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.

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!

update: I just checked CONNECT again and mine shows 'pending resolution' too now. I swear it didn't say that earlier. This system is so glitchy

For everyone dealing with this issue, here's what usually happens with these holds: 1. Simple availability questions (like doctor appointments) typically get resolved in 3-8 days if you don't contact them 2. If you can reach an agent, they can often remove the hold same-day 3. When resolved, you'll receive all back payments at once 4. Your CONNECT inbox will receive a determination letter explaining the resolution If you do call, make sure to have your claimant ID ready and clearly explain that you were fully available for work despite the doctor appointment. Under Florida rules, routine appointments don't make you unavailable for work unless they would prevent you from accepting suitable employment.

Let's be honest - NOBODY at DEO actually loses their job over poor performance. I filed FORMAL COMPLAINTS with names and dates of representatives who gave me completely wrong information that caused my benefits to be delayed for months. Know what happened? NOTHING!!! The entire "accountability" system is a JOKE designed to LOOK like they care while doing ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!! The only thing that works is public shame and media attention. Contact every news station, newspaper, and social media channel. The moment a reporter starts asking questions, MIRACULOUSLY claims get resolved!!!

Thanks everyone for all the helpful advice! I've been taking notes on everything suggested. I've already emailed my state rep and senator this morning with all my claim details. I'm going to try calling at 7:30am tomorrow using the specific phrases about tier 2 agents and hardship escalation. I'm also going to email the Inspector General with my documentation. I've been keeping a log of all calls and conflicting information I've received, so at least I have that ready. I'm seriously considering that Claimyr service too since it sounds like it might actually get me through to someone who can help. Will update once I make any progress. Seems like there's plenty of responsibility to go around but nobody willing to take it...

To summarize for everyone who has questions about what to report to DEO when claiming weeks: 1. Report: Wages/earnings from work (even part-time or gig work), severance pay, vacation pay, retirement pay if you just started receiving it, self-employment income 2. Don't report: LIHEAP, SNAP/food stamps, Medicaid, housing assistance, charity assistance, church help, friend/family loans or gifts The key distinction is whether you performed work to receive the money. If you didn't work for it, it's generally not reportable for unemployment purposes. However, there are exceptions like severance and vacation pay which are considered delayed compensation for work already performed.

I had a similar confusion last year about my son giving me money to help with bills while I was on unemployment. I called DEO (waited forever) and they confirmed that gifts and financial help from family members don't need to be reported when claiming weeks. They're only looking for earnings from work. LIHEAP definitely falls under assistance, not earnings.