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If you're able to get through to a DEO representative, ask them to check these specific things: 1. Is there a specific document they're waiting on from you or your employer 2. Is there a fact-finding questionnaire you need to complete that might not be showing properly in your CONNECT account 3. Request that they escalate your claim to a supervisor due to the extended timeframe (over 8 weeks is definitely excessive) Documenting everything is crucial. If you get different answers from different representatives, ask for their ID numbers and keep detailed notes. Sometimes just mentioning that you're documenting all communication can help get things moving faster.
UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at DEO this morning! Turns out my former employer disputed my layoff and claimed I was fired for performance issues (which is completely untrue). The DEO agent escalated my claim and said I should receive a determination within 5 business days. She also said once approved, all my back weeks will be paid in one lump sum. Thank you all for the advice - especially about Claimyr, which got me through to an actual person in about 20 minutes after weeks of trying.
when i was on unemployment last winter i just made up my work searches lol. nobody ever checked them. its not like the deo has time to verify everyones job contacts 🤷♀️
This is terrible advice. DEO routinely conducts random audits of work search activities, especially since the new verification system was implemented in March 2025. If caught submitting false information, you can face benefit repayment, disqualification from future benefits, and potentially legal consequences for fraud. Always document legitimate work search activities.
To directly answer your question about the age exemption - Florida did have a provision for claimants 55+ that reduced the work search requirement from 5 to 3 activities per week, but this was suspended in 2023 and hasn't been reinstated with the current extension. Your neighbor might be thinking of this previous policy. If your employer is seriously considering bringing you back, I'd recommend getting something in writing from them with a specific return date. Then you can apply for standby status in your CONNECT account under the "Request Waiver of Work Search Requirements" section. Without this documentation, you'll need to continue with all 5 work searches weekly until either September 5th or until you return to work.
i was homeless too waiting for deo!!! slept in my sisters garage for 2 months. the system is broken!!!! when i finally got my money they shorted me by like $3000 and never explained why. i tried calling but gave up after waiting 2 hours and getting hung up on. twice.
You might still be able to get that money if it hasn't been too long. There's a form called "Request for Reconsideration" you can submit through CONNECT. Look under the Determination section. Even if it's been a while, it's worth trying, especially if you have documentation showing you should have received more.
Just want to add - when you're filing your appeal, be VERY specific about why you believe you're entitled to the additional months of backpay. Include dates, your work history, and reference any communications you've had with DEO about this issue. The more specific you are, the better chance you have of success. Also, keep claiming weeks (if your benefit year is still active) while you wait for the appeal to be processed. Appeals can take 30-60 days to be scheduled, but backpay issues are often resolved faster than other types of appeals. And don't forget - if your first-level appeal is denied, you can appeal to the Reemployment Assistance Appeals Commission (RAAC) for a second review.
This is really helpful, thank you! My benefit year is actually ending soon - does that affect my ability to get the backpay from those early months if my appeal isn't resolved before the benefit year ends? I'm working again now (thank goodness) but still really need those missing months of payments to get caught up on everything.
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.
Oliver Alexander
UPDATE FOR EVERYONE: As of January 2025, DEO has a new dedicated fraud resolution team. If you call the main DEO number (not the fraud line), ask for "Special Fraud Resolution Unit" specifically. They have a separate queue and dedicated staff. I just helped my brother-in-law with this last month - his case was resolved in 3 weeks versus the 3+ months it took me last year. They also now have a specific email: DEO.FraudResolution@deo.myflorida.com where you can send all your documentation directly.
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Kaylee Cook
•This is incredibly helpful! I didn't know about the Special Fraud Resolution Unit. I'm going to call first thing Monday morning and email all my documentation to that address. Thank you so much for the update!
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Adrian Hughes
One additional critical thing - make sure you request a "Benefits Non-Receipt Affidavit" form from DEO. This specific form is what triggers them to issue a corrected 1099-G for tax purposes. Many people get the fraud resolved but still have tax issues because they never completed this specific form. The IRS will want to see this if you need to dispute the tax implications.
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Kaylee Cook
•I had no idea about this form! No one at DEO ever mentioned it in all my calls. This is exactly why I posted here - getting information from people who've actually been through it. I'll definitely ask for this form specifically. Thank you!
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