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idk about lawyers but make sure u keep claiming weeks while ur appeal is pending!!!! i didnt know this and lost out on 6 weeks of payments even tho i eventually won my appeal. u have to keep doing the work search and claiming every 2 weeks or they wont pay u retroactively
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.
I tried calling at 7:29am (they open at 7:30am) and still got the same recording and hangup. Its like nobody actually works there!!!
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.
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.
Carmen Reyes
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!
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CosmicCadet
•good luck! let us know if u get thru. i gave up calling and just waited it out but not everyone can do that
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Carmen Reyes
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.
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Amara Adeyemi
•I'm glad you got it sorted out! The whole system is a learning curve for sure. Just wait until you have to deal with adjudication or fact finding... that's a whole other nightmare lol. But seriously, keeping good records of EVERYTHING will save you so many headaches down the road.
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