Need WORKING Florida DEO phone number after 6 weeks trying to complete unemployment application

same boat. tried calling 800-204-2418 about 50x last week and never got a person

Have u tried calling at 7:30am exactly when they open?? Thats what worked 4 me last year

I had the EXACT same 'pending submission' problem back in December! It was a nightmare that took forever to resolve. The trick is to get someone on the phone who can actually see what's blocking your application - it's usually something simple they need to change on their end. The regular customer service people don't have access to fix those specific issues, you need a claims specialist.

I spent 3 weeks trying every DEO number with zero luck. Then someone in another forum recommended using Claimyr.com and it actually worked for me! It's a service that connects you with DEO agents by navigating their phone system. I was skeptical but they got me through to a real person in about 20 minutes who fixed my application issue. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj The agent I spoke with was able to see that my application was stuck because of a mismatch between my employer's EIN number and what was in their system. One quick fix and my application went through that same day.

It's definitely legit. I was just as skeptical as you are. But after weeks of frustration I was willing to try anything. The service basically navigates the DEO phone system for you and calls you back when they have an agent on the line. Saved me from having to redial 100 times a day.

I work with unemployed clients as part of my job, and I can confirm that reaching DEO by phone has become significantly more difficult in 2025. Unfortunately, they've reduced call center staff while application volume remains high. Here's what I recommend: 1. Call the main line (800-204-2418) precisely at 7:29am (set your clock to atomic time) 2. Press 5 for benefit payment options, then 2, then 4 - this route sometimes bypasses the highest volume queues 3. If asked for a claimant ID, enter it slowly followed by # 4. When it asks about payment issues, select 'other' which often routes to broader-knowledge agents This doesn't always work, but it has a higher success rate than the standard menu options. For your specific 'pending submission' issue, this is typically caused by an identity verification flag that only a claims specialist can clear - regular agents can't see or fix these.

Unfortunately, there's no direct line to claims specialists. The front-line agents have to transfer you, and they'll only do that if they determine your specific issue requires specialist attention. The key is getting through to any agent first, explaining your situation clearly, and specifically requesting a transfer to a claims specialist for the 'pending submission verification issue.' Use those exact terms as it helps trigger their internal protocols for these situations.

The DEO SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE YOU GIVE UP!!! They don't want to pay benefits so they make it IMPOSSIBLE to complete applications!!! I spent 9 WEEKS trying to get my application processed and only succeeded when I contacted my state representative's office. They have special liaisons who can cut through the red tape. Email your rep ASAP!!!!!

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what finally worked for me! I tried the Claimyr service that was recommended here, and I was connected to a DEO agent in about 35 minutes. The agent was able to see that my application was stuck because of an identity verification issue (my driver's license expiration date was entered incorrectly). She fixed it on the spot, and my application status changed from 'pending submission' to 'submitted' immediately! Now I just have to wait for the standard processing time. Thank you all for your suggestions - this forum saved my sanity!