Resolved overpayment but still no benefits - Need direct DEO claims department number

ugh same boat!! paid my overpayment in APRIL and still nothing. they keep saying 'system needs to update' but its been 3 months???

The DEO is DELIBERATELY making it impossible to reach them!!! I had the EXACT same issue last year. Paid overpayment and then waited 4 MONTHS before getting benefits. The whole time they had MY MONEY but wouldn't release MY BENEFITS that I was ENTITLED TO!!!! The system is designed to frustrate people into giving up!!!

There's unfortunately no "secret" direct line to the claims department. The 1-833-352-7759 number is the main entry point, but there are a few things you can try: 1. Call exactly at 7:30 AM when they open (not 7:31, not 7:29) 2. When the automated system asks why you're calling, say "Payment Status" not "Overpayment" 3. If you get a contracted rep, politely but firmly explain that you need someone who can access your overpayment satisfaction status in the system 4. Ask specifically for a "Tier 2 Representative" (this sometimes works) Also, have you tried submitting a Request for Assistance through your state representative's office? Many offices have dedicated staff who handle DEO issues and can often get responses when individuals can't. Hang in there - this is unfortunately common after overpayments are satisfied. The system doesn't automatically update payment status even after you've paid.

Most state rep offices have a constituent services form on their website. Look up your representative based on your address, then look for something like "Request Assistance" or "Constituent Services" on their site. They usually ask for your claim ID, last 4 of SSN, and details about your issue. Also, make sure your CONNECT account shows the overpayment as satisfied. Sometimes it gets recorded in their financial system but doesn't update in CONNECT right away.

I had a almost identical situation back in February and I couldn't get through to anyone who could help for weeks. After trying everything, I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and it actually worked! They have this system that holds your place in the DEO phone line and calls you when they get a real agent on the line. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj I was skeptical at first but it connected me to an actual claims specialist who could see my overpayment was satisfied but hadn't been properly cleared in the system. He manually released my payments on the spot. It saved me so much time and stress compared to calling over and over.

Yes, it's legitimate. I was hesitant too, but after weeks of trying the regular number I was desperate. The service just handles the phone queue part - once they get a DEO agent on the line, they connect you directly. The actual DEO agent I spoke with was able to see my entire claim history and fixed the issue right away. Another option is trying the technical support line (not the regular claims line) and explaining that your CONNECT account shows a technical issue where your overpayment satisfaction isn't properly linked to benefits release.

There's an important technical aspect to understand here: When an overpayment is satisfied, it gets marked in the Benefit Payment Control (BPC) system, but there's a separate process to release the hold on your regular benefits in the CONNECT system. This doesn't happen automatically - it requires manual intervention by a claims examiner. The key is getting to someone who has access to both systems. The first-tier phone reps (contractors) only have CONNECT access, not BPC access. You need to speak with a second-tier DEO employee. In addition to the other suggestions, try this specific phrasing when you call: "I need assistance with a paid overpayment that's showing as satisfied in the system but is still preventing benefit release. I need someone who can access the BPC system." Sometimes using their internal terminology helps get to the right person.

I went thru something similar but my issue was with PUA benefits from back in the pandemic that had an overpayment. I finally got it resolved by going in person to the CareerSource office in Orlando and they have this special hotline they can call. The CareerSource near me wasn't helpful at all but the one in Orlando had a specialist who knew exactly what to do. If you're anywhere near Orlando might be worth the drive... they're on oakridge road

I just walked in but had to wait like 2 hours cause it was busy. But worth it cause they have that direct line to DEO that regular people can't access. Just bring all your paperwork showing the overpayment was satisfied. Good luck!

My neighbor works at DEO (not in claims but in IT) and she says the system is SUPER backed up right now because they did some kind of software update in June that messed up a lot of things. Apparently they're going through and fixing accounts manually but there's a huge backlog. Might be why you're still waiting even though you paid the overpayment.

UPDATE: I finally got through! Used the 7:30am trick and asked specifically for a Tier 2 representative who could access the BPC system. Had to be firm but polite. The claims specialist confirmed exactly what was mentioned here - my overpayment showed as satisfied in BPC but there was a hold in CONNECT that needed manual removal. She processed it while I was on the phone and said I should see payments in 2-3 business days for all my back weeks! Thank you all so much for the advice - especially about using their internal terminology and calling right when they open.