every few days to track if anything changes in your account status. The payment tracer request that Zara mentioned is definitely your best bet - it forces them to track where exactly your money got stuck in their system. Good luck and don't give up! You're entitled to that money.

Hey Charlie! I went through the exact same confusion when I first started claiming in Florida. One thing that helped me was creating a calendar reminder to check CONNECT every Monday and Wednesday during my potential reporting windows. Also, if you have a smartphone, try accessing CONNECT through your phone's browser instead of desktop - sometimes the mobile version shows different menu options or loads faster. And definitely keep a simple spreadsheet with your work search activities (date, company, position, how you applied) - it makes claiming so much easier when you have everything organized ahead of time. The system really is poorly designed, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes more manageable. Hang in there!

Charlie, I totally feel your frustration! I went through this exact same confusion when I first got approved. Here's what I wish someone had told me from the start: After you get your monetary determination, there's usually a 1-2 week delay before your claiming window opens. The "Claim Weekly Benefits" link will literally appear on your CONNECT homepage when it's your time - you're not missing anything hidden in the menus. While you're waiting, make sure you're doing your 5 work searches per week and documenting them (company name, position, date applied, how you applied). I use a simple notes app on my phone to track these as I go. Also, double-check that you've completed your Employ Florida registration if you haven't already - that's required before you can claim. The waiting is the worst part, but once that link appears, the actual claiming process is pretty straightforward. You'll be claiming two weeks at a time, and your first week will be unpaid (waiting week). Don't stress - you haven't missed anything yet!