DEO holding claims because of work search despite caretaker exemption and doctor's note - HELP!

The issue is that the exemption needs to be manually approved and noted in your CONNECT account by a claims adjudicator, not just verbally confirmed by phone representatives. Unfortunately, phone reps often give incorrect information because they don't have authority to actually apply exemptions to your account.\n\nWhat you need to do: \n1. Make sure you've uploaded the doctor's note to your CONNECT account under the 'Document Upload' section (not just submitting it with claims)\n2. File an appeal on the pending weeks specifying that you have a caretaker exemption\n3. Make sure the doctor's note specifically states that you are providing 'full-time care' and includes the expected duration\n\nThe Family Medical Leave exemption should apply, but it needs proper documentation and special processing. Most people in your situation eventually get paid, but it requires persistence and proper documentation.

Thank you SO much for this detailed information! I did upload the doctor's note to claims, but didn't realize there was a separate document upload section. I'll do that right away. How exactly do I file an appeal for the pending weeks? Is there a specific section in CONNECT for that? And should I keep claiming weeks while this is all getting sorted out?

I went through something similar last year as a caretaker for my father after his heart surgery. The key difference was I had the exemption properly coded in my account from the beginning. Here's what worked for me:\n\n1. Get a more detailed doctor's letter that specifically mentions you are required to provide \

This is incredibly helpful - thank you! I had no idea there was a specific exemption code (35C). I'll definitely check out that Claimyr service because I'm going crazy with the constant calling. Did you have to pay anything to have the exemption applied retroactively?

OMG the EXACT same thing happened to me!!! I was taking care of my mom after her hip replacement and DEO paid me for 6 weeks then suddenly stopped and said I needed work searches. So frustrating!!! I ended up just doing the stupid work searches even though I couldn't actually take a job. The system is broken.

Did you ever get it resolved? Did doing the work searches actually get your claims to go through? I'm worried about doing the searches when I legitimately can't work right now - feels like I'd be lying.

i had similar issue with the system but for different reason... make sure to call them before 8:30am thats when they open and line isnt busy yet sometimes if u lucky u get thru

I can tell you right now what the problem is. The DEO system is COMPLETELY BROKEN and designed to deny legitimate claims. The first-level phone reps are trained to tell you whatever will get you off the phone fastest. They LIED to you about the exemption process. There is NO automatic exemption process that works properly in CONNECT.\n\nI was a caretaker for my sister during cancer treatment, and despite having ALL proper documentation, I had to FIGHT for 11 weeks to get my benefits. The system is DESIGNED to make you give up. Then DeSantis can brag about how he's \

This is what I was afraid of hearing, but I appreciate the honesty. I've already wasted so much time believing the reps who told me everything was fine. How did you finally reach an adjudicator after 11 weeks? Did you have to contact your state representative or something drastic like that?

Florida law does indeed provide for work search exemptions for caretakers, but the system requires specific documentation. I've helped several clients navigate this exact situation.\n\nThe issue is likely that the exemption wasn't properly coded in the system by an authorized adjudicator. While the phone representatives may have given you accurate information about qualifying for an exemption, they rarely have the system access to actually implement it.\n\nI recommend taking these steps:\n\n1. Continue claiming weeks even while this is being resolved\n2. Submit Form DEO WS-EXM (Work Search Exemption Request) - available on the CONNECT portal\n3. Ensure your doctor's note includes language about \

where is this form DEO WS-EXM?? i looked all over connect and cant find it anywhere???

The form should be under the \

this DEO stuff is making me crazy. i bet if you go to the office in person they will help you. I tried going to my local office but turned out it was just career source not actual DEO. Sooooo frustrating!!!!

Update on my earlier comment - make sure when you do reach someone, you specifically ask if they're an \

That's really smart about the document title! I'll definitely do that. And yes, I've noticed some reps will say anything to get you off the phone, which is why I'm still stuck after 3 weeks of calls. Thank you for the follow-up advice!

And one more thing no one has mentioned - RECORD YOUR CALLS with DEO! Florida is a two-party state for recording, so you need to tell them you're recording, but I ALWAYS start my calls with \

One clarification to my earlier advice: For the appeal process, log into CONNECT, go to the \

Thank you for this additional information! The weird thing is I don't actually see any formal determination - my weeks just say \