


Ask the community...
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.
That's really helpful - I'll make sure to ask for a reference number for the escalation. I'm not sure why mine is in adjudication because no one will tell me! My employer didn't contest anything as far as I know - I was laid off when they closed our location. I have my termination letter, so I'll definitely upload that to CONNECT.
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!
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 actually tried going to my local CareerSource office last month when I was having similar issues with DEO! Unfortunately, they told me they can only help with job search services and can't directly access or fix DEO/CONNECT problems. However, the staff there was really helpful and gave me some printed materials with all the DEO phone numbers and best times to call. They also suggested trying to call right at 7:30 AM sharp and mentioned that Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have shorter wait times than Mondays or Fridays. It's worth a visit if you're nearby - at least you'll talk to real people who understand the struggle, even if they can't directly fix your account.
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.
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.
@Zara Perez You re'absolutely right about how broken this system is! I m'dealing with a similar situation - filed 5 weeks ago and also stuck with a separation adjudication issue. It s'insane that we have to become experts on navigating government bureaucracy just to get the help we re'entitled to. I ve'been following Emma s'updates and it gives me hope that the 7:30am call strategy might work. Also planning to contact my state rep this week based on Isabella s'success story. We really shouldn t'have to go through all this just to survive between jobs, but at least this community helps us figure out the workarounds. Good luck with your call tomorrow - hopefully you ll'have better luck than I ve'had so far!
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!
@AstroAdventurer Thank you for sharing your experience and the encouragement! It's both reassuring and frustrating to hear that this 8+ week nightmare is so common. I'm definitely going to try the 7:30am call again tomorrow and specifically ask for a claims examiner this time. I've been documenting everything but didn't think to screenshot the pending issues page - that's a great tip! The fact that we all have to become experts at gaming this broken system just to get basic help is absolutely insane. But reading everyone's success stories here gives me hope that I'll eventually get through this mess too.
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
It can definitely be confusing! Here's a quick explanation: - Benefit Year: This is the 12-month period that begins when you first file your claim. Your claim ends when this year is over (like OP's ending on July 31st). - Exhausting Benefits: This means you've used all the weeks of benefits you were eligible for within your benefit year. In Florida, that's typically up to 12 weeks of regular benefits (or up to 23 weeks if state unemployment is high). - Extensions: These are additional weeks of benefits that might be available after you exhaust your regular benefits but before your benefit year ends. Extensions usually only exist during special circumstances (like during the pandemic) and require federal or state authorization. If your claim started in December of last year, your benefit year would end in December 2025, so you still have time left in your benefit year. But you should check how many weeks of benefits you were initially approved for to see if you might exhaust those weeks before December.
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.
I'm sorry to hear that. Definitely follow up with CareerSource like I mentioned. Also check with your county's Community Action Agency - they sometimes have emergency assistance for rent and utilities that can help bridge the gap.
Thanks for sharing the update, Pedro. I'm in a similar situation with my benefit year ending soon. Quick question - when the agent checked your work history, did she look at wages from your part-time job automatically, or did you have to specifically ask her to include those? I want to make sure they're considering all my earnings when I eventually have to reapply.
Angelica Smith
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.
0 coins
Zachary Hughes
•No, time spent in adjudication doesn't count against your weeks. Your benefit year begins when you apply, but your weeks are only used when you successfully claim them. If they approved you retroactively, they should have paid you for those weeks in adjudication, and those weeks do count against your total.
0 coins
Amelia Cartwright
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?
0 coins
Chris King
•You don't need to do anything special. Just continue claiming your weeks as normal every two weeks. The only change you'll notice is that if you were receiving the federal supplement, that additional $150 will no longer appear in your payments after December 26th. Your base Florida benefit amount will continue automatically as long as you keep claiming on schedule.
0 coins
Louisa Ramirez
•@Chris King is absolutely right - no action needed on your part! Just keep doing your regular biweekly claims in CONNECT and completing your 5 work search activities each week. The system will automatically stop adding the federal $150 supplement after Dec 26th, but your base $325 will keep flowing. I went through the same thing last year when the previous federal extension ended. One day I just noticed my deposit was $150 less, but the main payment kept coming until I found work.
0 coins