Florida Unemployment

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Can't reach Florida Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.

Claimyr is a pay-as-you-go service. We do not charge a recurring subscription.

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Retroactive payments from DEO hitting accounts today - check CONNECT!

Just logged into CONNECT and saw that the DEO is processing $375 ($337.50 after taxes) in supplemental payments today! This is for the Wage Replacement Program from last month when the system was down for those 3 weeks. They're paying it all as one lump sum payment instead of separate payments for each week. Check your accounts - mine says it's processing now and should hit my Way2Go card by tomorrow morning. Anyone else seeing this? I wasn't expecting anything since they were so vague about whether we'd get compensated for that system outage!

mine just hit my way2go card!!! didnt even say it was processed yet in connect but the money is there! im literally crying right now ๐Ÿ˜ญ

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That's awesome news! Mine still says processing but hopefully it'll come through tonight. Thanks for letting us know they're actually sending the money out fast!

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Just wanted to share my experience for anyone still waiting - my payment hit my direct deposit account about 2 hours ago even though CONNECT still shows "processing"! I'm in the 4-6 digit group that was supposed to process tomorrow according to Zara's update, so it looks like they might be moving faster than expected. The amount was exactly $337.50 after taxes for all 3 weeks. For those still waiting, keep checking your actual bank/card accounts even if CONNECT hasn't updated yet!

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DEO vs PUA payment posting confusion - different deposit schedules?

I'm totally confused about my benefit payments. I recently qualified for both regular state unemployment (DEO) and some kind of federal assistance (I think it's PUA?). My CONNECT account shows both were processed on Monday, but only the DEO payment hit my bank account today (Thursday). The rep I finally got through to mentioned something about different posting schedules, with state money coming first and federal taking longer? Has anyone else experienced this? Should I be worried the federal portion got lost somewhere? It's a substantial amount that I really need for rent next week.

For anyone else finding this thread later: This is a common occurrence with Florida DEO payments. Different payment types (regular weekly benefits, back payments, adjustments, etc.) may show the same processing date in CONNECT but typically post to bank accounts on different schedules. This isn't a glitch - it's just how their system processes different payment batches. Tips for new claimants: 1. Allow 2-5 business days for all payments to arrive 2. Check your CONNECT payment history for accurate processing dates 3. Keep track of which payments you've received vs. what's showing as processed 4. If payments don't arrive after 5 business days, then contact DEO

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Also worth mentioning that if you opt for the Way2Go debit card instead of direct deposit, the payments often post faster AND simultaneously. The tradeoff is dealing with that awful card system instead of getting it directly to your bank.

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Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else going through this - I had the exact same thing happen when I first started my claim. The staggered payment schedule is actually pretty standard for Florida DEO. What helped me was setting up text alerts through CONNECT so I get notified when each payment is processed, rather than constantly checking my bank account. Also, if you're really tight on funds waiting for that second payment, some banks will give you provisional credit if you call and explain it's a delayed government benefit - worth asking about if you're in a pinch for rent like Diego was.

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How long after adjudication status disappears do DEO payments finally arrive?

I've been stuck in the dreaded adjudication phase for almost 7 weeks now (retail layoff). This morning I checked my CONNECT account and noticed the adjudication message that was on my claim status page has completely disappeared! No new messages or status updates though. Has anyone experienced this before? How long after the adjudication status disappeared did your payments actually hit your account? I'm down to my last $250 and getting really anxious since rent is due next week. Should I be doing something proactive or just wait it out?

CALL THEM!!! Seriously, don't just wait. My adjudication message disappeared and NOTHING happened for 3 weeks until I finally got through to someone who told me there was a "system flag" on my account that needed manual clearing. Got paid 2 days after they fixed it. The squeaky wheel gets the grease with DEO.

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How did you actually get through? I've tried calling literally 50+ times and never reached a human being.

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Honestly? Pure luck and persistence. I called right when they opened at 7:30am and kept redialing for about 45 minutes until I finally got in the queue instead of a busy signal. Then waited on hold for another hour. It's ridiculous they make it so hard.

