What does 'pending issue waiting on adjudication' mean on DEO CONNECT? No explanation given
I'm completely lost with my Florida unemployment claim right now. Been stuck with a 'pending issue waiting on adjudication' status for over 3 weeks but there's absolutely NO explanation anywhere in my CONNECT account about what the actual issue is! This is my second time filing (first time was back in 2023) and I never experienced this problem before. All my claim weeks show 'pending' with zero payments processed. I've called the DEO number at least 15 times but either get disconnected or stuck on hold forever. Does anyone know what this adjudication thing actually means or why they wouldn't tell me what the pending issue is? Is there a special number I should be calling or something specific I need to do? I'm really starting to panic as rent is due next week and I was counting on this money. Any help would be appreciated!!
18 comments
Sophia Miller
SAME BOAT HERE!!!! Been staring at that stupid 'pending adjudication' status for 5 WEEKS now with ZERO explanation!!! Called DEO like 30+ times just to get disconnected again and again. Their system is GARBAGE. They probably flag random accounts just to avoid paying people. My theory is they're hoping we'll just give up and go away. Make sure you keep claiming weeks even while waiting or you'll lose those weeks permanently.
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Elijah Jackson
•Thanks for responding! That's so frustrating to hear you've been waiting 5 weeks. I'm definitely still claiming my weeks but this is really scary. Do you think there's any way to find out what the actual issue is? The fact they don't tell you is what's driving me crazy.
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Mason Davis
"Pending adjudication" means there's some issue with your claim that DEO needs to investigate before they can make a determination on whether you qualify for benefits. Common issues include separation reason (why you left your last job), availability for work, or income verification problems. Unfortunately, CONNECT often doesn't show what the specific issue is. You need to speak with an actual adjudicator who can see the details and possibly resolve it on the spot. Regular call center reps usually can't help with adjudication issues.
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Elijah Jackson
•Thank you for explaining! Is there a special way to reach an adjudicator specifically? I left my job because the company downsized and I have the layoff letter, so I don't understand what could be the problem.
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Mia Rodriguez
Been there! U need 2 just keep calling DEO but try early like 7:29am right b4 they open. Sometimes they do random checks on ppl. My cousin had same thing and it was bcuz his employer disputed his claim even tho they laid him off!
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Jacob Lewis
•This happened to my wife too, her old company told DEO she quit when they actually fired her! Took 4 weeks to sort out. So annoying.
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Amelia Martinez
I work with unemployment claims regularly, and I can tell you that adjudication is basically DEO's investigation process. There are a few things you should know: 1. By law, they have to make a determination within 21 calendar days, but with current backlog, it's taking 4-6 weeks for many people. 2. The most common reasons for adjudication are: - Your employer contested the claim - Discrepancies in your work history dates - Questions about your ability/availability for work - Income verification issues - Work search compliance 3. The fastest way to resolve this is to speak directly with an adjudicator, not a regular DEO rep. Regular reps can only see that you're in adjudication but usually can't see the specific issue or resolve it. 4. When you do reach someone, ask them directly what the pending issue is about. Once you know, you can often upload the necessary documentation through CONNECT to resolve it faster. 5. Make sure your contact information is up-to-date in CONNECT. Sometimes they try to call for fact-finding interviews but can't reach claimants.
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Elijah Jackson
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you so much! Do you know if there's a direct way to reach an adjudicator? Or do I just have to keep calling the main number and hope I get transferred to one eventually?
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Ethan Clark
I had this exact issue last month! Waited 3 weeks with no explanation, called over and over with no luck. Finally found out it was because my previous employer incorrectly reported my last day of work (off by ONE day 🙄). Such a simple thing but it caused so much stress! The adjudicator fixed it in like 5 minutes once I actually talked to one, and I got paid 2 days later. Have you tried using Claimyr? I found out about it on this forum after wasting so much time trying to get through myself. It's a service that calls DEO for you and connects you when they get through. I was super skeptical but I was desperate after weeks of trying. Used their website claimyr.com and watched their demo video (https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj) and got connected to DEO in about 45 minutes instead of spending days redialing. The agent I spoke with transferred me to an adjudicator who could actually see my specific issue and help resolve it.
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Jacob Lewis
•Does this actually work? I'm on week 4 of trying to reach someone and I'm going crazy!!!
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Ethan Clark
Yes it worked for me! I was connected in under an hour which was a miracle after weeks of trying on my own.
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Mila Walker
Adjudication is when DEO is reviewing some issue with your claim. It's frustrating they don't tell you what the issue is! When this happened to me in January, I eventually found out my employer had contested my claim saying I quit when I was actually laid off. Two things I recommend: 1. Check your CONNECT inbox daily - sometimes they send fact-finding questionnaires you need to complete within a specific timeframe. 2. Try calling exactly at 7:30am when they open. I got through faster that way. Also, did you receive any determination letters? Sometimes they mail those instead of putting them in your CONNECT inbox. And definitely keep claiming your weeks even while waiting.
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Elijah Jackson
•I've been checking my CONNECT inbox obsessively but nothing there yet. And no letters in the mail either! Thanks for the tip about calling at 7:30am - I'll try that tomorrow. Did you just keep calling until you finally got through?
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Mila Walker
Yes, it took me about 8 attempts over 3 days calling right at 7:30am before I got through. Just be prepared to wait on hold for a while once you do connect. And make sure you ask to speak with an adjudicator specifically or someone who can see what the pending issue is about - regular reps often can't help much with adjudication issues.
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Mia Rodriguez
my brother had same thing happen in february and he finally got a fact finding interview after like 6 weeks. its all random i think, DEO just picks people to investigate for no reason lol
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Amelia Martinez
To answer your follow-up question, there's unfortunately no direct line to adjudicators. You need to call the main DEO number (800-204-2418) and specifically request to speak with an adjudicator or claims examiner about your pending adjudication issue. Many frontline reps will try to handle it themselves, but they often lack the system access or authority to resolve adjudication issues. When you call, be very specific: "I have a pending adjudication issue that's been unresolved for X weeks, and I need to speak with an adjudicator to identify and resolve the specific issue." If they say they can't transfer you, politely ask if they can see what the specific issue is in your file. Sometimes they can at least tell you what's being investigated even if they can't resolve it themselves. Also, check if you missed any fact-finding questionnaires or interviews. These are sometimes scheduled without much notice, and missing them can further delay your claim.
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Elijah Jackson
•Thank you! I'll try that exact phrasing when I call tomorrow morning. Really appreciate all your help and advice.
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Mason Davis
Just wanted to add that if your adjudication has been pending for more than 21 days (which is DEO's standard timeframe), you can also try contacting your state representative or senator's office. They have liaisons who work directly with DEO and can often get answers faster than you can on your own. Just Google "Florida state representative [your city]" to find your rep, then call their office explaining your situation. This worked for me when I was stuck in adjudication for almost 2 months last year.
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