Alternative ways to claim DEO weeks without using CONNECT online?
I've been having the WORST internet connection since I moved to rural Florida last month. Every time I try to claim my weeks on the CONNECT website, it times out or freezes halfway through. Super frustrating! I've already missed claiming one week because of this garbage connection. Does DEO offer any other ways to claim weeks besides their buggy website? Can I call them directly? Is there a physical form I can mail in? I'm desperate at this point... my bills are piling up and I can't afford to miss any more payments. Thanks in advance for any help!
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Shelby Bauman
Yes, you can claim weeks by phone through the CONNECT automated phone system at 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759). You'll need your PIN and social security number ready. It'll walk you through the process including answering your work search questions. It's actually pretty straightforward - I had to use it when my laptop died last year.
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Josef Tearle
•Thank you SO much! I'll try the phone number right away. Do you happen to know if the questions they ask are the exact same as online? And is there any way to check afterwards if the claim went through successfully?
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Quinn Herbert
yea the phone systems actually easier sometimes, less glitchy then that awful website lol
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Salim Nasir
I've claimed by phone several times when I was away from home. Just be prepared with all your work search details - they ask for the same 5 activities. One tip: write down all your answers BEFORE you call because the system times out if you take too long! And yes, you can check if it went through by calling the same number again after a day and checking your payment status.
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Josef Tearle
•That's super helpful, thanks for the tip about writing everything down first! I'll definitely do that. Does the automated system give you some kind of confirmation number when you finish? Just paranoid about making sure it actually goes through.
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Hazel Garcia
I tried claiming by phone once and it was AWFUL!!! The system kept hanging up on me and when I finally got through, it said my ssn was invalid even though I KNOW I entered it right!!! Then when I finally reached a person after 3 HOURS they said my account was locked and I had to reset everything. The DEO is DELIBERATELY making this hard on purpose!!!! They don't want to pay people!!!!
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Salim Nasir
•That sounds frustrating, but it might've been during a system update. I've used the phone system many times without issues. Sometimes there are technical glitches, but I wouldn't say they're deliberately trying to prevent payments. That's just creating unnecessary stress.
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Laila Fury
When my internet went out last summer I used the phone system too. It's a bit tedious but works fine. Just make sure you're calling during the right hours (I think it's 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM).
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Geoff Richards
If you're having trouble getting through on the automated line, I'd recommend using Claimyr. It helped me get through to an actual DEO agent when I was having issues with claiming weeks. The service basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then calls you when an agent is on the line. Saved me hours of frustration. You can check them out at claimyr.com and they have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj
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Josef Tearle
•I hadn't heard of that before! I'll check it out if the automated system gives me trouble. How long did it take you to get through using their service?
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Geoff Richards
•It took about 35 minutes for me, which was way better than the 3+ hours I spent trying on my own before that. DEO agents can actually help you claim your weeks over the phone too, not just the automated system.
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Simon White
my sister doesnt have internet at all and she just goes to the library every other week to claim weeks on the computers there. maybe thats an option if ur phones being weird too?
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Josef Tearle
•That's a good backup plan, thanks! There's a library about 20 minutes away that I could try if both phone and my home internet fail me.
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Salim Nasir
Just an FYI - you can also visit a local CareerSource Florida center if you're really stuck. They have computers you can use to access CONNECT and staff who can help guide you through the process. I volunteer at one in Tampa and we help people with this all the time. Find your nearest location here: https://careersourceflorida.com/career-centers/
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Quinn Herbert
•this is true but make sure to check their hours! some of em close at weird times
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Josef Tearle
Update: I tried the phone system this morning and it worked! Took about 15 minutes to go through all the questions, but my weeks are now claimed. Thanks everyone for your help! I've saved all these suggestions for future reference in case I have internet problems again.
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Shelby Bauman
•Great to hear! Just remember to keep detailed records of your work searches even when claiming by phone. DEO sometimes does random audits where they ask for proof of your work search activities even months later.
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