DEO requesting paystubs for DUA claim verification - what documents to send?

I had to send in paystubs for DUA last year after the storm in Tampa. They need to verify your employment and wages before the disaster. You should send your most recent paystubs (at least 3-4 from before the disaster date) plus any documentation showing you were employed at the time of the disaster. A letter from your employer on company letterhead explaining the situation would also help. If you can get your quarterly wage info that's even better. The more documentation you provide upfront, the less likely you'll face delays in adjudication.

yea i did this last month. total pain. sent like 8 paystubs and they still wanted more proof. ended up having 2 send my employment contract too

The Florida DEO is particularly strict about documentation for DUA claims compared to regular unemployment. For DUA specifically, they want to see proof of employment AT THE TIME of the disaster and proof of wages in the base period (which is different than regular unemployment). I recommend sending: 1. Your 4 most recent paystubs prior to the disaster date 2. A letter from your employer confirming employment and that you can't work due to disaster 3. Your most recent W-2 if the disaster occurred in a different calendar year 4. Any documentation showing you can't work specifically because of the disaster Important: Make sure all documents clearly show your name, employer's name, and dates of employment/payment. DUA is federally funded but state-administered, so the requirements are actually stricter than regular state unemployment.

OMG the paystub verification thing is SUCH A NIGHTMARE!!!! I had to do this after Ian hit us in 2022 and I swear I almost lost my mind!! First they said they needed paystubs, then they said they couldn't read them, then they said they needed more proof I actually worked there, then they said I missed some deadline I NEVER EVEN GOT NOTICE ABOUT!!!!! Just warning you - SEND EVERYTHING YOU POSSIBLY CAN and CALL THEM CONSTANTLY to check on the status! They will NOT tell you if something's wrong until it's too late! And SCREENSHOT EVERYTHING you upload as proof you did it!!!

Try using Claimyr if you need to talk to a real person at DEO about what documents they need. It got me through to a DEO agent in about 20 minutes when I was dealing with document verification issues for my claim. Way better than calling directly and getting disconnected. They have a video that shows how it works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj or you can check out their website at claimyr.com. Saved me days of frustration trying to figure out exactly what documents they needed for my situation.

I work in HR and regularly help employees with unemployment documentation. For Florida DUA claims specifically: - They need to verify you were employed at the time of the disaster - They need to calculate your benefit amount based on your earnings - If your workplace was physically damaged, include photos if possible The minimum you should submit: 1. Last 3 months of paystubs prior to disaster 2. Any documentation showing you can't work due to disaster effects 3. Letter from employer confirming employment status and disaster impact DUA processing times are currently running about 3-4 weeks after documentation is accepted. Be aware that DUA has different eligibility requirements than regular unemployment - you must prove the disaster directly impacted your ability to work.

ugh i remember this... they made me send everything TWICE because they said they couldnt read my bosses signature the first time. so stupid. make sure you scan everything SUPER clear and label all the files with your claim ID in the filename!!!

Regular copies are fine - no need for notarization. Just make sure all documents are clear and legible. And definitely follow up after submitting! The CONNECT system isn't great about notifications if there are issues with your documents. Also, one important thing about DUA that differs from regular unemployment: if you were self-employed or a 1099 contractor before the disaster, you can still qualify (unlike regular unemployment). You just need different documentation like tax returns, 1099 forms, or business records.

I know others have mentioned it, but I want to emphasize: document EVERYTHING during this process. Take screenshots of all uploads, note the time/date of all calls, and keep copies of everything you submit. Florida's DUA verification process has been problematic for many claimants. Another tip: If you submit documents and don't see them reflected in your CONNECT account within 48 hours, call immediately. Sometimes documents get "lost" in their system, and you don't want to miss deadlines because of their technical issues.

In CONNECT, you can check document status under the "Determination, Pending Issue and Decision Summary" section. Any documents you've submitted should eventually show up there with a status. To answer your earlier question - no, documents don't need to be notarized for DUA claims. Regular copies are fine as long as they're legible. Just be sure your name and the relevant dates are clearly visible on all documents. One final recommendation: if you have any 1099 or self-employment income in addition to your regular job, be sure to document that too. DUA can potentially cover income losses from multiple sources affected by the disaster.