One final note - if you do end up having to file a new claim application, make sure to answer the question about whether you've filed for benefits in the last 12 months as "Yes." This helps link your new claim to your previous one in their system. Also, when you get to the employment history section, try to enter your work history EXACTLY as you did in your original claim (same employer names, dates, etc). This helps their system recognize it's the same person and can sometimes speed up processing.

UPDATE: I got through to DEO! Used that Claimyr service after failing to get through on my own this morning. The agent confirmed what many of you said - my claim wasn't actually terminated, but was flagged as "inactive" due to missing the filing window. She was able to reactivate my existing claim and set up my account so I could claim my missed weeks! No need to file a new application after all. Such a relief. Thanks everyone for your help and advice - would have been completely lost without this forum.

my freind says they doing this cuz to many ppl claiming at once on mondays and the system keeps crashing. whatevs deo always making things harder for no reason

Thanks everyone for the responses! I claimed my second week yesterday (Monday) like scheduled and it went through fine. The payment for my first week already hit my account this morning. Seems like this is just the new way things work now. Really wish DEO would communicate these changes instead of leaving us all confused and panicking!

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

Oh wow, I didn't realize this! I thought since I was denied I shouldn't claim weeks anymore. Thanks for letting me know - I'll make sure to keep up with the work search requirements and claiming while waiting for the appeal.

I know others have mentioned it, but I want to emphasize: document EVERYTHING during this process. Take screenshots of all uploads, note the time/date of all calls, and keep copies of everything you submit. Florida's DUA verification process has been problematic for many claimants. Another tip: If you submit documents and don't see them reflected in your CONNECT account within 48 hours, call immediately. Sometimes documents get "lost" in their system, and you don't want to miss deadlines because of their technical issues.

In CONNECT, you can check document status under the "Determination, Pending Issue and Decision Summary" section. Any documents you've submitted should eventually show up there with a status. To answer your earlier question - no, documents don't need to be notarized for DUA claims. Regular copies are fine as long as they're legible. Just be sure your name and the relevant dates are clearly visible on all documents. One final recommendation: if you have any 1099 or self-employment income in addition to your regular job, be sure to document that too. DUA can potentially cover income losses from multiple sources affected by the disaster.

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.