Florida Unemployment
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Can't reach Florida Unemployment? Claimyr calls for you, so you don't have to wait on hold.
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DEO locked account after new email/password login requirement - can't access final payment
Has anyone else run into this nightmare with the new DEO login system? I was trying to claim my final unemployment payment when it suddenly asked for an email address and password setup that wasn't required before. While trying to create this new login, somehow my roommate's information got mixed with mine (we share the same computer) and now BOTH our DEO accounts are completely locked! I can't access my final payment and he can't check his claim status. We've called the regular DEO number 15+ times but either get disconnected or stuck on hold forever. Does ANYONE know a number where a real human being actually answers? Or any other way to fix this mess? We're both freaking out because we need these payments for rent next week!
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CONNECT website down? Can't login to check claim status (April 2025)
Anyone else having trouble logging into the CONNECT portal this morning? I've been trying since 7:30am to check on my claim that went into adjudication last week, but keep getting an error message saying 'Service Unavailable' after I enter my credentials. Tried clearing cache and using different browsers but nothing works. Is this happening to everyone or just me? Starting to panic since today's my filing day and I can't afford any delays on my payments right now.
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Same thing happened to me this morning! I've been dealing with unemployment claims for about 2 years now and these CONNECT outages are unfortunately pretty common, especially on Mondays when everyone's trying to file. The good news is that they typically don't penalize you for late filing when it's due to system issues on their end. I always screenshot the error messages just in case, but I've never actually had to use them as proof. Usually the system comes back up within a few hours and you can file then. Try refreshing periodically throughout the day - sometimes it comes back online earlier than their estimated timeframes.
Denied DEO benefits after quitting for medical reasons - any success with appeals without hearings?
I'm at my wit's end with this whole DEO situation. I had to quit my restaurant manager job back in January due to severe migraines that were triggered by the bright lights and constant noise. My neurologist provided detailed documentation explaining why continuing to work there was making my condition worse. I submitted all this medical evidence with my initial claim, but DEO just denied me saying I 'failed to make reasonable efforts to preserve employment.' Apparently I should have asked for accommodations before quitting, but my doctor literally told me to leave that environment immediately. I've filed an appeal explaining that my medical condition made it impossible to continue working there while I waited for potential accommodations that probably wouldn't have helped anyway. Has anyone here won an appeal for a similar medical resignation without having to go through a formal hearing? I'm nervous about the hearing process and wondering if there's any chance they'll reverse the decision based just on my written appeal and doctor's documentation.
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Have you received a hearing date yet? If not, you still have time to submit additional evidence. I recommend sending a more detailed letter from your doctor using the Appeals Document Upload feature in CONNECT. The letter should specifically state: 1) Your condition was directly worsened by specific workplace conditions, 2) Immediate cessation of work was medically necessary, and 3) Why reasonable accommodations would not have been sufficient. Include medical records showing your condition worsened while employed there. This approach has helped several clients I've worked with, and occasionally results in a favorable decision without a hearing, though that's uncommon.
I haven't received a hearing date yet. I'll contact my neurologist tomorrow to get that detailed letter with those specific points. Thank you so much for the guidance!
I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - had to quit my retail job due to panic attacks that were triggered by the crowded, high-stress environment. My psychiatrist told me the workplace was exacerbating my anxiety disorder and I needed to leave immediately for my mental health. Of course, DEO denied me for the same "failed to make reasonable efforts" reasoning. Reading through these comments is really helpful - it sounds like the hearing process isn't as intimidating as I thought it would be. @Isabella Oliveira, I'd definitely recommend getting that more detailed letter from your neurologist like others have suggested. The fact that your doctor specifically told you to leave immediately seems to be a key factor in winning these cases. Good luck with your appeal!
Alternative ways to claim DEO weeks without using CONNECT online?
