Thanks everyone for helping me figure this out! I just got off the phone with DEO (waited almost 2 hours) and they confirmed everything. I'm getting both regular unemployment AND Disaster Unemployment Assistance because my layoff was hurricane-related. The agent said the DUA portion ($425/week) will last for a maximum of 26 weeks from the disaster declaration date, while my regular state benefits ($275/week) can continue for up to 12 weeks total depending on the state unemployment rate. She also warned me to keep documenting my work searches and any hurricane-related impacts to avoid future overpayment issues.

Glad you got this sorted out! This is really helpful info for others who might be in the same situation. Just wanted to add - if anyone else reading this thinks they might qualify for DUA but didn't get it automatically, you can still apply separately through the DEO website. There's a specific DUA application form that's different from regular unemployment. The deadline is usually 30 days from the disaster declaration, but they sometimes extend it. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING - your determination letters, payment records, work search logs, and especially any documentation linking your job loss to the hurricane. DEO's computer systems don't always talk to each other properly, so having your own records can save you major headaches if they come back with questions later.

That's awesome that it worked out so smoothly for you! Quick tip - I'd recommend keeping a spreadsheet or notebook to track all your work searches with dates, company names, and method of contact. The DEO can request proof at any time and having everything organized will save you major headaches if they audit you. Also, make sure you're reporting your work searches correctly in CONNECT each week - don't just put "online application" for everything. Be specific about what you did (applied online, called, visited in person, etc.). Good luck with your job search!

Just wanted to add something that might help others in similar situations - if your restaurant/business is permanently closing, make sure you get some kind of written documentation from your employer about the closure date and reason. Even just an email or text from your manager can be helpful if DEO questions your separation later. When I went through a similar situation with a retail store closing, DEO asked me to provide proof that it wasn't a voluntary quit. Having that documentation made the whole process much smoother and helped avoid any delays in my benefits. Also, don't forget that if you have any unused vacation or sick pay that gets paid out, you'll need to report those wages for the weeks they cover - even though the business is closed, those payments still count as wages for unemployment purposes.

Just wanted to add my experience since I went through this exact situation a few months ago. After I got my new job, I was paranoid about doing everything correctly with DEO, so I actually called them to confirm the process (took forever to get through, of course). The rep told me exactly what everyone here is saying - just stop claiming weeks after your final accurate claim and that's it. No need to notify them separately or formally close anything. Your claim will show as "inactive" in the system but stays available for the full benefit year if needed. The key is making sure you're 100% honest about your work and earnings on that last claim to avoid any overpayment issues down the road. DEO is notorious for coming after people months later if there are discrepancies. Sounds like you handled it correctly though - congrats on the new job and hopefully you won't need to deal with DEO again anytime soon!

Congrats on landing the new job after 4 months! That's awesome news. You're doing everything right - just stop claiming weeks after accurately reporting that final week and you're all set. No formal closure needed with DEO. I went through this same situation last year and was worried about the same things you mentioned. The system will show your claim as inactive but it stays open for the full benefit year from when you originally filed, which is actually helpful if anything unexpected happens with your new role. The most important thing is that you were honest about your earnings on that last claim - that prevents any overpayment headaches later. DEO's website really doesn't explain this process clearly at all, which is why so many people get confused about it. You handled it correctly though, so you should be good to go. Best of luck with the new retail management position!

I feel your frustration! I've been dealing with similar issues trying to reach unemployment services. One thing that's helped me is calling multiple times throughout the day - sometimes you get lucky and hit a less busy period. Also, if your bank has a local branch, try going in person even if they initially tell you to call. Sometimes being physically present makes them more willing to help or at least escalate your issue. Keep a detailed log of your attempts too - dates, times, how long you waited - it can be useful if you need to file a complaint later. Hang in there! 💪

I've been in the exact same situation and it's incredibly frustrating! One trick that finally worked for me was calling right at 8:00 AM on the dot when they open - I literally had my finger hovering over the call button and hit it the second the clock hit 8. Also, try the "callback" option if they have one - some banks will hold your place in line and call you back instead of making you wait on hold. If all else fails, try reaching out through their mobile app's chat feature or secure messaging. Sometimes those channels have shorter wait times than the phone lines. Don't give up - I know it's exhausting but you'll eventually get through! 🤞

This thread is incredibly helpful - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and solutions! I'm in a similar situation with my claim stuck in adjudication since June. Reading through all these suggestions, I'm going to try the multi-pronged approach: contacting my state rep with specific details, using that Florida Statute citation in a certified letter, and looking into Claimyr if the other methods don't work quickly enough. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops for a basic government service, but at least now I have a roadmap thanks to this community. Will update if any of these approaches work for my situation!

I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare! My claim has been stuck in adjudication since May 2025 - over 7 months now. I was laid off from my accounting firm due to downsizing, have all the proper documentation, but DEO just keeps giving me the runaround. The "pending issue" status with zero explanation is infuriating. I've called probably 200+ times, been promised callbacks that never happen, and I'm drowning in bills while they sit on my claim. Reading through everyone's experiences here, I'm going to try the multi-pronged approach: contacting my state rep with specific claim details, sending that certified letter citing Florida Statute 443.151(3)(a), and potentially using Claimyr if needed. It's absolutely outrageous that we need to become legal experts and hire third-party services just to access benefits we're entitled to! This system is completely broken and designed to exhaust people into giving up. Thank you all for sharing your strategies - at least we're not suffering through this alone.