DEO denied benefits after quitting 2-day job - now disqualified for 17 weeks despite 3 years at previous employer

You actually might have a good case for appeal. The key is documenting that the job was substantially different than what was described during hiring. Florida law allows for "good cause" quitting when the job turns out to be materially different than what you were told. You'll need to show: 1. Specific examples of how the actual job differed from what was promised 2. That you attempted to resolve the issues before quitting 3. Documentation of the original job description if possible The appeal process takes about 3-4 weeks right now. Request a telephone hearing so you can explain your situation. Focus on the material difference between what was promised and what you experienced. Don't wait too long - you have 20 days from the determination date to file your appeal through CONNECT.

THE EXACT SAME THING happened to me last year!!!!! I got laid off from my teaching job, took the first job I could find (retail), lasted 3 days in a completely hostile workplace, and DEO denied my benefits for 13 WEEKS!!! It's like they PUNISH you for trying to find work quickly instead of sitting at home collecting benefits. The system is BROKEN. I appealed but gave up after 2 months of getting nowhere. Wishing you better luck than I had. 😡

I've helped several people navigate similar situations. What happened to you is unfortunately common, but you absolutely have grounds for appeal under what's called "attributable to the employer" quit circumstances. The key legal standard is whether a "reasonable person" would have quit under those circumstances. You'll need to be very specific about how the job differed from what was promised. Examples might include: - Significant difference in job duties - Unsafe working conditions not disclosed during hiring - Pay discrepancies from what was offered - Harassment or hostile work environment Also important: Did you bring your concerns to management before quitting? If so, document this. If not, be prepared to explain why (sounds like the manager WAS the problem). One point to clarify: Your base period wages from your 3-year job should still count toward your monetary eligibility. The disqualification is about the circumstances of your most recent separation.

I tried calling DEO for weeks after a similar situation (quit a new job after they changed my hours). Always got disconnected or waited hours. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through - they connected me to a DEO agent in about 20 minutes. Cost some money but saved me weeks of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj. The agent told me exactly what to include in my appeal and I won my case. Worth looking into if you can't get through to discuss your appeal options.

This exact scenario is why Florida unemployment is such a mess. The rules are designed to deny benefits whenever possible. When you appeal, make sure to specifically use the phrase "materially different working conditions" in your explanation. Also mention "good cause attributable to the employer" - these are the exact terms DEO uses in their decision making. I've been a career counselor for 15+ years and see this happen ALL THE TIME. The 17-week penalty is excessive but that's Florida for you. Document EVERYTHING and be persistent. Most appeals are actually successful if you have decent documentation.

when i got laid off last yr my neighbor told me to just LIE on the app and say i was laid off from the last job. DEO has no way to verify that unless the employer contests it. but if it was only 2 days they probably wouldn't even bother. too late now tho i guess

my cousin works at deo and says lots of people win these appeals because the system automatically denies first and makes u appeal. its dumb but thats how they do it

If you do appeal, just know that you might not get a decision for 6-8 weeks. DEO is seriously backed up right now. I've been waiting 7 weeks for my appeal decision. Make sure you continue claiming weeks even while disqualified, because if you win your appeal, they'll only pay weeks that you properly claimed during the appeal process. Good luck!

So sick of these govt agencies treating hardworking people like CRIMINALS!!! You should contact your state representative too - sometimes they can help push appeals through faster. My sister did this when her benefits were denied and suddenly DEO was CALLING HER back instead of ignoring her!! The state reps have special contacts at DEO that regular people don't have access to.

UPDATE: I've decided to appeal after all the helpful advice here. I found my original offer letter, job posting, and texts from my brief time there. I'm drafting my appeal letter using the specific phrases suggested ("materially different working conditions" and "good cause attributable to employer"). I'll continue claiming weeks while I wait for the appeal hearing. Thanks everyone for giving me hope that this might be fixable!