Need DEO claims department direct phone number - keep getting transferred to wrong departments

Oh man, I feel your pain!! The DEO phone system is RIGGED to prevent us from geting actual help. I spent 2 whole weeks trying to reach claims before I got through. What worked for me was calling exactly at 7:30am when they open and hitting option 5 immediately. Even then, expect to be on hold for like 1-2 hours. Sometimes the system just hangs up on you after waiting all that time which is INFURIATING!!! The whole system is broken on purpose to discourage people from getting benefits they earned.

I've been through this frustrating process several times and found a reliable solution. The DEO's phone routing system is overwhelmed, which is why you keep getting transferred incorrectly. I started using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect directly with DEO agents who can actually help with claims. It basically handles the waiting and connects you directly to a claims specialist. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj I was skeptical at first, but after spending days trying to reach someone on my own with no success, it was worth it to finally get my adjudication issue resolved. The key is that it gets you to actual claims agents who can see your file and make changes, not just the general helpdesk people.

There's no special direct number for the claims department that I'm aware of. The 800-204-2418 number is the correct one, but connecting to the right department is the challenge. Here are some strategies that have worked for claimants I've helped: 1. Call precisely at 7:29am, right before they officially open at 7:30am 2. When prompted, select option 5, then option 2, then option 4 (this routing sometimes bypasses general queue) 3. If you get the wrong department, politely ask if they can transfer you directly to claims 4. Try on Wednesday or Thursday - for some reason these days seem to have slightly shorter wait times 5. Make sure your claim shows "active" in CONNECT before calling Also, have you tried sending a message through the CONNECT portal? Sometimes that can trigger a callback, though it may take 5-7 business days.

i had the same issue last month, kept geting shuffled to wrong ppl. finally got thru by calling at 430pm right before they close. for some reason afternoon calls work better 4 me than mornings. everybody calls first thing so system gets jammed up. also my cousin who works at deo (not in claims tho) said they're super understaffed right now cuz of budget cuts

The Florida DEO system is deliberately underfunded and understaffed! It's been this way since Rick Scott redesigned the unemployment system to be as difficult as possible. I've been through this nightmare twice and both times I had to contact my state representative's office to get help. Email your local state rep with your claimant ID and a brief explanation of your issue. Their staff has special contacts at DEO who can escalate claims. Took about 1 week to get a response but they actually fixed my adjudication hold! Google "find my Florida state representative" to get contact info.

When you call are you using a cell phone or landline? I noticed when I used my cell phone I kept getting disconnected or transferred wrong, but when I used my mom's landline I got through to claims after only 3 tries. Might be coincidence but worth trying if you have access to a landline.

To clarify some misinformation in this thread: The type of phone you use shouldn't affect which department you reach. The DEO's routing system is based on the options you select and agent availability, not caller ID or phone type. What does sometimes help is calling from the exact phone number listed in your CONNECT profile. This can help with verification when you do reach an agent. Also, stay on the line even if it seems like you're being transferred incorrectly - sometimes there's a series of transfers before reaching claims. For adjudication issues specifically, be sure to have your claim ID number, the week(s) in question, and any fact-finding document numbers ready when you call. This helps the agent quickly locate your specific issue.

anyone else notice that the connect website and phone systems are extra glitchy on mondays? i swear they do it on purpose cuz they know more people try to call on mondays