DEO sending 'case closure warning' notices but their phones are ALWAYS busy - what options do I have?
So frustrated right now! Got a notice last week saying my unemployment case will be CLOSED if I don't respond to the DEO notices they supposedly sent me. Problem is, I never received any other notices before this warning! I've been trying to call them every single morning at 7:30am sharp when they open, but all I get is that stupid automated message about 'high call volume' and then it hangs up on me. Haven't been able to get through ONCE in 5 days of trying. I'm worried they're going to terminate my benefits over something I didn't even know about. My last payment was $247 and it's been pending for 9 days now. Has anyone else gotten these 'respond or we'll close your case' warnings? What am I supposed to do if their phones are CONSTANTLY busy and they don't answer emails either? This system is rigged against us I swear.
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Holly Lascelles
I got something similar last month! Look in your CONNECT inbox under 'Determination Letters' - the notices might be there even if you never got an email about them. They expect you to log in and check that inbox every few days which is ridiculous. You probably have a 'fact finding' questionnaire that needs to be completed. If you don't see anything there, try calling exactly at 7:29am (not 7:30, everyone calls at 7:30). I've had better luck getting through right before they technically open.
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Madison Tipne
•Thanks for the tip! Just checked my CONNECT inbox and you're right - there's a fact finding questionnaire from 2 weeks ago that I totally missed. Never got ANY notification about it. Why can't they just email us like normal people? Gonna try and complete it now but I'm worried it's too late since the deadline was 3 days ago. This is so stressful.
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Malia Ponder
Omg same thing here!! Been calling for TWO WEEKS straight and can't get a human to pick up the phone!! I literally set 5 alarms to wake up and start calling at 7:28am and still nothing. This is 100% by design, they make it impossible to get help so people just give up on their claims. Classic Florida DEO nonsense.
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Kyle Wallace
•You're right. I'm convinced they deliberately understaffed the call centers to save money. Last time I needed to reach them about my adjudication I had to call 47 times in one day before getting through. And then they transferred me twice and hung up. The whole system is designed to make you give up.
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Ryder Ross
Try using Claimyr - it's the only way I've been able to reach DEO lately. It's a service that basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then connects you. I was skeptical but it actually worked when I was dealing with a similar situation (missed fact finding deadline). You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj and sign up at claimyr.com. Seriously saved me after 3 weeks of trying to call myself with no luck.
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Gianni Serpent
•Does this actually work?? I've never heard of it before. Sounds kinda sketchy tbh, like how are they getting through when nobody else can?
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Ryder Ross
•It's legit - they use some kind of automated system that keeps dialing until it breaks through the busy signals. My neighbor used it first and recommended it. It's how I finally got my CONNECT account unlocked after the whole ID.me verification mess locked me out.
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Henry Delgado
the deo is the absolute worst. i had this happen and ended up having to go IN PERSON to a CareerSource office. bring ID and your claimant ID number. they can sometimes help you get things sorted out or at least tell you exactly what notices you missed. some offices have direct lines to DEO staff.
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Madison Tipne
•I didn't even think about going to CareerSource! There's one about 20 minutes from me. Did you need an appointment or could you just walk in? Might try this tomorrow if I can't get the fact finding questionnaire submitted tonight.
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Henry Delgado
•i just walked in but it was like 2 months ago so idk if they changed anything. better call first probably. bring EVERYTHING with you - id, ssn card, any letters from deo, etc.
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Olivia Kay
This happened to me too and I panicked! But actually the DEO has a separate line for people with notices about case closure. Try calling 833-353-6799 instead of the main number. It's still hard to get through but way better odds. I waited 47 minutes yesterday but finally got a person who helped me.
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Madison Tipne
•THANK YOU for this!!! I had no idea there was a different number. Will try this first thing tomorrow. Did they give you any trouble about missing the original deadline?
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Olivia Kay
•They were actually pretty understanding. The rep told me they're getting thousands of calls about the same issue because their notification system has been glitchy. As long as you're making an effort to respond they should work with you.
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Holly Lascelles
By the way, if you do have a fact finding questionnaire in your inbox, complete it ASAP even if it's past the deadline. Sometimes their system will still accept late responses, especially if you call and explain that you never received notification. The key is to respond to SOMETHING rather than nothing at all. The system flags non-responsive claims for closure automatically.
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Madison Tipne
•That's a relief. I'm filling it out right now. It's asking about my work search activities from last month which I have documented but not in the exact format they want. Should I just do my best to remember the dates and details?
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Holly Lascelles
•Yes, do your best with the work search info. They mainly want to see that you're making the required 5 work search contacts per week. Even if you get some details wrong, showing good faith effort to comply is what matters. Just be as accurate as you can and explain in the comments section if needed.
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Kyle Wallace
I wanted to add - if you're stuck in this situation, also try contacting your state representative's office. I had a similar issue where DEO was ignoring me for WEEKS and threatening to close my case, and my rep's office contacted them on my behalf. Had my issue resolved in 3 days after that. They have special liaisons at DEO who actually answer their phones!
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Madison Tipne
•That's a great idea and something I hadn't considered. How do I find out who my state representative is? I'm in Hillsborough County if that helps.
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Kyle Wallace
•Just Google 'Florida find my state representative' and there's a website where you can enter your address. For Hillsborough you have several depending on exact location. Their offices deal with DEO issues ALL THE TIME so they know exactly who to contact.
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