Since you don't have qualifying wages for regular RA, you might want to look into other assistance programs that don't require W-2 employment history. The Department of Children and Families offers temporary cash assistance and SNAP benefits that self-employed individuals may qualify for depending on your income. Also, check with CareerSource Florida as they sometimes have grants or training programs available for self-employed individuals looking to expand skills or transition careers. I know it's not the same as unemployment benefits, but it might help bridge the gap while you rebuild your photography business.

This is why I HATE the DEO system. They NEVER update anything properly and leave misleading info everywhere. I wasted 6 weeks waiting for benefits I was never going to get because of outdated questions in CONNECT. They should be sued for this garbage.

my checks were all different amounts too. DEO math makes no sense sometimes lol

I'm glad you're getting this resolved! For future reference, the proper steps after filing an initial claim are: 1. Submit initial application 2. Receive confirmation number 3. Set up CONNECT account 4. Log in every two weeks to claim weeks (even before approval) 5. Complete work search requirements (5 activities per week) 6. Report any earnings during claimed weeks Many people don't realize step 4 needs to happen regardless of claim status. The system doesn't clearly explain this, which is why so many people miss out on weeks they should receive.

Update us on what happens! I'm still fighting with them over my claim from DECEMBER and their "customer service" is a joke. The right hand doesn't know what the left is doing. One rep tells you one thing and another tells you something completely different! DOCUMENT EVERYTHING.

One last tip: If you get denied for backdating or can't get through on the phone after multiple attempts, consider reaching out to your state representative. Many of them have staff dedicated to helping constituents with DEO issues. Google "[your county] state representative" and look for their constituent services contact info. Their offices can often cut through bureaucracy faster than we can as individuals.

Update??? did u get thru to anyone?? curious if pressing 0 worked bcuz i might need to try that too

Yes! Hitting 0 multiple times actually worked! After 3 tries I got through to a rep who confirmed my card was mailed on the 12th (10 days ago) but they agreed to send a replacement via expedited shipping at no charge. Should have it in 3 days. Thanks everyone for your help!

did ur husband get the adjudication email too?? thats what happened to my bf and we had to wait like 6 weeks just to talk to somebody!!

Just checking back - were you able to resolve this issue? The suggestion about calling early in the morning is solid. For locked accounts specifically, the technical support team (available 7:30am-8:30pm) often has more direct access to security overrides than regular claims agents. When you call, try pressing the options for technical support rather than claims questions. For the missed weeks, yes, he should be able to claim them retroactively once the account is unlocked. You'll need to specifically request this, as the system typically only allows claiming weeks during their designated time window. The agent should be able to open those weeks for claiming, but be sure to mention this specifically.

Just FYI the West Palm office parking is TERRIBLE!!! I had to park like 3 blocks away for my appointment and almost was late. Give yourself extra time to find parking or you might end up missing your appointment and then they'll cut your benefits!!

I had my meeting in January and I was really nervous but the career counselor I met with was actually super helpful! She found a few job openings that matched my skills and even helped me apply right there. I actually got an interview from one of them! So it's not just about checking up on you - they might actually help you find work.

@original poster - to answer your question from earlier, yes, they resolved my issue on the first call through Claimyr. The key was that I finally got to speak with an actual adjudicator rather than a general customer service rep. The adjudicator could see all the notes on my file and noticed my employer hadn't responded to their inquiry (which was holding everything up). She was able to proceed with just my documentation since the employer missed their deadline to respond. By the way, the misconduct issue is exactly what I had too - seems like a common problem when companies do layoffs but don't communicate properly with DEO.

just so you know representative offices are slammed with DEO cases right now my girlfriends sister works for a state rep and they get like 50+ unemployment emails every single day so it might take them awhile to get to yours

This system is BROKEN!!! I know people who've been waiting 3+ MONTHS for appeal hearings! And the DEO keeps "accidentally" denying obvious approvals to manipulate their numbers. They WANT low unemployment stats so they just deny everyone and make appeals impossible. Meanwhile people are losing homes and can't feed their families. DISGUSTING!!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at DEO using the Claimyr service (thanks for that recommendation @commenter). The agent confirmed my Q4 wages were missing from their system, apparently because my employer submitted them under a slightly different company name after a corporate restructuring. She's escalated my case to a claims examiner for review. The agent said it should be resolved in 5-7 business days and that I can withdraw my appeal if it gets fixed before the hearing date. Huge relief! Will update again when it's resolved.

The lack of confirmation emails is definitely a design flaw in the external system. To prevent this from happening again: 1. Always claim through direct CONNECT if possible 2. If you must use the external site, take screenshots of every page of your submission 3. Log into CONNECT within 48 hours to verify your submissions were recorded properly 4. If they weren't recorded, you can manually add them in CONNECT if it's before the weekly deadline For your current situation, you need to speak with a claims specialist specifically. Regular DEO agents can't always help with this type of issue. When you call, immediately ask to be transferred to a claims specialist who can review work search verification issues.

Update: I just checked with a friend who works at DEO, and they confirmed there was actually a system glitch with the external site for submissions on 5/29-5/30. Several claimants were affected. They're supposedly processing a batch correction for everyone impacted, so you might see the additional money appear in your account within 3-5 business days without having to take action. I'd still recommend calling to make sure you're on the list for the correction.

Quick update on my earlier advice - it's also very important to get something in writing from your employer confirming the new return date. A simple email will work. Upload this as documentation when you request the change in CONNECT. If your benefits do get interrupted, having this documentation will make it much easier to get them reinstated and receive any missed payments.

Were you able to get this resolved? I'm curious because my sister might be in the same situation soon.