Work search requirements waived but CONNECT still asks for job contacts - how to skip this section?

If your work search requirements are officially waived, you'll still go through that section on CONNECT but you'll select the option that says something like 'I was not required to search for work' or similar wording when it asks about your work search activities. Don't just skip it completely - you need to actively indicate that you were exempt. The system will then let you proceed without entering any job contacts. Make sure you have documentation of your waiver in case they ever question it later.

DONT SKIP ANYTHING!! The DEO system will flag ur claim if u skip sections! When I tried to skip work search (even tho mine was waived too) my payments got delayed for 3 weeks!!! Just put "work search waived" in the notes section if they have one. The CONNECT system is designed to trap people i swear

When you log into CONNECT to claim your weeks, you'll navigate through several screens. When you reach the work search screen, there will be a dropdown menu with options. Since your work search is waived, select the appropriate exemption reason (usually there's a specific option for "work search waived"). If you're not seeing that option, double-check your determination letter to confirm the exact nature of your waiver. Some waivers are claim-specific while others are temporary system-wide waivers. The key is NOT to leave it blank, as the previous poster mentioned. Always indicate your exemption status through the proper selection. This ensures your claim processes smoothly without triggering unnecessary adjudication.

just wondering - how did u get ur work search waived? i thought they stopped doing that after covid? im having to report 5 job contacts every week and its such a pain

I've been dealing with Florida unemployment for years (unfortunately lol) and let me add one important thing about work search waivers - SAVE SCREENSHOTS of every page as you go through the claim process. The DEO system is notorious for glitches that can cause problems later. If it asks why you're exempt, type in exactly what your waiver letter says. Even with a waiver, I recommend keeping a simple log of your job search activities anyway. I've seen cases where DEO retroactively asked for work search proof even from people who thought they were waived.

Quick question related to this - does anyone know how strict they are with the requirement to claim weeks exactly on your scheduled date? I'm supposed to claim tomorrow but might have to travel for a family emergency...

One last point about work search requirements being waived - make sure you're monitoring your DEO inbox in CONNECT regularly. They sometimes send updates about work search requirements changing with very little notice. I've seen people who had waivers suddenly get them revoked and not realize it until they had issues with their claims. The safest approach is to do at least some token job searching even with a waiver, just to be covered in case of any DEO system issues.

Does anyone else think its RIDICULOUS that they make this so confusing?? Like just tell us exactly what to click!!! Why is the Florida unemployment system designed to be so hard to use?? Ugh sorry just needed to vent lol

I went through this exact same situation last month! When you get to the work search section in CONNECT, there should be a question that asks something like "Were you required to conduct work search activities this week?" or similar wording. Since you have the waiver, you'll answer "No" and then it will ask you to select a reason. Look for an option like "Work search requirements waived" or "Exempt from work search requirements." The system will then let you skip entering any job contacts. Just make sure you keep that waiver letter handy in case they ever audit your claim later. The whole process should only take a few extra seconds once you find the right dropdown option. Good luck with your first claim tomorrow!

Just wanted to add my experience - I had a work search waiver for about 8 weeks last year due to a temporary layoff situation similar to yours. The CONNECT system definitely has that dropdown option everyone mentioned, but sometimes it takes a few seconds to load all the options. If you don't see the waiver option right away, try refreshing the page or logging out and back in. Also, pro tip: even though your work search is waived, I'd still recommend jotting down any informal job-related activities you do (like updating your resume, checking job boards, networking calls) just in case. The DEO can be unpredictable about retroactively requesting documentation. Better to have something on hand than scramble later if they change their minds about your waiver status. Hope your claim goes smoothly tomorrow! The first time is always nerve-wracking but once you get through it once, the process becomes much more routine.