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DEO CONNECT system kicked me out before 8pm cutoff - anyone else affected tonight?
I am SO frustrated right now! Was in the middle of claiming my weeks on CONNECT at 7:54pm and suddenly got booted out completely. Still had SIX minutes left before the supposed 8pm system maintenance time. Tried logging back in at 7:55, 7:56, and again at 7:58 but kept getting the 'system offline for maintenance' message that normally only shows up at 8:00pm sharp! Now I'm worried my claim info didn't save and I'll have to start all over tomorrow. Is the system glitching for anyone else tonight or just me? Do we think DEO changed their maintenance schedule without telling anyone? 😤
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DEO work search requirement waiver ending? Worried about retroactive requirements
So I just heard from my neighbor that DEO might be ending the work search waiver soon and I'm freaking out! I've been on unemployment since late January after getting laid off from my restaurant job. I haven't been documenting my work searches because I thought the waiver was still active - my CONNECT homepage never showed anything about it ending. Is anyone else worried they'll suddenly require us to provide retroactive work search proof for past weeks? I've been applying to jobs but haven't kept detailed records with all the contact info they usually want. Anyone know the actual status of the waiver or if they can demand past proof? Last thing I need is to repay $4,200 because of some technicality!
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anybody know if gig work counts for the work search requirement? been doing doordash while looking for a real job
Gig work like DoorDash doesn't count as a work search activity by itself, but applying to other gig platforms would count as an application. Just remember that if you're earning money from DoorDash, you need to report those earnings when you claim your weeks, even if you're still eligible for partial benefits.
Quick update: I just checked the DEO website and they've added a clarification about the work search requirements. They state they will NOT require retroactive work searches for weeks claimed before you received a direct notification. However, they are sending out notifications now, so after you receive one, you must comply with the 5 work search activities per week. When you log into CONNECT next time, you'll likely see a pop-up notification you have to acknowledge before proceeding.
That's a huge relief! I just logged into CONNECT and you're right - there's a new pop-up about work search requirements that wasn't there yesterday. At least now I know for sure and can comply going forward. Thank you for the update!
DEO didn't include $300 Federal boost with this week's benefit payment - anyone else?
I just got my regular unemployment payment yesterday but no sign of the $300 federal supplement that's supposed to be added. My CONNECT account only shows the standard state benefit amount ($275) hitting my account. Has anyone else had this issue with this week's payment? I rely on that extra money for rent. Should I call DEO or wait a few days to see if it comes separately?
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Just a quick update, I got my missing $300 today finally! I called yesterday so maybe that helped? The agent I spoke to said there was a processing delay because of a
Will the new $300 supplement be retroactive for expired weeks? DEO confusion
I'm super confused about the new $300 weekly supplement that was just announced. I've been claiming my regular weeks through CONNECT, but there was that 3-week gap when the previous funds expired before they approved the new package. Does anyone know if DEO will automatically pay us the $300 for those "gap weeks" retroactively? Or are we just out of luck for that period? My rent is already late and I'm trying to figure out if I should expect those back payments or not. The DEO website is totally unclear and of course no one answers the phone. TIA!
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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.
You should still get the full 11 weeks of the $300 supplement that was authorized in the program. The gap weeks don't count against your total. The program runs for 11 weeks from its start date (January 25, 2025), not including the gap period when no program was in place. So you haven't lost any of your eligible weeks - you just don't get payments for the period when no program existed.
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.
Thanks for the reminder! I've been keeping up with my work searches, but I know people who thought they were exempt. Will pass this along.
Employer harassing me over DEO RA taxes after being laid off - legal options?
I was let go from my retail job 3 weeks ago (downsizing) and filed for DEO benefits. Yesterday my former boss called me SCREAMING that I'm 'costing him thousands' because the store got selected to pay the reemployment tax on my claim. He actually showed up at my apartment this morning and threatened to 'make me regret' filing for benefits if I didn't withdraw my claim!! I'm really scared - he knows where I live. Is this even legal?? Can an employer harass you for filing legitimate unemployment benefits? Has anyone dealt with this? I really need the money but don't know if it's worth this nightmare.
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To add some clarity on the employer side: When an employee files for unemployment in Florida, the employer doesn't directly pay that specific claim. Instead, their overall tax rate might increase in the future based on their "experience rating" (how many former employees collect benefits). The employer is trying to intimidate you to protect their future tax rate, which is both illegal and unethical. The DEO has specific channels for reporting employer misconduct. You should definitely report this situation to prevent them from doing this to other employees in the future. Your benefits are protected by law.
Exactly right. And to add to this - his behavior isn't just about unemployment law violations, it's potentially criminal. Showing up at someone's residence to threaten them over a legal unemployment claim crosses into stalking and harassment territory, which are criminal offenses in Florida.
update?? did u call the police? hope ur ok!
Yes! Filed a police report yesterday. They're taking it seriously especially since he showed up at my apartment. I also finally got through to DEO (after 3 hours on hold) and they transferred me to their fraud department who said they would investigate. Thanks everyone for the support and advice!
Sean Kelly
Wait am I supposed to be claiming at specific times? I usually just do mine whenever during the day and haven't had this happen. Is there a schedule for when the system goes down?
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Zara Malik
CONNECT goes down for maintenance every night from 8pm to 7am, and also all day on many state holidays. It's mentioned on the login page, but easy to miss if you're not looking for it. They also sometimes have unscheduled maintenance that can happen during weekdays without warning.
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Diego Mendoza
UPDATE: Logged in this morning and thankfully most of my info was saved! Only had to re-enter my last work search activity. The system really should warn users that it starts shutting down early though. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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StellarSurfer
You got lucky this time! Mine was completely erased when this happened to me in March. Glad it worked out though!
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