Based on all your responses, it seems like you're taking the right steps now. One additional thing I'd recommend: Request a hearing specifically for "identity theft determination" rather than just appealing the overpayment notices. When you're able to speak with someone at DEO, make it clear that you're not disputing individual weeks but rather asserting that the entire claim is fraudulent. The ID theft form (DEO-CO) should be submitted with as much supporting documentation as possible: - Police report - Identity theft report from FTC (identitytheft.gov) - Signed affidavit - Any evidence showing you were employed during the claimed periods Keep us posted on your progress. Identity theft cases are unfortunately common with DEO, but they can be resolved with persistence.

the DEO is such a joke lol they probly wont even look at ur case for another year hahaha.... happened to my friend and it took 2 YEARS to fix!!! florida unemployment is THE WORST in the country no contest

Update: I tried calling the regular DEO number this morning and got disconnected 14 times in a row. This is absolutely ridiculous! I'm going to try that Claimyr service some of you mentioned. I need to get this claiming schedule issue fixed ASAP since I can't afford to wait until 9/11 to start the process. Will let you all know if it works. If anyone has any other suggestions for getting through to DEO, I'm all ears!

Final update: I used Claimyr and actually got through to a real person at DEO! The agent confirmed that the biweekly claiming schedule is normal and my first week is the "waiting week" that doesn't get paid. She also helped me understand the work search requirements better. For anyone else new to this process - make sure you're doing your 5 work searches EACH week, keep detailed records, and set calendar reminders for your claiming dates. The system is still terrible, but at least I understand it a bit better now.

This reminds me of when my daughter lost her job at the mall during that big retail shutdown last year. She was only there for two weeks before everyone got laid off. She kept getting denied by DEO too. The whole thing is so frustrating. She ended up moving back home with us because she couldn't pay rent. Have you looked into food banks in your area? At least that could help with feeding your kids while you figure things out.

After reading through this thread, I think your best next steps are: 1) Use one of the methods suggested to actually speak with a DEO representative - either calling right at opening time or using Claimyr if you continue having trouble getting through 2) Ask specifically about alternative assistance programs you might qualify for given your childcare situation 3) Contact your county's Human Services department about emergency assistance programs - many counties have special funds for families with children 4) Document everything - your attempts to find work, childcare limitations, and communications with DEO Most importantly, don't give up after the initial rejection. Many people get denied initially but qualify after speaking with an actual representative who can consider your full situation.

I remember when I first applied for benefits after losing my bartending job, I got so much wrong information from people who thought they knew how the system worked. Even the DEO website is confusing! Best advice is to just check your CONNECT account daily and watch for payments. BTW the waiting week used to come separately but now it's just processed like any other week. My daughter just went through this last month and everything came via direct deposit exactly as she set it up.

omg the DEO is such a mess!!! i went through this nightmare last year and i swear every person tells u something different. one rep told me paper checks, another said direct deposit, and then when i finally got paid it went to the way2go card i never even activated!!! took me 3 weeks to figure that out 🤦‍♀️ honestly just keep checking your connect account under the payment history section and it'll show u where they sent it. and yea the $600 thing is LONG gone sadly

Has anyone actually gotten through by calling at a specific time of day? I've heard early morning (right when they open) might work better? I'm dealing with a different issue but also can't reach anyone.

UPDATE: The DEO just released a new form specifically for 2020-2021 overpayment disputes where there's a 1099-G discrepancy. It's called the "Benefit Payment Reconciliation Request." You can find it under the "Forms and Publications" section of CONNECT. This form lets you specifically flag cases where your 1099-G doesn't match what you received. They implemented this in March 2025 because so many people were having this exact issue.