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I'm so sorry you're going through this - 5+ months is absolutely unacceptable! I went through something similar earlier this year and it's incredibly stressful. Here are a few things that helped me finally get movement on my case: 1. Try the "callback" feature on the DEO website if it's available - sometimes it's faster than calling directly 2. Email your claim details to your county's unemployment office (some have dedicated email addresses for pending cases) 3. Consider reaching out to Florida's unemployment advocacy groups - they sometimes have direct contacts within DEO 4. Keep a detailed log of every attempt you make to contact them - dates, times, reference numbers, etc. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate The system is definitely broken and it's not your fault. Keep pushing and trying different approaches - persistence really does pay off eventually. You've got this! 💪
This is such helpful advice, thank you! I hadn't thought about looking for county-specific email addresses - that could be a game changer. The callback feature sounds promising too, though knowing DEO it probably doesn't work half the time 😅. I'm definitely going to start keeping a detailed log like you suggested. It's crazy that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get what we're entitled to, but I appreciate you taking the time to share what worked for you. Gives me hope that there's light at the end of this tunnel!
I'm dealing with a similar nightmare - been waiting 4 months myself and it's beyond frustrating. One thing that finally helped me get some movement was filing a complaint through the Florida Attorney General's office consumer complaint portal. They actually have a category specifically for DEO issues and they seem to have some pull in getting cases reviewed. Also, if you haven't already, try logging into your CONNECT account at different times of day - sometimes the system glitches and won't show updates during peak hours. I know it sounds crazy but I literally refreshed my account at 2 AM one night and suddenly there was a message that had been sitting there for weeks! The whole system is a joke but don't lose hope - keep fighting for what's rightfully yours! 🙏
Thanks for the Attorney General tip - I had no idea they had a specific category for DEO issues! I'm definitely going to file a complaint there today. The 2 AM system refresh trick is wild but honestly at this point I'm willing to try anything. It's ridiculous that we have to become detectives just to navigate a system that's supposed to help us. I'll start checking my CONNECT account at random hours and see if any hidden messages pop up. Four months is brutal - I really hope you get some resolution soon too! This whole situation is such a mess but it helps knowing I'm not alone in this fight.
This thread has become an amazing resource! I'm dealing with a similar Way2Go card issue right now - card keeps declining even though I have funds available. Reading through everyone's experiences and solutions has been incredibly helpful. I'm planning to try the 2-4-3 sequence tomorrow morning at exactly 8:30am like so many people recommended. The tip about spacing out transactions by at least an hour is something I never would have considered - it's crazy that normal shopping behavior triggers their fraud detection! I'm also going to try using "credit" instead of "debit" and stick to Wells Fargo ATMs based on the advice here. It's absolutely infuriating that we need these elaborate workarounds just to access our own benefits, but I'm so grateful this community exists to help each other navigate these broken systems. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their solutions - you're literally saving people from financial emergencies!
Good luck with the 2-4-3 sequence tomorrow! Based on everything I've read in this thread, it seems like that's the most reliable way to get through to an actual person. The timing really does seem to matter - multiple people have confirmed that calling right at 8:30am sharp makes a big difference. Also, make sure you have all your info ready before you call (card number, SSN, recent transaction details) because they'll want to verify everything multiple times. The "credit" vs "debit" tip is brilliant too - I never would have thought that the payment method could affect whether the transaction goes through when the card is locked. Really hope you get it resolved quickly! This whole situation is so stressful when you need access to your benefits. Please update us if the 2-4-3 sequence works for you - it helps others who might be searching for solutions to this same problem.
I just want to echo what others have said about documenting everything when you have these Way2Go card issues. I went through a similar situation a few months ago and wish I had kept better records from the start. One thing I'd add that I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you're still having trouble after trying all the phone sequences, you can also file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) online. They forward complaints directly to Way2Go's executive team, and I've heard of people getting callbacks within 24-48 hours after filing. Obviously try the phone workarounds first since they're faster, but the CFPB complaint is a good backup option if you're still stuck after several days. The complaint form asks for specific details about the issue, dates, and what you've tried to resolve it, so having that documentation really helps. It shouldn't be necessary to file federal complaints just to access our own benefits, but sometimes that's what it takes to get their attention!
