my start date got pushed back twice when i was in your situation! keep claiming until you ACTUALLY start. you never know what might happen.

When your first day of work arrives, here's how to handle it correctly: 1. Keep track of your hours worked that week 2. Calculate your gross earnings (before taxes/deductions) 3. Report those earnings on your next bi-weekly claim 4. If you earned less than your weekly benefit amount, you'll receive partial benefits 5. If you earned more than your weekly benefit amount, you'll receive no benefits for that week 6. After two consecutive weeks of reporting earnings that exceed your benefit amount, your claim will automatically close This is the proper procedure according to DEO guidelines. Until then, continue claiming as normal and completing all required work searches.

Does anyone know if we'll still get the full 11 weeks of the $300 supplement that was authorized, or does the 3-week gap count against our total? I'm so confused by all of this.

One important thing to note: make sure you're still completing your 5 work search requirements each week even during confusing periods like this. I've seen several people get denied benefits because they thought the work search requirements were paused during the transition between programs, but they weren't. The DEO is being really strict about this in 2025.

I went through this EXACT situation last year!!! What worked for me was reporting my self-employment accurately on the DEO application under employment history. I uploaded a signed affidavit explaining my cash business, along with a reconstructed income log showing what I earned each month (even though I didn't have perfect records). DEO sent me to adjudication for about 3 weeks, then approved my claim. They calculated my benefit amount mainly from my W2 job but at least recognized my full work history. Tell your nephew NOT to hide the self-employment - just be honest about the record-keeping limitations.

To answer your latest question - yes, consulting with a tax professional before filing for unemployment would be the best approach. Here's what I recommend: 1. Your nephew should meet with a tax professional to discuss filing amended returns for any years where self-employment income wasn't properly reported 2. After addressing the tax situation, then proceed with the unemployment application 3. Be completely transparent on the application about all employment history 4. Upload documentation including: any available tax records, client receipts, bank statements, and a written explanation This approach addresses both the tax compliance issue and sets up the unemployment claim correctly. Though it might delay benefits slightly, it prevents much bigger problems down the road.

Since you already got your hearing notice from CONNECT, make sure to download and save it immediately. Sometimes they disappear from the system (happened to my cousin). Also, write down the exact phone number and access code for the hearing and set multiple reminders. Missing the hearing automatically means you lose the case.

One last piece of advice - during the hearing, keep your answers brief and directly address the question asked. Don't volunteer extra information or try to tell your whole story at once. The hearing officer will guide the conversation. If you're asked a yes/no question, answer yes or no and then elaborate only if asked to do so. Stay focused on the key facts: 1) You gave proper notice, 2) Employer terminated you early, 3) You had a new job lined up with a specific start date, and 4) You only claimed benefits for that gap period. Good luck!

Just to clarify a few things: 1. The CONNECT work search log is sufficient documentation. You don't need to print anything unless specifically requested during an audit. 2. Extensions are processed automatically - the system will determine if you qualify for Extended Benefits based on your earnings during your base period and how much of your regular claim you exhausted. 3. There may be a brief processing period (1-3 days) when you transition from regular benefits to extended benefits, but if you continue claiming weeks as scheduled, there shouldn't be any payment gaps. 4. Work search requirements remain at 5 verifiable work searches per week unless you have a Work Search Waiver. 5. The current federal supplement ($375/week in Florida) continues with your extension as long as the program remains funded.

One thing nobody mentioned - make sure your address and direct deposit info are up to date in CONNECT before your claim rolls over! When mine switched to extended benefits, it somehow reverted to an old address I had in the system, and they tried mailing me a paper check instead of direct deposit. Took 3 weeks to fix the mess.