Can I claim Florida DEO benefits for just 2 weeks between jobs?
Hey Florida unemployment experts, I've got a situation & wondering what my options are. I was let go from my restaurant manager position (totally not my fault, the owner's brother needed a job 🙄). Luckily I found another job pretty quickly, but there's a 2-week gap between the end date at my old job and start date at the new place. Can I file for unemployment benefits just for those 2 weeks? Is it even worth the hassle? Also, since I was fired, am I even eligible? My former boss already said he'd tell DEO it was due to "business needs" not performance issues. Any insight would be super helpful since my rent is due smack in the middle of this unemployment gap!
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Nathaniel Stewart
Yes, you can absolutely file for those two weeks! It's called a short-term unemployment claim, and you're entitled to benefits for any eligible weeks you're unemployed. Since you were let go due to "business needs" and not misconduct, you should qualify. The important things to know: 1. File your application on CONNECT immediately 2. Report that you were let go for business reasons (not misconduct) 3. When you get your new job, report it on your weekly certification 4. Continue claiming those two weeks even after you start working You'll need to complete the required 5 work search activities for each week unless you're exempt. Keep documentation of all your work searches. The system is designed to handle situations exactly like yours!
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Lola Perez
•Thank you so much! That's really helpful. I was worried the process would be so complicated that it wouldn't be worth it for just 2 weeks. Do you think I'll actually get paid before I start my new job, or will it take longer to process than that?
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Riya Sharma
dont bother ur claim will still be stuck in pending by the time u start ur new job lol. my claim took 7 WEEKS in "adjudication" or whatever they call it before i got a penny. DEO is a joke.
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Santiago Diaz
•I actually had a similar 3-week gap between jobs last year and DID get paid for it, but only after I'd been at my new job for almost a month. The system is slow but you should still apply! You earned those benefits through payroll taxes.
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Millie Long
Word of advice: file ASAP, like today. And when you're doing your work search requirements, apply to places even though you already have a job lined up. I'm pretty sure those 5 job search activities per week are still required even for short periods.
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KaiEsmeralda
•Actually, if you have a definite return-to-work date within 8 weeks, you might qualify for "standby" status and be exempt from work search requirements! But you need to request this specifically when you apply. The DEO form has a section where you can input your new job's start date. Don't just assume you'll get the exemption though - document your work searches until you get confirmation.
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Debra Bai
File now!!! But good luck even getting through on the website. The CONNECT system is terrible and crashes constantly. I spent DAYS trying to get my application submitted last month.
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Gabriel Freeman
•After trying to get through to DEO for 3 days, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get connected with an actual agent. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj I was skeptical but it actually connected me to a DEO rep in about 30 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own.
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Santiago Diaz
There's one more thing to consider - if you file for only two weeks, you'll still need to serve the "waiting week" which means you only get paid for one week. The first eligible week of unemployment is an unpaid waiting week in Florida. So if you're only unemployed for two weeks, you'll only receive benefits for one week. But that's still money you're entitled to!
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Lola Perez
•Wait, seriously? So I'd only get paid for one week even though I'm unemployed for two? That's frustrating, but I guess one week of benefits is better than nothing. Thanks for explaining that - might have been a nasty surprise otherwise.
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Nathaniel Stewart
One more tip: when you do your application, make sure you have your employment records handy. You'll need to provide information for all employers from the past 18 months, including contact information, employment dates, and earnings. Being prepared with all this will help your claim process faster.
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Millie Long
•And take screenshots of EVERYTHING. The CONNECT system is notorious for glitches and "losing" information. CYA all the way!
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Riya Sharma
btw did anyone else notice OP said they were FIRED but then says the boss will say "business needs"??? thats technically different things and DEO is super picky about this stuff. if ur employer says one thing and u say another it could trigger an "adjudication" which takes 4ever!!!!
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KaiEsmeralda
•This is an important distinction. In Florida unemployment terminology: - Being "let go due to business needs" falls under "no-fault separation" or "layoff" - Being "fired" typically implies misconduct OP, make sure you and your employer are using the same terminology. If there's a discrepancy, it will almost certainly trigger adjudication which can significantly delay benefits. If your employer agreed to report it as a business decision/layoff, make sure you classify it the same way on your application.
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Lola Perez
Thanks everyone for the advice! I'm going to file today. Sounds like it might be cutting it close with the timing, but worth trying. I'll make sure to be clear about the "business needs" reason consistently. And I'll definitely check out that Claimyr service if I run into trouble getting through to DEO. Really appreciate all the help!
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Nathaniel Stewart
•Good luck! Be persistent and don't get discouraged if there are system glitches or delays. Remember to check your CONNECT inbox daily for any requests for additional information. Missing those can further delay your claim.
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Aisha Khan
Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - if you're worried about the timing, you can also call the DEO customer service line at 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759) to check on your claim status once you submit it. They're usually swamped but sometimes you can get through early in the morning (like 7-8 AM). Also, even if your benefits don't arrive before you start your new job, they'll still be backdated to cover those eligible weeks. So don't stress too much about the timing - just get that application in ASAP and let the process work. You've got this!
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Jasmine Hancock
•That's really good advice about calling early in the morning! I didn't know about that timing tip. One question though - do they actually answer the phone or is it just as frustrating as trying to get through the website? I've heard horror stories about people being on hold for hours only to get disconnected.
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