I just went through this exact same issue a few weeks ago and was absolutely pulling my hair out! After reading through all these incredibly helpful responses, I want to add one more potential location that saved me when nothing else worked: check your email! Sometimes DEO sends a separate email notification about the determination that includes the 12-digit Issue ID, even if it's not clear on the physical determination letter. I found mine in an email with the subject line "Reemployment Assistance Determination Notice" that had arrived the same day as my determination letter. The Issue ID was listed in the email body in a section I almost missed. Also, if you're still stuck after trying everything mentioned here, try accessing CONNECT through a different browser entirely - I was using Chrome and couldn't see certain fields, but when I switched to Firefox everything displayed properly. The whole system is a nightmare, but don't give up! That appeal deadline is serious and your benefits are worth the fight. This community has been amazing at sharing solutions - we shouldn't have to crowdsource basic information like this, but I'm grateful we can help each other navigate DEO's terrible system!
This is such a great tip about checking email! I never would have thought to look there. I'm currently dealing with this issue and have been going through all the suggestions in this thread systematically. Just checked my email and sure enough, there was a notification email I had overlooked that contained the 12-digit Issue ID right in the body text! It was in a section titled "Issue Details" that I had skipped over because I was focused on the determination letter PDF attachment. You're absolutely right about trying different browsers too - I've noticed CONNECT has weird compatibility issues. It's unbelievable that we need a whole detective manual just to find one number that should be prominently displayed, but I'm so grateful for everyone sharing their experiences here. Between all the different locations mentioned in this thread (determination letter, CONNECT details, inbox messages, payment control, and now email notifications), hopefully everyone can find their Issue ID somewhere! Thanks for adding another potential solution to help people meet their appeal deadlines!
This thread has been absolutely invaluable! I'm currently facing this exact situation - got my determination letter two days ago and have been searching everywhere for this mysterious 12-digit Issue ID. The panic is real when you see that appeal deadline approaching! Based on everyone's experiences here, I've created a comprehensive checklist that I'm working through: 1) Re-examine determination letter carefully (especially top right section), 2) Check email for "Reemployment Assistance Determination Notice", 3) Log into CONNECT on desktop (not mobile), 4) Clear browser cache and try different browser if needed, 5) Go to Determination Summary → click specific determination → look for Details button, 6) Check CONNECT inbox messages and any PDF attachments, 7) Look in Benefit Payment Control section for held payments, 8) Try logging out completely and back in if pages aren't loading properly. If all else fails, I have the Appeals Office number (850) 245-7105 and the paper form (DEO-RA0310) as backups. It's absolutely shameful that Florida DEO has made this process so unnecessarily difficult, but I'm not letting their broken system prevent me from fighting for my benefits. Thank you to everyone who shared their solutions - you're literally helping people save their unemployment benefits!
This is an amazing comprehensive checklist! I'm bookmarking this comment because it covers literally every possible location mentioned in this entire thread. I just went through this nightmare myself last month and wish I had a systematic approach like this instead of randomly clicking around in panic mode. Your step-by-step list would have saved me so much stress and time. I especially appreciate you including the backup options (Appeals Office phone and paper form) because having those safety nets is crucial when you're up against a deadline. It's absolutely infuriating that we need an 8-step detective process just to find one number, but your organized approach gives people the best chance of success. The fact that Florida DEO has created a system so confusing that we need community threads like this just to navigate basic appeals is honestly disgraceful. But I'm grateful for people like you who turn their frustrating experiences into helpful resources for others. Good luck with your appeal - with this thorough approach, you'll definitely find that Issue ID!
I'm really sorry you're dealing with this stress - it's such a difficult position to be in when you're still actively looking for work but running out of benefits. Everyone here has given you accurate information that Florida unfortunately doesn't have any extensions beyond the standard 12 weeks right now. Since you mentioned you have about 2 weeks left, I'd recommend taking action on several fronts immediately. First, use that Claimyr service others mentioned to call DEO and get absolute confirmation of your exact end date - sometimes the CONNECT dashboard isn't completely clear about remaining weeks. Second, start your SNAP application through ACCESS Florida right away since processing can take several weeks. Also consider signing up with temp agencies and exploring gig work platforms like Uber, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit for immediate income while you continue your permanent job search. Many people have found that temp assignments actually led to full-time opportunities, so it's worth considering even if it's not your ideal situation. Don't forget to check with your county's social services department about emergency assistance programs - many still have federal pandemic relief funds available for rent, utilities, and other necessities. Calling 211 can connect you with these local resources quickly. I know this isn't the answer you were hoping for, but at least now you can focus your energy on these concrete next steps instead of searching CONNECT for extensions that don't exist. You've got this!
