DEO put 'incarceration hold' on my claim but I haven't been in jail since 2022 - help!
I'm totally stressed out right now. Logged into CONNECT yesterday to claim my weeks and saw my payments are on hold with something labeled 'incarceration hold.' This makes absolutely NO sense as I haven't been incarcerated since early 2022 (18 months ago)! My last stint was only 60 days for a misdemeanor, all fines paid, everything resolved. I've been working steadily at a warehouse since then until they had major layoffs last month. Has the DEO system somehow flagged old records? Anyone else dealt with this? I tried calling the main number but after 2 hours on hold it disconnected me. I can't afford to wait weeks for this to resolve - rent is due in 10 days.
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Molly Chambers
Yes!!! This happened to me in April. The DEO uses some automated system that checks incarceration records but it's EXTREMELY glitchy. In my case it confused me with someone with a similar name. You need to upload proof you've been free - I used pay stubs showing continuous employment during the period they thought I was locked up. Also call and specifically ask for the 'incarceration review department' - that's the actual name lol. Took me 3 weeks to get it fixed tho... sorry man.
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Adrian Hughes
•3 WEEKS?? I'll be evicted by then! Did you have to actually get through to someone on the phone? That seems impossible these days.
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Ian Armstrong
This is a surprisingly common issue with the CONNECT system right now. The DEO started using a new automated cross-reference system in January 2025 that checks against various databases, but it's pulling historical records without proper date filtering. I've helped several clients with this exact problem. Here's what you need to do: 1. Upload any documentation proving you were employed after your release (paystubs, W2s, employment verification letters) 2. Submit a fact-finding response directly addressing the hold 3. Call DEO and request an expedited review due to hardship The hold should be removed within 7-10 business days once they verify your documentation.
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Eli Butler
•Doesnt DEO ignore ALL CALLS?? I tried for 2 weeks an never got thru!
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Adrian Hughes
•Thank you for the detailed advice. I've got all my paystubs and W2s ready to upload. But calling seems impossible - I've been trying for days and can't get through.
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Marcus Patterson
I had the exact same issue! After trying to call DEO for 8 days straight with no luck, I found a service called Claimyr that got me connected to a live agent in about 20 minutes. It was a lifesaver because they need to manually remove the incarceration hold even after you upload your documents. Check out their demo at https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj and their website is claimyr.com. After I finally spoke with an agent, they escalated my case and removed the hold within 48 hours. The agent confirmed they've been having tons of issues with their new database system pulling old records.
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Molly Chambers
•I've heard mixed things about claimyr - did it actually work? Was worried it might be a scam or something
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Marcus Patterson
•It really worked for me! I was skeptical too but was desperate after not being able to get through for over a week. The DEO agent I spoke with was super helpful once I finally got connected.
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Lydia Bailey
the DEO is complete GARBAGE!!! system is designed to deny people benefits my cousin had same issue and they even admitted it was their error but STILL took 5 WEEKS to fix!!!!! meanwhile bills piling up. typical florida unemployment system, worst in country
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Mateo Warren
•Ugh so true. When I filed last summer they had me flagged for supposedly working while claiming benefits but it turned out they were looking at income from 2023, not 2024. Their system is held together with duct tape and prayers at this point.
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Sofia Price
sounds like there new system is screwed up i had similar issue but with my employer saying i was fired when i was laid off totally diff problem but same kinda computer mistake thing took forever to fix
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Adrian Hughes
•Did you eventually get it resolved? How long did it take?
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Sofia Price
•like 3-4 weeks i think? had to upload a letter from my boss saying i was laid off not fired
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Ian Armstrong
Quick update - the DEO added an expedited process for these incarceration holds last week since so many people are experiencing this issue. When uploading your documents, make sure you select "Incarceration Data Error" as the document type. This routes it to the specialized team that can verify and remove these holds more quickly. You still need to speak with an agent to complete the process though.
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Adrian Hughes
•Thank you! Just did this. I'll try to get through on the phone again tomorrow morning first thing.
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Marcus Patterson
Hey, any luck getting your issue resolved? I've been keeping an eye on this thread because my brother just got hit with the same incarceration hold yesterday!
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Adrian Hughes
•UPDATE: Finally got through to DEO using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. Was connected to an agent in about 15 minutes! She confirmed it was an error in their new cross-reference system and that they're seeing this issue a lot. They've expedited my case since I provided all my employment documentation showing I've been working since my release. The hold should be removed in 2-3 business days. Such a relief! Tell your brother to be sure to have all his employment records ready when he calls.
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Eli Butler
i had a different hold but same problem gettin through to DEO. i finally had my state rep's office call for me. might try that if u cant get through. just google ur florida state representative
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Mateo Warren
•This is actually great advice! My cousin works for a state rep and they have special contacts at agencies like DEO to help constituents with issues. Definitely worth trying if other methods don't work.
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