How to get my DEO claim backdated to when I first lost my job?

Hey there! I went through this exact situation last year. You need to specifically request backdating by calling DEO directly. They won't automatically backdate even if you clearly became unemployed earlier. You'll need to explain you had "good cause" for filing late - in your case, you thought you'd find work quickly. Honestly though, calling DEO is basically impossible most days. I wasted 2 weeks trying before I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real agent in about 18 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj. Totally worth it for something important like backdating because you're talking about potentially thousands in benefits.

just so u know DEO is super strict about backdating now!! they denied me twice even tho i had proof my employer shut down in february. good luck but dont get ur hopes up

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY YOU YOUR MONEY!!! I filed late because their stupid website kept crashing and they REFUSED to backdate me even though IT WAS THEIR FAULT!!! Don't waste your time with the regular phone line - I called 47 TIMES in one day and never got through. They do this on purpose so people give up. If you do somehow reach someone, get their ID number and NAME because half these agents will tell you whatever to get you off the phone!!

You'll need to submit a backdating request form specifically explaining your good cause reason for the late filing. Under Florida DEO rules, thinking you'll find another job quickly might not qualify as good cause (unfortunately), but it's still worth trying. Here's what you need to have ready: 1. Exact last date of employment (with documentation if possible) 2. Detailed explanation of why you delayed filing 3. Any supporting evidence (emails, text messages about job applications, etc.) The agent will create what's called a "backdate request issue" on your claim that goes to a separate adjudication team for review. This can take 4-6 weeks to process in 2025 with current backlogs. Make sure you continue claiming weeks during this time.

one time i tried getting backdated in 2024 and the lady on the phone told me to just claim the weeks i missed as if they were current weeks but then i got an overpayment notice for fraud lol dont do that

Here's what you need to know about backdating in Florida as of 2025: 1. The official term is "Request for Modification of Claim Filing Date" 2. You must demonstrate "good cause" for late filing - common acceptable reasons include: - Technical issues with CONNECT (documented) - Medical issues preventing filing - Employer misinformation about eligibility - Natural disaster or emergency Unfortunately, waiting to file because you expected to find work quickly is rarely approved unless you have documentation showing why that belief was reasonable (like written job offers that fell through). The best approach is calling DEO and specifically requesting a backdate form. Complete it with as much supporting documentation as possible. If denied, you can appeal the decision within 20 days. Make sure you're claiming all current weeks while this process is underway.

When you call DEO about backdating, be prepared to wait for hours IF you can even get in the queue. I tried for days and kept getting busy signals or disconnected. Finally used Claimyr and got through in about 20 minutes. The agent created a backdate request ticket and I got approved for 4 out of the 6 weeks I requested. You definitely need to speak with an actual person to get this process started - there's no way to request backdating through CONNECT.

I called today and finally got through! The agent told me that "not knowing I could apply" isn't considered good cause, but she suggested I focus on how I was actively searching for work during that period instead. She helped me submit the backdating request with my job search records as evidence. Now I have to wait 4-6 weeks for a decision. Fingers crossed they approve at least some of the weeks!

If your backdating request gets denied, remember you have appeal rights. The appeal must be filed within 20 days of the determination date. On appeal, you'll want to focus specifically on why your reason meets Florida's definition of "good cause" rather than just repeating the same information. Also, for anyone else reading this - the best practice is ALWAYS to file immediately when you become unemployed, even if you think you'll find work quickly. You can always close your claim if you find work right away, but you can't easily get those weeks back if you delay filing.

my brother got backdated but he had to prove he couldnt access connect cuz of his internet being down for 3 weeks after that hurricane in march... he had letters from the internet company and everything