I bet the problem is your last employer info. My brother had the same issue and it turned out he needed to use the LEGAL company name (like "Walmart Stores East, LP" instead of just "Walmart"). Try looking at your W-2 or paystub for the exact legal name of your last employer. The system tries to match it with their records.

Glad you got it sorted out! For anyone else dealing with similar issues, I've found that the CONNECT system is super picky about data formatting. A few other things that helped me when I had submission problems: make sure there are NO spaces before or after any text you enter (especially email addresses), use only standard keyboard characters (no copy/pasted text that might have hidden formatting), and if you have multiple jobs with the same employer, list them as separate entries with slightly different date ranges rather than trying to combine them. The system seems to handle simple, clean data much better than anything complex. Hope this saves someone else the headache!

Just wanted to add one more tip that saved me last year - if you're using tax software like TurboTax or FreeTaxUSA, they usually have a specific section for unemployment income where you just enter the amounts from your 1099-G. Don't try to manually figure out where to put it on the forms yourself! Also, keep a copy of your 1099-G with your tax records. If the IRS ever has questions about your return, you'll need it as documentation. I learned this the hard way when I couldn't find mine during an audit review a few years back. The whole process is actually pretty straightforward once you have that 1099-G form in hand. The waiting and wondering is the worst part!

One thing I'd add is to be extra careful about your address with DEO! If you moved after filing your unemployment claim, make sure to update your address in the CONNECT system ASAP. The 1099-G gets mailed to whatever address they have on file, and if it goes to an old address, you might not get it until it's too late. I had a friend who moved during her unemployment period and forgot to update her address. She didn't realize until mid-February that her 1099-G went to her old apartment. By then the new tenants had probably thrown it away. She had to jump through hoops to get a replacement and nearly missed the tax filing deadline. You can update your address by logging into CONNECT and going to "Claimant Homepage" then "Personal Information" and updating your mailing address there. Better to do it now than scramble later!

I'm dealing with this exact same "Benefit Charging" nightmare right now! Been waiting 3 weeks already and getting the same runaround from different agents every time I call. One told me 10 business days, another said 30 calendar days, and the last one couldn't even find my case notes. It's like they're all reading from different scripts! The most frustrating part is how they act like WE'RE the problem when their own system is broken. I've been paying into unemployment insurance for over 8 years through my employers - this isn't charity, it's insurance I'm entitled to use! Thanks for sharing the September timeline info though, at least now I have something concrete to reference when I call back. Going to start documenting everything like others suggested here.

This is infuriating but sadly not surprising. I'm going through the exact same "Benefit Charging" nightmare right now - been stuck for 5 weeks and counting. Every agent gives me a different story about timelines, and I swear they're just making up dates to get us off the phone. What really gets me is how they lecture us about having "backup plans" when unemployment insurance IS the backup plan we've all been paying into! I've been contributing to this system for 10+ years through payroll deductions, and now when I actually need it, they act like I'm asking for a handout. The part about your agent mumbling when you asked about HIS backup plan is priceless though 😂 These people have secure government jobs telling unemployed folks to "plan better" - the irony is unreal. I'm definitely marking down that September 18th date and will be calling the minute it passes. Thanks for sharing the timeline info - at least now I have something concrete to reference instead of their usual "a few more weeks" nonsense.

Thanks for sharing this information about exhausted benefits - I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful. I had no idea about the 211 service that Carmen mentioned. For anyone else struggling with the gap between benefits ending and new employment, I'd also suggest checking if your local food banks have emergency assistance programs beyond just food. Some offer small emergency cash grants or help with utilities. Also, if you're a parent, don't forget about WIC and other family assistance programs that might help stretch your budget. The whole system is definitely frustrating, but at least we can help each other navigate it. Good luck to everyone dealing with this!

As someone who recently went through this exact situation, I can confirm what others have said - there are no federal extensions available in 2025. It's heartbreaking because 12 weeks really isn't enough time, especially in today's job market. One thing that helped me was checking with my county's social services department - they had a small emergency assistance program I didn't know about that helped with one month of rent. Also, if you have any gig work options like Uber, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit, even doing that part-time can help bridge the gap until your new job starts. I know it's not ideal, but it kept some money coming in during those final weeks. Really glad you found that last week of benefits - sometimes those small wins mean everything when you're stressed about finances. Hang in there, and congratulations on landing the new job! The timing will work out.

OP, what state are you in? The process can vary a lot depending on location.

I'm dealing with something similar in FL and it's absolutely maddening. One thing that helped me get some movement on my claim was filing a complaint with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's ombudsman office. You can do it online and they're supposed to follow up within 10 business days. Also, if you haven't already, make sure you're checking your CONNECT account daily - sometimes they'll request additional documents with zero notification. The whole system is designed to wear you down, but don't let them win. Keep fighting for what you're entitled to!