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CONNECT stuck in error loop since June - can't reach DEO agents with sick spouse at home

I'm at my wits end with Florida DEO!! The CONNECT system keeps showing a technical error message every time I try to claim my weeks since JUNE. The error says 'We apologize, but we are unable to process your request at this time due to a technical error.' Then it kicks me back to the homepage. I've tried clearing cache, different browsers, even my neighbor's computer - same problem. I've called the 1-833 number literally 30+ times and either get disconnected or wait 3+ hours only to have the call drop. I sent 4 messages through the contact form and zero response. This is seriously affecting my finances - I'm behind $1750 on rent already and my electric is about to be shut off. To make things worse, my husband tested positive for covid last week so I have to stay home to care for him and can't even look for temporary work right now. Has anyone gotten through this technical error or know some secret way to actually talk to a real person at DEO? I'm desperate at this point and about to be evicted.

Andre Dupont

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I had the exact same error for over a month! The only thing that worked was clearing ALL website data (not just cache) and then trying at exactly 7:30am when the system has less traffic. Also make sure you're not using any autofill programs for your SSN or CONNECT ID - that seemed to cause issues for me. If that doesn't work, try using Claimyr to get through to a DEO agent. I was super skeptical but it worked after weeks of getting nowhere. Their site is claimyr.com - they have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj. Got me connected to an actual person who fixed my technical issue in about 10 minutes.

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Carmen Sanchez

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Thank you! I'll try the 7:30am thing tomorrow and clear ALL website data tonight. I've never heard of Claimyr before - is it legit? I'm hesitant to try anything that costs money when I'm already so behind on bills, but I'm getting desperate.

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Zoe Papadakis

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OMG the EXACT same thing is happening to me!!! But mine started in July not June. So frustrating!!! Try calling right when they open that's what my sister did.

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ThunderBolt7

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Calling when they open doesn't work anymore - too many people do that now. The phone system is programmed to only accept a certain number of callers in queue, so it just gives a busy signal or automated hangup to everyone else. This has been going on since 2020.

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Jamal Edwards

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Your issue sounds like what's called a 'stuck claim' - it's when there's a flag on your account that needs manual intervention, but the system isn't showing you what the problem is. In my experience working with claimants, there are a few things to try: 1. Email DEO.Feedback@deo.myflorida.com with your full name, claimant ID (if you have it), phone number, and a brief description of the error. Put "URGENT: TECHNICAL ERROR PREVENTING CLAIM WEEKS" in the subject line. 2. Contact your state representative's office. They have special liaisons with DEO who can escalate issues. Google "Florida find my representative" to locate yours. 3. For your immediate financial needs, check with your county's Emergency Rental Assistance Program - many still have funds available even in 2025. The technical error you're seeing usually requires a DEO agent to manually reset something in your account. Unfortunately, there's no DIY fix for this particular problem.

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Carmen Sanchez

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Thank you so much for this detailed response! I'll email that address right now and look up my representative. I had no idea about the Emergency Rental Assistance - I'll check that out too. It's so frustrating that there's no way to fix it myself but at least now I have some direction.

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Mei Chen

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lol welcome to floridas awesome unemployment system it never works right ever. been this way for YEARS. good luck

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Liam O'Sullivan

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I had a similar problem back in January and it was absolutely MADDENING!!! The system is DESIGNED to be difficult - it's not just you or a coincidence. This is INTENTIONAL to discourage people from collecting benefits they're ENTITLED to! What worked for me was contacting my state senator's office (not just representative). They have more pull than regular reps. My claim was fixed in 48 hours after MONTHS of trying on my own. Also, document EVERYTHING. Screenshot every error, write down every call attempt with date/time, save every email. If you need to appeal later, this documentation will be CRITICAL!!!

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Amara Okonkwo

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Yes! Documentation is crucial. I forgot to mention that when I finally got through, they tried to claim I hadn't been actively trying to resolve the issue, but I had all my screenshots and call logs to prove otherwise.

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Amara Okonkwo

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I'm so sorry about your husband - that makes an already stressful situation even worse. I had a similar error last year, and what finally worked was getting help through my local CareerSource office. Many people don't realize they can help with DEO issues, but the one in my county has staff specifically trained to help with CONNECT problems. They have direct lines to DEO that regular claimants don't have access to. I went in person (bring ID and any DEO correspondence), and they resolved my technical error in one visit. Google "CareerSource" + your county name to find the nearest location.

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Carmen Sanchez

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I had no idea CareerSource could help with technical issues! There's one about 20 minutes from me. I'll see if my neighbor can watch my husband for a couple hours tomorrow so I can go there. Thank you for this tip!

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ThunderBolt7

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The technical error you're describing is actually quite common in the CONNECT system when there's a mismatch between your claim status and the week availability system. It's frustrating because the error message is generic and unhelpful. In most cases, this requires what's called a "claim reset" by a Tier 2 agent (not the regular front-line agents). The problem is getting to a Tier 2 agent, which is nearly impossible through normal channels. Two effective approaches: 1. Use Claimyr to get through the phone system (I've recommended this to dozens of claimants with success) 2. Submit an official complaint through the DEO Inspector General: www.floridajobs.org/office-directory/office-of-the-inspector-general/about-our-office/contact-the-office-of-the-inspector-general The IG complaint route takes longer (5-7 business days) but is free and will usually result in someone contacting you directly to resolve the issue.

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Carmen Sanchez

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Thank you for explaining what's actually happening with my claim! That makes so much more sense than the generic error. I'll try the Inspector General complaint right now, and if I don't hear back in a few days, I might try Claimyr as a last resort. I just need this fixed before we get evicted.

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Zoe Papadakis

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have u tried using a different internet connection? my sister-in-law had issues and it worked when she used her phone hotspot instead of wifi

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Andre Dupont

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That might help with simple connection issues, but unfortunately this particular error (the technical error loop) is a server-side problem with the claimant's account, not a connection issue. It requires DEO staff intervention.

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Mei Chen

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i feel ur pain the deo system is trash

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Carmen Sanchez

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UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what finally worked for me! I tried everything suggested here - early morning login, clearing all data, different devices, even the CareerSource visit (they tried but couldn't fix it). What FINALLY worked was the Claimyr service someone recommended. I was really skeptical about paying for something like this when I'm already broke, but after 7 weeks of no progress, I was desperate. Got connected to a DEO agent in about 25 minutes. Turns out there was a "system flag" on my account from when I had reported working part-time back in May. The system never processed it correctly, causing the technical error loop. The agent manually cleared it and reset my claim. I was able to claim my weeks immediately after! Now just waiting for the payments to process. THANK YOU everyone for your help during this nightmare!!!

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Jamal Edwards

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Great news! I'm glad you got it resolved. This is exactly why speaking with an actual agent is so important - these system flags can only be cleared manually. For anyone else reading this in the future, if you see persistent technical errors, it almost always requires direct agent intervention.

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