CONNECT system keeps erasing my work search entries - want to throw my computer at DEO

OMG yes!!!! The CONNECT system is GARBAGE! I've had it crash on me 6 times in the past month. I started taking screenshots of everything before clicking next just so I don't lose my mind when it erases all my work search info.

That's actually really smart. I'm going to start doing that too. I was literally in tears yesterday after it crashed for the third time.

The CONNECT system definitely has its issues, but there are a few workarounds that might help. For the work search entries, try doing them one at a time and clicking save after each one rather than entering all 5 and saving at the end. For the out-of-state employer, you need to enter the physical address where you performed the work (your Florida address) but in the notes section explain it's a remote position for a Georgia-based company. Also, try claiming your weeks very early in the morning (like 5-6 AM) or late at night when the system has less traffic and tends to be more stable.

Thank you for these tips! I'll definitely try early morning next time. Do you know if there's a character limit in the notes section? I tried explaining the remote situation but maybe I didn't use the right terminology.

i feel ur pain. spent 5 hrs yesterday trying to do same thing. the stupid system is probly designed to be bad on purpose. less ppl get benefits = more money they keep.

There's a 250 character limit in most of the notes sections. Keep it simple - just write something like \

If your primary issue is the system timing out or crashing when entering work searches, here's what worked for me: 1) Use Chrome or Firefox (Edge caused me problems) 2) Clear your browser cache before starting 3) Have all your work search info ready in a separate document so you can quickly copy/paste 4) For remote work, enter your home address as the workplace address and put \

This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I've been using Safari so maybe that's part of the problem. I'll try Firefox next time and prepare everything in advance.

Have you tried calling the DEO directly about this? I had similar issues and was getting nowhere until I finally got through to a live agent who fixed something on their end. Getting through to them is nearly impossible though - I had to use a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me past the busy signals and connected to an agent in about 25 minutes. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj\n\nThe agent told me there was an issue with my account that was causing the work search entries to not save properly. Something to do with how my employer information was initially entered. Might be worth asking them specifically about the remote work situation.

I tried calling numerous times but kept getting disconnected. I'll check out that service - at this point I'd do anything to get this resolved! Did they charge you for it?

Yes, there is a fee, but honestly it was worth it to finally get my issue fixed instead of spending hours redialing and getting nowhere. The agent I spoke with actually found a flag on my account that was causing the system to reject my entries. Once she removed it, I was able to claim without issues.

My sister had the same exact problem with her remote job! The system is completely broken when it comes to remote work arrangements. Florida DEO is still stuck in 2010 and doesn't understand how modern employment works. What finally worked for her was listing her home address as the work location and then in the job title putting

That's a great tip about putting 'remote' in the job title! I'm going to try that. My actual title is Marketing Coordinator but I'll add the remote part to it.

not to go off topic but this is why I don't even bother with the unemployment system... they make it so difficult on purpose! my cousin works for the state (not DEO) and said they're told to make it hard to get benefits so FL unemployment rate looks better than it is. whole system is rigged against workers!!!!

EXACTLY!!! Florida has the WORST benefits system in the country by design!

I want to clarify something important - there are definitely frustrating technical issues with CONNECT, but the system should save your work search information if entered correctly. Make sure you're selecting the right work search activity type from the dropdown menu. Many people select \

I've been using \

That's correct - \

The no special characters thing is so true! I used to put (123) 456-7890 format and it would crash every time. Now I just do 1234567890 with no spaces or anything and it works fine. CONNECT is super picky about formatting but never tells you what format it wants!