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I went through the exact same thing in February! The adjudication message disappeared on a Wednesday and I was checking my account obsessively every few hours just like you. My payments actually came through that Friday morning - all 6 weeks of backpay hit at once which was such a relief. The waiting is absolutely brutal especially when you're down to your last few dollars. One thing that helped me was checking the "Payment History" section in CONNECT rather than just the main status page - it updates faster and shows when payments are actually being processed. Since rent is due next week, you might want to reach out to your landlord and explain the situation. Many are understanding about unemployment delays right now. Also check if your county has any emergency rental assistance programs - some can help bridge the gap while you wait for DEO to get their act together. Hang in there, you're so close!

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DEO phone nightmare - calling since November and getting hung up on EVERY time!

I'm at my wit's end trying to help my husband with his unemployment situation! He's been trying to call the DEO since NOVEMBER to resolve an issue with his claim status, and it's just a nightmare. Every single morning at 7:30am sharp, he starts dialing, and what happens? He either gets a busy signal, gets put on hold for 2+ hours, or worse - finally connects and then gets DISCONNECTED right when someone answers! This has been going on for nearly 3 months now and we're completely frustrated. His claim shows 'pending adjudication' but we can't find out why or how to fix it. Has ANYONE had any success actually speaking to a human being at the Florida DEO? We've tried emails too with zero response. Our savings are draining away while this claim sits in limbo. Any tips, tricks, or advice would be so appreciated right now.

I'm hearing this Claimyr service mentioned a couple times now... it sounds promising. At this point, we're willing to try anything because this situation is beyond ridiculous. I appreciate you sharing your experience with it!

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I feel your pain - went through the exact same thing last year when my claim got stuck in adjudication for 2 months. After endless failed calls, I finally got through by using multiple strategies at once: 1) Called at exactly 7:29am on a Wednesday, 2) Had my state rep's office submit an inquiry the same day, and 3) went to my local CareerSource office to get more details about what was actually wrong. Turns out it was a simple employer wage verification issue that took 5 minutes to resolve once I actually reached someone. The combination approach worked - got a callback from DEO within 48 hours after the rep's office got involved. Don't give up! The system is broken but persistence pays off.

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Can I claim DEO benefits until first paycheck arrives from new job starting in July?

Just got offered a job but it doesn't start until July 10th, and I won't receive my first paycheck until July 25th. Can I legally continue claiming unemployment weeks until I actually start receiving income? My DEO benefits are barely keeping us afloat, but I'm worried about the gap between my last unemployment check and first paycheck. The childcare situation is making this transition even harder. My previous childcare was subsidized through my old employer at $175/week for both kids. Now I've found a new place but it's $340/week PER CHILD! With the new job's salary, after childcare costs I'll be bringing home about $11/hr effective pay. I know I need to report when I accept the job offer on my claim weeks, but does anyone know if I can continue claiming until my first day of work? Or can I claim until I receive my first paycheck? The CONNECT system instructions aren't clear about this specific situation.

I'm really sorry about your childcare costs doubling - that's happening everywhere in Florida right now. One thing to remember is that you might qualify for the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit when you file your 2025 taxes. Keep ALL receipts from your childcare provider because you can claim up to $3,000 per child (max $6,000 for 2+ children). It won't help immediately with cash flow, but it's something to look forward to at tax time. Some employers also offer Dependent Care FSAs that let you set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare - might be worth asking your new employer if they offer this benefit.

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That's really helpful, thank you! I'll definitely keep all receipts and ask about the FSA option. Every bit helps at this point.

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One more thing to consider - since you have a few weeks gap between your last unemployment check and your first paycheck, you might want to look into local food banks or emergency assistance programs to help bridge that period. Many counties in Florida have programs specifically for families transitioning back to work. Also, if your new employer offers direct deposit, make sure to set that up ASAP. Sometimes the first paycheck can be delayed if they're still processing paperwork, but direct deposit usually speeds things up compared to physical checks. You're doing great navigating this transition - it's tough but you're asking all the right questions and planning ahead!

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