DEO claim stuck in pending since June 10th - exhausted all contact methods

welcome to fla unemployment hell!! they did same thing to me last year, took 9 WEEKS to get first payment. system is designed to make you give up tbh

There's almost definitely an adjudication issue on your claim that needs to be resolved. Do you see any "pending issues" when you log into CONNECT? Look under the "Determination, Pending Issues and Decision Summary" section. If there's something there, you'll need to get through to a claims specialist to address it specifically. Regular call center agents can't help with adjudication issues.

I was in the EXACT same situation last month with a separation issue. The problem is they need to verify with your employer the reason for separation, and if your employer doesn't respond quickly, it can take forever. I eventually got help by calling my state representative's office. Their constituent services team contacted DEO directly and my claim was processed 3 days later. Find your rep at myfloridahouse.gov and call them tomorrow morning.

Your claim is stuck in adjudication because they're investigating why you're no longer employed. This happens to almost everyone, but it shouldn't take 7+ weeks! The thing about FL unemployment is you HAVE to get through to a live person to get anything fixed. I was in a similar situation and finally had success with Claimyr.com - it's a service that gets you through to a DEO agent without the insane hold times. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj It worked for me when nothing else did. Once I got to a live agent, they escalated my adjudication issue to a supervisor and my payments started processing within a week.

this is why im so ANGRY about florida unemployment!!! they make it IMPOSSIBLE to get help and expect us to just starve while waiting!! my friend waited 12 weeks last year and had to move in with her parents at 42 years old because deo wouldn't answer her calls either. CRIMINAL how they treat us!

I worked as a claims adjudicator before (not in Florida), so I can explain what's likely happening with your claim. When you have a "Separation" issue, DEO has to determine if you qualify for benefits based on the reason you're no longer employed. They send a questionnaire to your former employer, who has 10 days to respond. If your employer doesn't respond, they should continue processing your claim, but often it gets stuck in the system. You need to speak with an adjudicator specifically, not just any DEO agent. Here's what I suggest: 1. Call right when they open at 7:30am (highest chance of getting through) 2. Contact your state representative (as someone already suggested) 3. Email DEO.Determinations@deo.myflorida.com with your claimant ID in the subject line 4. Keep claiming your weeks even while waiting When you do reach someone, ask specifically if they can see what the hold-up is with your separation determination. If they can't help, ask to be transferred to an adjudicator or claims examiner.

my brother got his claim fixed by going to the governors website and filling out the contact form thing. said his payments started like 5 days later. might be worth trying

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at DEO this morning! Called right at 7:30am as suggested and only waited about 45 minutes. The agent confirmed my separation issue was still pending because my former employer hadn't responded to their inquiry. She escalated it to a supervisor and said they would make a determination within 48-72 hours based on my statement alone if my employer doesn't respond. Fingers crossed this gets resolved! Thanks everyone for the advice and support. This system is truly broken, but I'm hopeful I'll see some movement now.

I'm going through something similar right now - filed 3 weeks ago and still pending with the same separation issue. Reading through all these responses is both terrifying and helpful. The fact that this system is so broken that we have to rely on state representatives and third-party services just to get basic unemployment benefits is absolutely ridiculous. Emma, I'm so glad you finally got through to someone! I'm definitely trying that 7:30am call strategy tomorrow. For anyone else dealing with this nightmare, it sounds like persistence is key but we shouldn't have to jump through this many hoops just to survive while looking for work.

I'm so sorry you're going through this Emma - the Florida unemployment system is absolutely brutal. I went through something similar last year and it took 8 weeks to get my first payment. The separation adjudication issue is super common but they make it nearly impossible to get help. A few things that worked for me: - Like others said, calling right at 7:30am is your best bet - When you do get through, ask specifically to speak with a "claims examiner" or "adjudicator" - regular phone agents can't resolve separation issues - Document EVERYTHING - screenshot your pending issues, save confirmation numbers from calls, etc. - Keep claiming your weeks no matter what - you'll get backpay once it's resolved The state rep route really does work too. I was skeptical but my friend got results in less than a week after contacting theirs. It's ridiculous that we have to go to elected officials just to get basic unemployment benefits, but whatever works at this point. Hang in there - I know it feels hopeless but you WILL get through this. The system is designed to wear you down but don't let them win!