Is there a working phone number to claim DEO weeks when CONNECT keeps crashing?
I've been trying to claim my weeks on the CONNECT website for the past 3 days but it keeps freezing up or logging me out mid-process. Super frustrated! Then I tried calling the main DEO number (1-800-297-0586) but it just gives me an automated message saying 'high call volume' and hangs up. Is there a different phone number specifically for claiming weeks that actually works? When I was staying with family in another state last year, they had a dedicated claim line that took like 5 minutes. Does Florida have something similar? I'm getting worried because my claim week window closes soon and I NEED this payment to come through. Any suggestions would be really appreciated because I'm running out of options here!
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Anita George
try calling at exactly 7:30am when they open. thats the only time i ever get through
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Austin Leonard
•Thanks, I'll try that tomorrow morning. Do you know if there's a specific number just for claiming weeks though? The main number is such a nightmare.
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Abigail Spencer
The DEO website has been extra glitchy since their "system upgrade" last month. I had the same issue and had to keep trying different browsers. Chrome worked for me eventually but took like 10 attempts. Try clearing your cache too.
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Austin Leonard
•I've tried 3 different browsers already including Chrome. Even tried my phone. Same result every time - it gets to the work search section and then freezes. So frustrating.
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Logan Chiang
Florida DEO doesn't have a dedicated claim-by-phone system like some other states. The only official way to claim weeks is through CONNECT or by waiting to speak to a live agent who can process it manually. Unfortunately, getting through to a live person is incredibly difficult with the regular number. If you absolutely can't get the website to work, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you get through to a DEO agent without the endless busy signals. I was skeptical at first but it worked when I was having adjudication issues. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj
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Austin Leonard
•Thank you for the straight answer about no phone claim option. That's really disappointing. I'll check out that Claimyr thing - at this point I'm desperate enough to try anything that might work.
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Isla Fischer
i tried calling DEO like 27 times yesterday at different hours. EVERY SINGLE TIME it said all agents busy then hung up on me!!! florida unemployment system is designed to make us give up!!!
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Miles Hammonds
•OMG SAME!! I've been trying for WEEKS and never get through. Then they'll probably try to say I didn't follow the rules for claiming on time. The whole system is rigged against us!!
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Ruby Blake
For technical issues with CONNECT, there's actually a separate tech support line: 1-833-352-7759. They might be able to help with your specific issue claiming weeks. Also, make sure you're using a desktop/laptop rather than mobile - mobile claiming has more bugs. The rules state that if you have documented technical issues preventing you from claiming weeks on time, DEO should give you an extension. But you need to document everything - take screenshots of error messages, record the times you called, etc. One other thing to try: access CONNECT during off-peak hours like very early morning (5-6am) or late evening (after 8pm). The system tends to perform better when fewer users are on.
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Austin Leonard
•Thank you! I had no idea there was a tech support line - will definitely try that tomorrow. And the tip about off-peak hours is smart, I've been trying mid-day when it's probably busiest. Really appreciate the help!
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Micah Franklin
I got locked out of claiming weeks online last month because of that stupid CONNECT update where they changed all the security questions. Wasted 3 days trying to get through on the phone. Finally used Claimyr and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes who was able to manually process my claim weeks. Cost money but saved my sanity and got my payments processed before I missed rent. Just sharing what worked for me when I was in a similar panic situation.
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Austin Leonard
•That's exactly how I'm feeling right now - total panic about making rent if this doesn't get fixed. Between you and the other person mentioning Claimyr, I think I'll give it a try if the tech support line doesn't work. Thanks for sharing your experience!
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Abigail Spencer
When my CONNECT kept freezing, I went to my local CareerSource office and they let me use their computers to claim my weeks. Something about their network having priority access. Might be worth checking if there's one near you?
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Logan Chiang
•This is excellent advice! CareerSource offices have dedicated connections to DEO systems and their staff can often help troubleshoot CONNECT issues. They can't directly process claims, but they can sometimes get you past technical hurdles. They also typically have much less traffic than the main DEO channels.
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Austin Leonard
UPDATE: Used the tech support number (1-833-352-7759) this morning and actually got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The tech helped me clear some browser issue and I was finally able to claim my weeks! For anyone else with this problem, definitely try the tech support line instead of the main DEO number. Thanks everyone for your suggestions!
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Ruby Blake
•Excellent news! I'm glad you were able to get it resolved. For future reference, if you ever have to claim weeks after the deadline due to technical issues, be sure to request a "backdating" of your claim weeks. The agent should be able to document that you attempted to claim on time but were prevented by system issues.
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