An update on my earlier comment - while Claimyr helped me get through quickly, I should clarify that even with the Level 2 escalation, it took about 5 business days for my adjudication to be completed. The key difference was that I got confirmation the escalation was actually submitted (got a reference number) and was able to check the status without spending another full day on the phone. Also, double-check the reason your claim is in adjudication if you can. Mine was stuck because of an employer dispute over separation reason (they coded it as "quit" when I was laid off). If that's your situation too, you might want to upload any documentation you have that proves your side (termination notice, texts from manager, etc.) to your CONNECT account.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the DEO system is absolutely brutal! I went through something similar last year where I had 9 weeks stuck in adjudication. Here's what I learned from my experience: 1. When you call back in 3 days, don't just accept "we'll escalate it" - ask for the escalation reference number and the name of the supervisor it's being escalated to. Get specifics! 2. Document everything - dates you called, agent names if they give them, reference numbers, what they told you. This becomes crucial if you need to escalate further. 3. Since you have your termination letter showing you were laid off, upload it to CONNECT ASAP. Sometimes adjudication gets stuck simply because they're waiting for documentation that proves your separation reason. 4. Try calling first thing at 7:30am when they open - I found early morning calls had shorter wait times than calling later in the day. The financial hardship angle that others mentioned really does work. Be specific about your rent situation and mention you're at risk of eviction. They have emergency protocols for people in your situation. Hang in there - it's frustrating but most people do eventually get their claims resolved. The system is designed to wear you down but don't give up!

Check if you have any pending fact-finding or identity verification requirements. Sometimes when you file a new claim while an old one is still in the system, it triggers additional verification steps. Look in the "Determination, Pending Issues and Decision Summary" section of CONNECT. That might explain why it's still pending and showing both claims.

I went through this exact same situation a few months ago! Had an old PEUC claim from 2021 that kept showing up when I filed my new regular unemployment claim. It was really confusing at first. What I learned is that CONNECT doesn't automatically hide or archive old claims - they just stay there in your account history. The important thing is to make sure you're always working with your active claim (the new RA one). Like others mentioned, there should be a way to select which claim you're viewing/managing. Don't stress too much about the old one being visible - it won't interfere with your new benefits as long as you're claiming weeks under the correct current claim. The pending status is totally normal for the first 1-2 weeks while they process everything.

This whole thread has been super helpful! I was in a similar situation a few months ago and spent weeks thinking I was on some special extension program. Turns out it was just the regular RA benefits with the weeks adjusted for unemployment rates like everyone explained. One thing I'd add is that if you're still confused about your specific situation, try logging into CONNECT early in the morning (like 6-7 AM) when the system is less busy. That's when I was finally able to access all my determination letters and payment history without the site timing out. The information is all there, it's just buried in the system and hard to find when the site is overloaded during peak hours.

I'm so glad I found this thread! I was having the exact same confusion about my benefits. Like others mentioned, I kept seeing references to "extensions" in my paperwork but couldn't figure out what program I was actually on. After reading through everyone's explanations, I logged into CONNECT this morning (thanks for the early morning tip!) and confirmed I'm on regular RA with 18 weeks total due to the unemployment rate adjustments. It's frustrating that DEO doesn't make this clearer - they really should explain the difference between pandemic programs that ended and the standard rate-based week adjustments. This community is so much more helpful than trying to navigate their confusing website or sit on hold for hours!

I'm going through something similar right now - filed 3 weeks ago and still pending with the same separation issue. Reading through all these responses is both terrifying and helpful. The fact that this system is so broken that we have to rely on state representatives and third-party services just to get basic unemployment benefits is absolutely ridiculous. Emma, I'm so glad you finally got through to someone! I'm definitely trying that 7:30am call strategy tomorrow. For anyone else dealing with this nightmare, it sounds like persistence is key but we shouldn't have to jump through this many hoops just to survive while looking for work.

I'm so sorry you're going through this Emma - the Florida unemployment system is absolutely brutal. I went through something similar last year and it took 8 weeks to get my first payment. The separation adjudication issue is super common but they make it nearly impossible to get help. A few things that worked for me: - Like others said, calling right at 7:30am is your best bet - When you do get through, ask specifically to speak with a "claims examiner" or "adjudicator" - regular phone agents can't resolve separation issues - Document EVERYTHING - screenshot your pending issues, save confirmation numbers from calls, etc. - Keep claiming your weeks no matter what - you'll get backpay once it's resolved The state rep route really does work too. I was skeptical but my friend got results in less than a week after contacting theirs. It's ridiculous that we have to go to elected officials just to get basic unemployment benefits, but whatever works at this point. Hang in there - I know it feels hopeless but you WILL get through this. The system is designed to wear you down but don't let them win!

am i the only 1 confused by all the different unemployment terms?? whats the difference between benefit year ending vs exhausting benefits vs extensions??? i thought i had until december but now im worried

Update: I finally got through to DEO this morning after trying for 3 hours! The agent confirmed there's no automatic extension after July 31st. She said I need to wait until my benefit year officially ends, then file a completely new application. She also checked my work history and said I probably won't qualify for a new claim because I haven't earned enough in my base period. She suggested applying for other assistance programs through ACCESS Florida in the meantime. Not the news I was hoping for, but at least I know where I stand now.