DEO disqualification from 2018 affecting new claim - 8 weeks no progress

Yes, I had almost this exact situation last year! My 2019 disqualification (which was a mistake to begin with) was preventing my new claim from processing. The key is getting through to a CLAIMS ADJUDICATOR - not just a regular rep. The regular call center people can't remove old disqualifications.\n\nWhat finally worked for me was using Claimyr to get through to an actual person at DEO (claimyr.com - they got me connected in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks). I requested to speak specifically with an adjudicator about removing a prior disqualification. The first person tried to brush me off, but I insisted they transfer me to someone who could handle disqualification removals.\n\nYou can see how their service works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj \n\nOnce I got to an adjudicator, they reviewed the old disqualification, asked a few questions about the circumstances, and removed it within the same call. My weeks started processing right after that. Good luck!

Thank you so much for this detailed response! We've never even heard of a 'claims adjudicator' - everyone we've talked to just says they're a 'representative.' That explains why nobody seems able to help. I'm definitely going to check out Claimyr because we're desperate at this point. Did they immediately remove the disqualification during your call or did it take a few days to process after speaking with the adjudicator?

ur wife needs 2 file an appeal ASAP!! theres a time limit on apeals even for old stuff. the system is designed 2 make u give up. keep calling but also file appeal online thru CONNECT under determinations section. my brother had simlar issue and appeal fixed it but took 13 weeks total.

Thanks for suggesting an appeal. We've looked through CONNECT but didn't see anywhere to appeal the old disqualification - only options to appeal the current weekly disqualifications. But those say they're disqualified because of the 2018 issue. It's like a circular problem. Did your brother have to do anything special to appeal the old disqualification specifically?

Former DEO employee here. This is actually a fairly common issue in the CONNECT system. Old disqualifications can remain attached to your SSN indefinitely unless properly cleared. Here's what your wife needs to do:\n\n1. Request a \

This is SUCH a broken system!!! Why would they keep old disqualifications active forever?? I had a similar issue and just gave up after 3 months of trying. The DEO is deliberately making it impossible to get benefits we PAID INTO through our taxes!!! They should all be fired and replaced with people who actually want to HELP Florida citizens instead of denying valid claims!!

I understand your frustration. The system was intentionally designed to be difficult during the Rick Scott administration (I was there). The retention of disqualifications is a \

I'm currently dealing with this same nightmare! 2020 disqualification showing up on my new claim. Been trying for 12 WEEKS!! I've been told so many different things by different reps it makes my head spin. One said to file an appeal, another said appeals won't work for this, another said I need to submit wage documentation (which makes no sense), and the last one said there's nothing they can do!\n\nI literally cried after my last call. I'm a single mom and about to be evicted. This system is designed to break people down until they just give up. I'm going to try asking specifically for a Claims Adjudicator like others suggested. Will update if I have any luck.\n\nSending you strength because I know exactly how frustrating and scary this is.

I'm so sorry you're going through this too. It's truly terrifying. Please let me know if you have any success with the Claims Adjudicator approach. We're going to try that tomorrow morning. This whole experience has been eye-opening about how broken the system really is. I hope things work out for you soon!

have u tried contacting ur state rep? mine helped me with a different DEO problem last year. they have special contacts at DEO

Yes, we've contacted both our state rep and senator. Their offices took our information and said they'd submit an inquiry, but it's been three weeks since then with no updates. I've followed up twice and they just say \

Just following up on my earlier comment - wanted to clarify that when I got through to the adjudicator, it took about 20 minutes for them to review my case, but they removed the disqualification while I was still on the phone. My weeks changed from \

This is incredibly helpful - thank you so much for coming back to clarify! This gives me hope that it could potentially be resolved quickly once we reach the right person. We'll definitely be firm about wanting it resolved during the call rather than being placed in another endless queue. Really appreciate your help!

your not alone in this nightmare lol… been dealin with DEO since march…. good luck gettin any1 who knows what there doing. system is rigged against us regular people. keep fighting tho dont give up thats what they want

UPDATE: I tried the Claims Adjudicator approach yesterday!!! IT WORKED!!!! I called at 7:29am (they open at 7:30) and used Claimyr to get through. Told the first rep I specifically needed a Claims Adjudicator for a Prior Disqualification Review. She tried to tell me she could help but I politely insisted based on what I learned here. After 15 mins on hold, got transferred to an adjudicator who actually knew what to do! My disqualification from 2020 is now removed and my weeks changed from disqualified to pending!!! I'm literally shaking with relief. THANK YOU to everyone here for the advice!!!

This is AMAZING news!!! Congratulations!!! Thank you SO MUCH for updating us - this gives me real hope. We're going to try the exact same approach tomorrow morning. Can I ask whether you mentioned anything specific to convince the adjudicator to remove the disqualification?

@OP - To answer your question, the adjudicator asked me about the circumstances of my previous disqualification (it was a job I quit for health reasons without proper documentation). I explained that the situation was resolved years ago and that I'd worked and paid taxes for 3 years since then. She said that old disqualifications aren't supposed to carry forward if you've had substantial employment since then (apparently 1.5+ years of work should clear it). She said it was clearly a system error and removed it. Probably took 10 minutes once I explained everything. Good luck tomorrow!!

Thank you for these details! My wife's situation is very similar - her 2018 disqualification was because she found a new job within 2 weeks of applying (so she only collected for 2 weeks). She's worked continuously from 2018 until this February. Hopefully we can get an adjudicator who understands the system as well as yours did!