
Florida Unemployment
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Just had my claim status change to 'paid' finally after weeks of waiting! CONNECT shows a direct deposit was made on 6/27, but it's been 2 days and I'm still not seeing anything in my bank account. Is this normal or should I be worried? How long does it typically take for DEO payments to actually hit your bank after the status changes to paid? This is my first time filing in Florida so I'm not sure what to expect with the timing.
I just got a job offer and will be starting work next Monday (finally!!). Do I need to manually stop filing for unemployment benefits or does the DEO system automatically stop paying once I report my work income? This is my first time on unemployment in Florida and I don't want to accidentally commit fraud. Do I still claim this coming week even though I'll be working 3 days of it? The CONNECT instructions weren't clear about this at all.
Thank you everyone for all the helpful advice! Based on what you've all shared, I'm going to: 1. Keep claiming my weeks even after I start working 2. Report my gross earnings accurately for the days worked in each claim week 3. Take screenshots of everything I submit as proof 4. Continue this process for at least 2-3 weeks after my earnings exceed my benefit amount I really appreciate all the help - the DEO website doesn't explain this clearly at all!
One more tip - if you're worried about accidentally creating an overpayment, you can always call the overpayment department at DEO (different from regular customer service) and ask them to verify that you're reporting correctly. The number is usually less busy than the main line. Also, keep copies of your pay stubs once you start getting them - if there's ever a discrepancy later, having documentation of what you actually earned vs what you reported will save you a lot of headache. Good luck with the new job!
Has anyone figured out what time of day Florida DEO typically deposits unemployment benefits? I've been waiting for my payment since it switched to 'processed' yesterday. My first payment is supposed to come tomorrow (according to CONNECT) but I'm wondering if they deposit at midnight, early morning, or randomly throughout the day? Trying to time when to pay some urgent bills and need to know when I should expect the money to actually be in my account. Any help or insight is greatly appreciated.
btw if ur payment is late u can also try messaging them on facebook! sounds weird but i got a response in like 2 hours when i did that and they fixed my payment issue
Just went through this same situation last month! In my experience, DEO typically processes payments in batches throughout the day, but the actual deposit timing depends heavily on your bank. Most people see deposits hit between 12:01 AM and 6:00 AM the business day after it shows "processed" in CONNECT. Since yours switched to processed yesterday, you should definitely see it tomorrow morning if you're with a major bank like Chase. One thing to watch out for though - sometimes first payments get automatically sent to the Way2Go debit card even if you selected direct deposit. Check your payment method in CONNECT to make sure it still shows "Direct Deposit" and not "Way2Go Card". If it doesn't show up by tomorrow afternoon, definitely try calling or use one of the callback services people mentioned. First payments can sometimes have additional holds that aren't visible to us. Good luck!
Finally got approved for my Florida unemployment benefits last Thursday and claimed my first week yesterday through CONNECT. The system shows my claim is active with a weekly benefit amount of $275, but I have no idea when I'll actually get paid. Nothing in the system tells me a timeline and I have bills due next week. Do payments usually come quickly after claiming your first week? Anyone know if I'll get it on the Way2Go card automatically or do I need to set up direct deposit? This is my first time dealing with DEO unemployment and I'm totally lost on what happens next.
To quickly address your other questions: 1. The Way2Go card customer service number is 1-833-888-2775 2. Unfortunately, you can't access the funds until you have the physical card 3. Yes, you'll need to claim your second week (which will be your first payable week) 4. The waiting week policy returned after the pandemic emergency period ended 5. You can call Way2Go to check if your card has been mailed and request expedited shipping This is frustrating, but hang in there - once you get past the initial waiting week and card arrival, future payments should be much more predictable.
I went through the exact same thing last month! The waiting is the worst part because DEO doesn't clearly explain the timeline anywhere. Just to add to what others have said - when you call Way2Go at 1-833-888-2775, they can tell you if your card has shipped and give you a tracking number. They can also expedite it for a small fee if you're in a bind. Also, once you get your card, download the Way2Go app - it makes checking your balance and transaction history much easier than calling. The first payment process is definitely the most stressful, but it gets smoother after that. Hang in there!
I'm at my wit's end with this DEO process! After countless calls and being transferred around for TWO WEEKS, I finally got through to a supervisor yesterday who said she fixed the "background issues" on my claim. She told me now it has to go through the adjudication department for review before I can get any payments. Problem is, my original claim has been sitting since early MARCH (over 4 months now!!!) and I'm completely broke. My car payment is due next week and I literally have $43 in my account. Does anyone know how long this adjudication review typically takes? The supervisor was vague and just said "it depends" which wasn't helpful at all. Is there any way to speak directly with someone in the adjudication department? I feel like I'm starting this whole process over again and can't wait another 4 months. My CONNECT account just shows "pending adjudication" for all my claimed weeks but gives zero details on what they're actually reviewing.
When you call and ask for a Tier 2 agent, you need to specifically say "I need to speak with someone who can see adjudication notes on my claim." The regular agents will try to tell you they can help, but they really can't see the detailed notes or make changes. Be polite but firm that you need someone with higher access levels. Also, regarding the "Able and Available" issue - make sure you update your work search record to show you're applying to both in-person and remote jobs. Having only remote jobs in your work search can sometimes extend the adjudication time because they question your availability constraints.
THIS!!! The regular agents are USELESS and just read scripts. They always say "we don't have access to that information" or "you just have to wait." The Tier 2 agents are the ones who can actually DO something. But good luck getting transferred to one - 9 times out of 10 they'll just tell you none are available. The whole system is designed to frustrate you into giving up!
I'm going through something similar right now - been waiting since February for adjudication on an "identity verification" issue. What's really frustrating is that I submitted all the requested documents months ago but my account still shows pending. One thing that helped me understand the process better was requesting my full claim file through a public records request. You can email them at UnemploymentRecords@deo.myflorida.com and ask for your complete file. It takes about 2 weeks but you'll see exactly what notes the adjudicators have made and what they're actually reviewing. Sometimes there are issues in your file that nobody tells you about over the phone. Also, if you're really desperate for some income while waiting, look into local food banks and utility assistance programs. I know it's not ideal but it can help bridge the gap. The United Way 211 hotline (just dial 2-1-1) can connect you to emergency assistance programs in your area. Hang in there - I know how soul-crushing this process is when you're broke and just need basic help to survive.
Kiara Fisherman
When I was on unemployment during my seasonal layoff this winter, my first payment took the longest to show up. After that, they were much more consistent - always showed in my account on Tuesdays like clockwork. You'll learn the pattern once you've had a couple payments.
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Seraphina Delan
This is really helpful info for everyone dealing with payment delays! I've noticed that different banks definitely have different processing times for ACH transfers. Credit unions tend to be faster in my experience, while some of the bigger banks can take the full 3-5 business days. Also worth noting that if there are any banking holidays during the week, that can add extra delay too. Dylan, glad yours came through - that 3 day timeline sounds pretty standard for most people I know who've used direct deposit with DEO.
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