This is incredibly helpful advice - thank you for breaking down all these immediate action steps! I had no idea about the gig work options like DoorDash or TaskRabbit as a way to bridge income while job searching. That's actually brilliant because it gives me some control over when I work around interview schedules. I'm definitely going to call using Claimyr tomorrow to get that confirmation about my end date, and I'll start the SNAP application this week. The county social services tip is new to me too - I didn't realize there might still be pandemic relief funds available at the local level. Calling 211 sounds like a great starting point to find out what's actually available in my area. It's been so valuable connecting with this community and learning from everyone's experiences. Even though the news about no extensions is disappointing, having this clear action plan makes me feel much more prepared for what's coming. Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed and practical advice!
I'm really sorry to hear about your situation - this is such a stressful time when you're already dealing with job searching pressure. Unfortunately, everyone in this thread is correct that Florida doesn't currently offer any benefit extensions beyond the standard 12 weeks of state unemployment benefits. There's no separate extension application in CONNECT because these programs simply don't exist right now. Since you have about 2 weeks left, I'd strongly recommend starting to prepare for the transition now rather than waiting. First, definitely try that Claimyr service others mentioned to call DEO and get absolute confirmation of your exact end date and make sure you haven't missed any weeks you're eligible to claim. Second, start applying for other assistance programs immediately - the SNAP application through ACCESS Florida can take 2-3 weeks to process, so don't wait until your unemployment stops. Also call 211 to find out what emergency assistance programs might be available in your county for things like utilities and rent. Consider registering with temp agencies right away too. Even if it's not your ideal work, having some income coming in can really reduce the stress while you continue searching for permanent employment. Many temp positions can actually lead to full-time opportunities. I know this isn't what you were hoping to hear, but at least now you can focus your energy on these concrete steps instead of searching for extensions that unfortunately don't exist. You're definitely not alone in dealing with Florida's limited system - hang in there!
This is such comprehensive and practical advice - thank you for taking the time to lay out all these specific steps! I really appreciate you confirming what everyone else has said about Florida's system, even though it's disappointing news. I've been spinning my wheels looking through CONNECT for something that just doesn't exist, so now I can redirect that energy into these actionable items you've outlined. I'm definitely going to try Claimyr tomorrow to get that final confirmation on my timeline, and I'll start the SNAP application this week since I had no idea it could take several weeks to process. The temp agency suggestion makes a lot of sense too - I've been so focused on finding the perfect permanent position that I hadn't considered temp work as a legitimate bridge strategy. Even knowing that some temp assignments can turn into full-time opportunities makes it feel like a more worthwhile path to explore. It's been incredibly valuable to connect with this community and learn from everyone's real experiences navigating Florida's limited unemployment system. While the situation is still stressful, having this clear action plan makes it feel much more manageable. Thank you for the encouragement - it really helps to know that others have successfully gotten through this transition!
Lucas Turner
Glad you got it sorted out! This is exactly why I always recommend people try Claimyr when they hit these weird CONNECT system glitches. The work search verification flag issue is super common - DEO doesn't tell you about it but it can completely block your ability to claim weeks even when you're eligible. For anyone else reading this thread with similar problems, don't waste days calling DEO directly. The phone system is designed to frustrate you into giving up. Services like Claimyr are worth every penny when you're dealing with rent and bills piling up.
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Reginald Blackwell
•Totally agree with this! I'm new to the community but have been lurking and reading through these threads. It's crazy how many people are dealing with the exact same system glitches and hidden flags that DEO doesn't even tell you about. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences and solutions - this community has been more helpful than any official DEO resource I've found online. Going to bookmark that Claimyr service just in case I run into issues down the road.
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Fatima Al-Hashimi
Welcome to the community @Reginald Blackwell! You're absolutely right about this community being more helpful than official DEO resources. I've been dealing with unemployment issues for months and the collective knowledge here has saved me countless hours of frustration. For anyone new reading this thread - the key takeaways are: 1) DEO emails often come before the system updates, 2) hidden flags like work search verification can block your claiming ability without notice, and 3) services like Claimyr seem to be the most reliable way to actually reach a human who can fix these backend issues. The CONNECT system really does feel like it's designed to discourage people from successfully claiming benefits. Having a community like this where we can share real solutions makes all the difference when you're stressed about bills and rent!
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