Best ways to reach a DEO agent on the phone - any tricks that actually work?
I've been trying to contact DEO for THREE WEEKS about my claim that's been sitting in adjudication since January. I've called that 1-800 number literally 45+ times a day and either get a busy signal or the automated message saying 'all representatives are busy' before it hangs up on me! I've sent 6 emails through the CONNECT portal and tried calling at 7:29am thinking I'd beat the rush when they open at 7:30 but NOTHING works! I'm about to lose my mind because I need to know why my payments stopped after 3 weeks. My landlord is getting impatient and I'm down to my last $125. Does anybody know some kind of hack or backdoor method to actually get through to a human being at DEO? There HAS to be a better way than just playing phone roulette all day!
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Isabella Martin
I was in the same boat last month - couldn't get through for weeks. The trick that finally worked for me was using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have this system that basically holds your place in line and calls you back when they get a DEO agent on the line. I was skeptical but I had a DEO agent on the phone within 2 hours after trying for 3 weeks on my own. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj The DEO agent I finally spoke with was able to see that my claim had an employment verification issue that needed to be cleared up. Got my payments a week later.
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Ava Hernandez
•Really? That actually sounds promising. Did you have to wait long for them to call you back? I'm worried it'll be another dead end, but at this point I'm desperate enough to try anything!
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Elijah Jackson
If ur claim is in adjudication u might be waiting for a while no matter who u talk to. Mine was stuck for 9 weeks!!!!! The person who picks up the phone usually isnt the adjudicator who can actually fix ur issue. They just tell u "we see ur claim is in adjudication, someone will contact u" and thats IT. its so frustrating!!!
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Sophia Miller
•This is correct. Front-line customer service agents can see basic claim information but can't make adjudication decisions themselves. However, what they CAN do is 1) tell you exactly why your claim is in adjudication, 2) see if any documents are missing, and 3) escalate urgent cases to supervisors. I recommend asking specifically for a "claim escalation" when you do reach someone. Make sure to mention the financial hardship aspect - some adjudicators will prioritize cases with documented hardship situations.
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Mason Davis
THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!!! They WANT you to stop calling and just accept that you won't get your money. I've been fighting with DEO since NOVEMBER and still haven't seen a penny. Called 200+ times. Even went to a CareerSource office in person and they said they can't help with claim issues, only job searches. It's CRIMINAL how they treat people!!!
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Mia Rodriguez
•I feel your frustration. The system is definitely broken. But I did eventually get my issues resolved after 2 months, so don't give up hope completely.
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Jacob Lewis
try pressing 5 then 2 then 4 when the automated menu starts. i got through 2x this way last week. sometimes it still doesnt work but better than nothing lol
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Ava Hernandez
•Thanks, I'll definitely try this! Did you call at any particular time of day?
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Jacob Lewis
•i had better luck around 10:30am or right after lunch like 1:30pm. middle of the day seems bettr than early morning when evry1 is calling
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Amelia Martinez
I had a similar issue with my adjudication taking forever. What worked for me was emailing my state representative's office. They have direct contacts at DEO and can sometimes get things moving. Just google your county + state representative and there should be a contact form on their website. I had someone call me from DEO within 3 days after my rep's office reached out on my behalf.
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Isabella Martin
•This is actually great advice. I've heard from several people that contacting their state rep got results when nothing else worked. It's definitely worth trying while also attempting to get through by phone.
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Mia Rodriguez
when i was having trouble getting through i went to the DEO website and filed a complaint through their contact form. surprisingly they called me back in 48 hours. might be worth a shot?
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Mason Davis
•I tried that THREE TIMES and never got a single callback. I think it's just random luck if someone actually responds to those complaint forms. The whole department is a disaster!!
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Sophia Miller
Professional advice here: If your claim has been in adjudication since January, there's likely a specific issue that needs resolution. The most common adjudication issues right now are: 1. Employment verification discrepancies 2. Work search requirement verification 3. Income reporting discrepancies 4. ID.me verification not properly linked to your CONNECT account 5. Former employer contesting your claim When you do reach someone (using any of the methods mentioned), ask them specifically which of these issues is causing your adjudication hold. Also request they add detailed notes to your file about your financial hardship situation. Under Florida law, they're required to process claims within 90 days, so you're approaching a timeframe where escalation should be considered a priority.
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Ava Hernandez
•Thank you so much for this detailed breakdown! I had no idea about the 90-day requirement. My former employer did say they might contest it because they claimed I quit (I was actually laid off when they eliminated my department). Could that be what's causing this delay?
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Sophia Miller
•Yes, employer contests are one of the most common causes of extended adjudication. In that case, an adjudicator needs to review statements from both sides and make a determination. Make sure when you speak with DEO that you clearly explain it was a layoff due to department elimination - that's typically considered a qualifying job separation for benefits eligibility. If you have any documentation of the layoff (emails, termination letter, etc.), mention that you have it available for review.
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Isabella Martin
Any luck with getting through? I'm curious if any of these methods worked for you.
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Ava Hernandez
•Update: I tried the Claimyr service that was recommended, and I actually got through to someone at DEO this morning! The representative confirmed my employer is contesting my claim, which is why it's been stuck in adjudication. She escalated my case and said an adjudicator should contact me within 5-7 business days. Fingers crossed this actually resolves things, but at least now I know what's going on! I also emailed my state rep yesterday but haven't heard back yet. I'll update again once I hear from the adjudicator.
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