I've been having the WORST internet connection since I moved to rural Florida last month. Every time I try to claim my weeks on the CONNECT website, it times out or freezes halfway through. Super frustrating! I've already missed claiming one week because of this garbage connection. Does DEO offer any other ways to claim weeks besides their buggy website? Can I call them directly? Is there a physical form I can mail in? I'm desperate at this point... my bills are piling up and I can't afford to miss any more payments. Thanks in advance for any help!
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Update: I tried the phone system this morning and it worked! Took about 15 minutes to go through all the questions, but my weeks are now claimed. Thanks everyone for your help! I've saved all these suggestions for future reference in case I have internet problems again.
Great to hear! Just remember to keep detailed records of your work searches even when claiming by phone. DEO sometimes does random audits where they ask for proof of your work search activities even months later.
That's awesome that you got it working! For anyone else reading this thread, I'd also recommend having your PIN written down somewhere safe before calling. I learned the hard way that if you enter it wrong too many times, they'll lock your account and then you have to wait to speak with an agent to unlock it. The phone system is definitely a lifesaver when the website is acting up though!
DEO unemployment account shows 'pending' but June 24th payment date approaching - can't reach anyone!
I'm at my breaking point with the Florida DEO unemployment system. My claim status has been stuck on 'pending' for weeks now, and my next payment date is supposed to be June 24th (which is just days away!). Every single time I try calling the DEO, I get the automated 'all operators are busy' message and then they just hang up on me! I've tried calling at different times (early morning, midday, right before closing) - nothing works. I had my claim interview back on May 9th and everything seemed fine, but now my CONNECT account just shows 'in process' with zero explanation. I need to actually talk to a real human being to figure out what's going on before I miss my June payment completely. Has anyone found ANY way to get through to an actual person? This is beyond frustrating!
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Has anyone here gone to a CareerSource office in person? I've heard sometimes they can help with DEO issues? I'm facing a similar situation with my claim being stuck and I'm wondering if showing up in person somewhere might help.
CareerSource offices can help with general questions and job searching, but they don't have direct access to adjudication or the ability to change claim statuses. They're separate entities from the DEO, although they do work together. They might be able to help you understand what's happening with your claim, but they can't fix technical issues or expedite processing unfortunately.
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at DEO! I used the Claimyr service that was suggested here, and it worked exactly as described. They called me back within 30 minutes with a DEO agent on the line. Turns out there was a discrepancy between what my employer reported for my last day worked and what I had entered on my application (I was off by two days). The agent was able to update it immediately and told me my claim should be processed within 48 hours. What a relief! I've been stressed for weeks over this. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
nice! did they say ur gonna get back pay for all those weeks?
Congratulations on getting through! This gives me hope for my own situation. I'm dealing with a similar pending status and have been hesitant to try paid services, but after reading your success story I think I'll give Claimyr a shot too. It's crazy how a two-day discrepancy can hold up everything for weeks. The DEO system really needs an overhaul - people shouldn't have to jump through this many hoops just to get the benefits they're entitled to.
Ravi Kapoor
Just checking back - were you able to get this resolved? I'm still dealing with DEO account issues and wondering if you found a solution that worked.
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Isabella Oliveira
AuthorYes! Finally got it fixed yesterday. Ended up using Claimyr to reach an agent (worth every penny) and they were able to unlink our accounts. The agent explained they're seeing hundreds of these cases daily. For anyone else with this issue - they need to do what they call an "identity separation" in their system which can only be done by tier 2 support staff. Make sure you ask to be transferred to that department specifically!
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Natasha Volkova
I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My account got locked after the new email requirement and I've been trying to get through to someone for days. This is so stressful when you're counting on that final payment. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - it's really helpful to know I'm not alone in this. Going to try the CareerSource office visit approach first since that seems most reliable, and if that doesn't work I'll look into the Claimyr service. Has anyone had success with the tier 2 support transfer that Isabella mentioned? Wondering if I should specifically ask for that when I do get through to someone.
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