CONNECT system error keeps kicking me out when claiming weeks - DEO site issues today?

same here!! been trying since 8:15, keeps freezing at the work search page. so annoying

The CONNECT system is always glitchy on Monday mornings when everyone tries to claim at once. Best times to claim are Tuesday afternoons or Wednesday mornings when the server load is lower. You might try clearing your browser cache and cookies first, then use the incognito/private browsing mode. That's worked for me in the past when dealing with those random kicks and white screens. Also make sure all your work search entries are saved before you hit final submit - sometimes the system times out if you take too long on that page.

This is EXACTLY why I always wait until Tuesday to file. I've been dealing with Florida's unemployment system since 2008 and it CANNOT handle the Monday morning rush. It's like they're running CONNECT on a 20-year-old server and don't care how many people get their claims delayed because of their garbage system!!!! If you're desperate to file today, keep trying around noon. Most people give up by then and the system magically starts working again. The DEO could fix this if they wanted to but WHY WOULD THEY when making it difficult means fewer people get benefits????

my brother had the same problem but he got through around 9:30 after like 6 tries so maybe keep trying?

I had the exact same issue this morning but finally got through. Here's what worked for me: 1. Don't use autofill for any fields 2. Don't take too long between screens (system times out after about 10 minutes) 3. If you get kicked out, wait about 15-20 minutes before trying again 4. Have all your work search information ready in a separate document so you can quickly copy-paste The CONNECT system has actually been undergoing maintenance recently, according to the DEO newsletter. They're apparently updating claim processing capabilities but it's causing these intermittent issues. If you absolutely cannot get through online today, you can also call the claims line at 1-833-FL-APPLY, but be prepared for long wait times. I actually used Claimyr last month when I had a similar issue that couldn't be resolved online. Their service connects you with a DEO agent usually within 30-45 minutes instead of waiting for hours or getting disconnected. It worked really well for me - they have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj. Definitely worth checking out if you keep having issues with the website.

wait are we supposed to do 5 work searches now? i thought it was only 3?? I've only been submitting 3 each time

I work for a career services organization in Florida and we hear about this issue constantly. The CONNECT system is notorious for Monday morning crashes. Three recommendations: 1. Try using Microsoft Edge browser - for whatever reason, CONNECT works better with it 2. Make sure you're using a desktop/laptop, not mobile 3. If all else fails, you can request backdating for your claim week if the system truly prevented you from filing You may need to call DEO directly to request backdating if you can't submit today. Remember that you technically have 7 days after your claim week ends to submit without needing special approval. Regarding the system errors, DEO has announced they're migrating to a new, more stable platform by the end of 2025. Until then, we're stuck with CONNECT and all its problems.

UPDATE: I finally got through! For anyone else having this problem, here's what worked: 1. Used Microsoft Edge instead of Chrome (thanks for that tip!) 2. Waited until 11:45am when traffic seemed lighter 3. Had all my work search info ready to paste quickly 4. Used incognito mode Claim is finally submitted! What a nightmare though, DEO really needs to fix their website.