DEO denied benefits because I'm on medical leave - can't work yet due to upcoming surgery

Unfortunately, to qualify for Florida unemployment (RA benefits), you need to be ABLE and AVAILABLE to work. Since you told them you can't work due to medical reasons, you automatically don't qualify regardless of the fact you didn't quit. DEO requires that you're physically able to accept suitable work if offered. The 'pending issue' is probably them processing the denial based on your answers.

I went thru literaly the SAME thing!!!!! except mine was a back injury. DEO WILL deny u 100% becuase of the "able to work" requirement. its stupid becuse its not like we CHOSE to be hurt but thats how floridas system works. u should talk to your employer about FMLA if u havent already, and see if they have any short term disabilty benifits thru work

This is a common misconception. Florida's Reemployment Assistance program (formerly called unemployment) specifically requires you to be able and available for work. When you answered "No" to being able to work, that automatically triggers a disqualification review. You might want to: 1. Check with your employer about temporary disability benefits 2. Look into applying for Social Security Disability if your condition will last longer than a year 3. Contact your local CareerSource office for alternative assistance programs 4. Consider calling DEO directly to explain your situation (though they'll likely confirm what I've shared) I'd recommend trying to get through to a DEO agent to at least understand exactly why your claim is pending and whether there are any other options in your specific case.

This happened to my sister last year. She had to have knee surgery and couldnt work for 3 months. DEO rejected her claim too. So unfair!!!

I had success using Claimyr to get through to DEO when I had a similar issue. Was on hold for like 3 hours before I found them. You can check their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj or visit claimyr.com. They basically get you in the call queue without you having to keep redialing. Saved me hours of frustration and I finally got to speak with someone who explained my options.

It worked for me, but I understand the hesitation. The DEO phone system is just impossible otherwise - I tried for days before using it. They just help you skip the busy signals and disconnects.

To add some clarity here - there's a fundamental misunderstanding about unemployment benefits. They aren't meant for people who can't work; they're specifically for people who can work but can't find employment. Medical inability to work falls under disability benefits, not unemployment. For your situation, you might want to: 1. Appeal the short-term disability denial if you think there was an error 2. Look into whether your employer offers extended illness benefits 3. Check if your state has temporary disability insurance (though Florida doesn't have a state program) 4. See if you qualify for any assistance programs through local non-profits I know it's frustrating, but unemployment simply isn't designed for medical situations.

My sister ended up getting help from our church and a local nonprofit that helps with medical bills. Maybe check around for similar help in your area?

Has anybody actually gotten through to DEO lately? Their phone system is the WORST I've ever experienced. Called 46 times yesterday and either got busy signals or it hung up after the automated message. How are we supposed to get help when we can't even talk to a human?

Unfortunately, your situation is exactly why we need better safety nets in Florida. The system has gaps where people fall through - too ill to work (so no unemployment) but not disabled enough for SSDI, or waiting for short-term disability to kick in. One thing to consider: if your surgery recovery period will be relatively short (under 3 months), you probably wouldn't qualify for most disability programs anyway since they typically require longer periods of disability. I'd recommend: 1. Contact United Way's 211 service for emergency assistance options 2. Check with hospital social services about medical bill assistance 3. Look into temporary payment arrangements with your creditors 4. Consider whether a hardship withdrawal from retirement accounts is possible (as a last resort

Thanks everyone for your explanations and suggestions. I feel at least less confused now, even if the news isn't great. I'm going to try to get through to someone at DEO using that Claimyr service just to confirm what you're all saying, appeal my short-term disability denial, and check out the local assistance programs mentioned. Really appreciate the help during this stressful time.

I'm really sorry you're going through this tough situation. As others have mentioned, Florida's unemployment system is pretty strict about the "able and available to work" requirement. One thing I'd add - if you haven't already, make sure to document everything about your short-term disability denial. Sometimes these denials are based on missing paperwork or technicalities that can be corrected on appeal. Also, when you do have your surgery and are cleared to return to work, you might be able to reapply for unemployment at that point if your job isn't available. The timing is tricky, but it's worth understanding all your options. Hang in there!