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

I filed my first ever unemployment claim on June 10th (over 7 weeks ago) and it's STILL showing as pending. This has been an absolute nightmare. I was laid off unexpectedly and have burned through my emergency savings waiting for these benefits. I've tried literally everything to get someone at DEO to help me: - Called the main number at least 25 times (either get disconnected or sit on hold for 3+ hours) - Sent 4 messages through CONNECT messaging system (zero responses) - Emailed the general help email twice (got an auto-reply but nothing else) - Showed up IN PERSON at the CareerSource office (they said they can't access claim info) My rent is due in 3 days and I'm about to be evicted. How is this legal?? Do I seriously need to contact my state representative or call a news station to get someone to look at my claim? Has anyone found ANY way to actually speak to a human being at DEO? I'm doing all my work searches and claiming weeks on time but the money just sits in pending limbo. I'm beyond desperate at this point.

QuantumLeap

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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

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Emma Wilson

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9 weeks?? I'm seriously about to be homeless if this takes that long. Did you ever get through to an actual person?

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Malik Johnson

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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.

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Emma Wilson

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Yes! There's something that says "Adjudication - Separation" under pending issues. But I've been calling the main number for weeks and either get disconnected or can't get past the automated system. Is there a direct number for claims specialists?

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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.

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Emma Wilson

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Thank you! I'll definitely try my representative tomorrow. Did you have to provide any specific information when you called them?

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Yes - have your claimant ID ready (it's on your CONNECT homepage), the date you filed, your contact info, and a brief explanation of your situation. They'll have you sign a release form allowing them to inquire about your case. The form can usually be emailed.

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Ravi Sharma

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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.

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Freya Larsen

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is that service legit?? seems sketchy that u have to pay money just to talk to DEO

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Omar Hassan

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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!

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Chloe Taylor

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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.

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Emma Wilson

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Thank you so much for this detailed explanation! I've been so confused about what's actually happening. I'll try calling at 7:30am tomorrow and will send that email tonight. Do you think I should include any specific documentation in the email to help speed things up?

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Chloe Taylor

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Yes, include your claimant ID, full name, last 4 of SSN, contact information, and a brief timeline of events (when you were separated from your employer and why). If you have any documentation of your separation (termination letter, layoff notice, etc.), attach that as well. The more information you provide upfront, the easier it is for them to resolve your case.

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QuantumLeap

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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

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Emma Wilson

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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.

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Chloe Taylor

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That's great news! Make sure to check your CONNECT inbox daily as they might send you additional fact-finding questionnaires to complete. And continue claiming your weeks as scheduled. Once approved, you should receive all back payments for the weeks you've claimed.

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Malik Johnson

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So glad you got through! That early morning call trick works about 50% of the time in my experience. Hoping you see that status change to 'Eligible' very soon!

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