Best ways to reach a DEO agent on the phone - any tricks that actually work?

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!

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.

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.

Thanks, I'll definitely try this! Did you call at any particular time of day?

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

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.

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!!

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?

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.

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.

That's great news that you finally got through! The Claimyr service sounds like it really works. Keep us posted on what happens with the adjudicator - I'm sure others in similar situations would love to know if that escalation actually leads to a resolution. Good luck with your case!

@Ava Hernandez That s'awesome that you finally made some progress! Claimyr really does seem to be the game changer here. I m'dealing with a similar situation - my claim has been in adjudication for 6 weeks now and I suspect it s'also an employer contest issue. Did the DEO rep give you any sense of how long the adjudicator review typically takes once it gets escalated? And was there a cost for using the Claimyr service? Thanks for keeping everyone updated - it gives the rest of us hope!

@Ava Hernandez That s'fantastic progress! I ve'been following your situation and it s'such a relief to hear you finally got some answers. The employer contest issue makes total sense - that s'exactly the kind of thing that gets stuck in adjudication limbo for months. For anyone else reading this, it sounds like Claimyr might be worth the investment if you re'at your wit s'end like Ava was. The fact that she went from 3 weeks of no contact to getting through and having her case escalated in one day is pretty impressive. @Ava Hernandez - definitely keep us posted on the adjudicator timeline. I m curious'if they gave you a case number or any way to track the escalation status. Fingers crossed the 5-7 day estimate is accurate and you get this resolved soon!

@Ava Hernandez @Javier Morales This whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I m new'to this community but unfortunately not new to DEO nightmares. I ve been'lurking and reading everyone s experiences,'and it s both'depressing and reassuring to know I m not'alone in this mess. I m currently'on week 4 of trying to reach someone about my claim that got flagged for additional review "- no" idea what that even means. After reading all these suggestions, I think I m going'to try the Claimyr service and also reach out to my state rep like @Amelia Martinez suggested. @Ava Hernandez - really hoping your adjudicator timeline works out! Please keep updating us. Your persistence is inspiring and gives the rest of us hope that there s actually light at'the end of this tunnel. The documentation tip is spot on too @Javier Morales. I ve been scrambling to'dig up old emails and texts from when I got laid off. It s crazy that we'have to build a legal case just to get the benefits we re entitled to, but'here we are. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this community is a lifeline when dealing with such a broken system!