I'm dealing with the exact same phone disconnection issue! Been trying to call DEO for the past week and getting cut off during their automated message every single time. It's like their system is programmed to fail. What's really frustrating is that I completed my ID.me verification successfully (got the confirmation email and everything), but now my CONNECT account shows some vague "pending review" status that's been stuck for over two weeks. I can't even request my certification because the system won't let me proceed. Has anyone tried calling their local CareerSource office? I'm wondering if they can help with DEO issues or at least provide some guidance on what to do when you're completely locked out of the system. At this point I'm willing to drive somewhere in person if it means talking to an actual human being who can help! The timing couldn't be worse - my savings are almost gone and I have bills piling up. This whole system feels designed to make people give up on their legitimate benefits.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the DEO phone system and ID.me verification issues are absolutely maddening right now. I went through something similar last month and it took me over a week of constant calling to finally get through. A few things that helped me: First, definitely try the early morning approach everyone mentioned (7:30 AM sharp). Second, when you do get through, immediately ask for your case to be escalated to a supervisor if the first agent seems unsure about anything. Third, keep detailed notes of every call - date, time, agent name if they give it, and exactly what they tell you. This helped when I had to call back multiple times because different agents were giving me conflicting information. Also, double-check that your name appears EXACTLY the same on all your documents. My account got locked because my ID.me had my full middle name but my original application only had my middle initial. Something that small can trigger their system to flag your account as having "insufficient documentation." Hang in there - I know it feels impossible but people do eventually get through and get their accounts fixed. The system is broken but persistence does pay off eventually.

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!

That's great news about getting through with Claimyr! I'm in a similar situation - been waiting 6 weeks with "determination needed" status and no communication from DEO. My local CareerSource office basically told me the same thing everyone else is saying here - they can't help with adjudication issues. I'm going to try both the Claimyr service and contacting my state rep's office. The fact that you got an actual explanation (employer response issue) gives me hope that there might be a real reason mine is stuck too, not just lost in the system. Keep us posted on whether you actually see movement in those 14 days! And congrats on the new job - at least you'll have income coming in while waiting for the back pay.

I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare right now! Been waiting 8 weeks with "determination needed" status and absolutely no communication from DEO. Called probably 50+ times and either get disconnected or stuck in endless hold loops. My CareerSource office was completely useless too - they basically admitted they can't access any of the systems that matter. Reading through these comments is both depressing and helpful. Sounds like the Claimyr service and contacting state representatives are the only things that actually work. I'm definitely going to try both approaches this week. @Diego Vargas really hoping your 14-day timeline works out! Please keep us updated. It's insane that we have to use third-party services and political connections just to get basic government benefits we're entitled to. The whole system is completely broken. For anyone else in this situation - don't give up! Seems like persistence and finding the right workarounds eventually pay off, even if it takes months longer than it should.