Congrats on getting it resolved! This is such a perfect example of why the DEO system is so frustrating - your verification was actually completed but their system couldn't properly sync it. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through all these hoops and use third-party services just to access our own benefits. For anyone else reading this thread who might be dealing with similar issues, it sounds like the key takeaways are: 1. Try the email addresses that @Mateo Sanchez provided first 2. If that doesn't work, contact your state rep 3. As a last resort, the Claimyr service seems to actually work for getting through to a human The fact that you had to pay a service to talk to your own state's unemployment office is honestly insane, but I'm glad you got your money! Hope that car payment gets sorted 🙏

This whole thread is a perfect case study in how broken the DEO system really is. The fact that @Nia Harris had to go through weeks of stress and try multiple workarounds just to access her final $340 payment is absolutely unacceptable. What really gets me is that the system KNEW her verification was complete - it was just stuck in some limbo status that only a human agent could manually override. This suggests the problem isn't with people not completing verification properly, but with DEO's backend systems failing to communicate with each other. I've been helping people with unemployment issues for over a year now, and the pattern is always the same: automated emails that promise resolution but don't deliver, phone systems designed to discourage calling, and verification processes that work but don't properly sync. It's like they've designed every possible barrier to make people give up on their rightful benefits. Really glad you got it sorted @Nia Harris, but it shouldn't take a village and paid services just to access unemployment benefits. The state needs to do better.

Update: I finally got through to DEO this morning after trying for hours! Turns out there was an issue with my employment separation reason. My employer had coded it as "quit" instead of "layoff due to lack of work" which triggered the adjudication. The agent was able to update it after I explained the situation and provided the layoff letter. She said my payments should be released within 48-72 hours. Fingers crossed! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. This whole process has been so stressful.

Congrats on getting through and finding out what the issue was! That's such a relief. The employer coding error is unfortunately pretty common - I've seen this happen to several people where the company accidentally marks "voluntary quit" instead of "layoff" or "reduction in force." For anyone else reading this who might be in a similar situation, this is a perfect example of why it's so important to keep all your separation paperwork (layoff letters, WARN notices, etc.) and be prepared to provide them to DEO if needed. Emma's case shows how one simple coding error can hold up benefits for weeks. Hope your payments come through quickly now! Keep us posted on when they actually hit your account.

ive been on unemployment 3 times in florida and deo has never called me once for anything ever. everything was always through connect or mail

This is definitely a scam - you made the right call hanging up! I work in fraud prevention and these scammers have gotten really sophisticated. They're targeting unemployment claimants specifically because they know people are anxious about their benefits and might give up info without thinking. A few red flags from your description: - Miami area code (DEO calls from official numbers) - Immediately asking for FULL SSN (they already have this) - No proper identification or claim reference Real DEO calls would reference your specific claim number, the rep would give their name/ID, and they'd never ask for your complete social. If you're ever unsure, just tell them you'll call back through official channels - legitimate reps will understand and encourage this! Keep an eye on your CONNECT messages for any real communication needs.

I was in adjudication for 8 weeks earlier this year over a job separation issue and finally got approved last month. I've been so focused on just getting paid that I haven't even thought about when it all might end! Does anyone know if time spent in adjudication counts against your 12 weeks? I was unemployed that whole time but not receiving benefits.

Thanks everybody for clearing this up! Feeling much better now understanding that my regular benefits continue. One last question - do I need to do anything special when Dec 26 comes? Like re-apply or fill out different forms in CONNECT? Or does everything just continue automatically?

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!