This entire thread should be pinned or turned into a guide! I've been dealing with DEO for about 8 months now and I STILL learn something new about their system every time I read these discussions. The fact that so many people have had this exact same experience with the "check your inbox" emails that lead nowhere shows this isn't user error - it's a fundamental design flaw in their system. What really gets me is that this kind of confusion can literally cost people their benefits through no fault of their own. Missing a fact-finding deadline because you couldn't find the request shouldn't happen when you're actively trying to comply. For anyone new to this system, please don't feel stupid if you can't find things - CONNECT was clearly designed by people who never had to actually use it as claimants. The community knowledge in threads like this is honestly more valuable than DEO's official help resources. Keep asking questions and sharing experiences - we're all figuring this out together! Nora, huge relief that you got it submitted! Stories like yours really highlight why we need to keep pushing for better system transparency.

Just wanted to add one more tip that saved me recently - if you're having trouble finding something that DEO says they sent, try using the search function in CONNECT (if it's working that day 🙄). Sometimes typing keywords like "fact finding" or "work search" will pull up stuff that's buried in weird sections. Also, for anyone dealing with tight deadlines like Nora was, don't forget you can submit documents even if the upload is being glitchy by faxing them to DEO with your claimant ID clearly written on every page. It's old school but sometimes more reliable than their web portal. The fax number should be in your claimant handbook or you can find it on their website. This community is seriously a lifesaver - I've learned more practical tips here than from hours of trying to navigate DEO's official help resources. We shouldn't have to crowdsource basic system navigation, but I'm grateful we have each other! 💪

I'm in a very similar situation! My payment just showed as "issued" this morning and I also have Chase. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful - it sounds like 1-2 business days is pretty typical, especially for first unemployment payments. I was starting to get anxious when I didn't see anything pending yet, but it seems like that's completely normal. The financial stress while waiting is definitely real when you're running on fumes! I'm going to try to be patient until Thursday like others suggested before I start worrying. Thanks so much for posting this question - all these responses are giving me (and clearly others in the same boat) so much peace of mind about the timing!

I'm going through this exact same thing right now! My payment just changed to "issued" this afternoon and I'm also banking with Chase. Reading through all these responses has been such a relief - it sounds like the 1-2 business day timeframe is pretty standard, especially for first payments. I was starting to panic when I checked my account and didn't see anything pending yet, but clearly that's totally normal. The stress of constantly refreshing your banking app when you're down to your last few dollars is so real! I'm going to try to follow everyone's advice and wait until Thursday before getting too worried. Thanks for posting this - it's amazing how many of us are in the exact same situation with the same bank!

I just went through this process myself last year and I'm so glad to see everyone sharing their experiences! One thing I want to emphasize that hasn't been mentioned yet: if you have ANY documentation about the "restructuring," make sure to upload it as evidence when you file your appeal. Even if it's just an internal company memo or announcement about layoffs/restructuring, it can be incredibly powerful evidence that contradicts their claim you "voluntarily quit." Also, don't be intimidated by the hearing process. The appeals referee I had was very patient and asked clarifying questions to make sure they understood the full situation. They're not trying to trip you up - they genuinely want to get to the truth of what happened. One last tip: if your former employer doesn't show up to the hearing (which happens more often than you'd think), you'll basically win by default as long as you present your side clearly. But still prepare as if they will be there! You've got 20 days so don't delay, but you have enough time to gather your evidence and prepare properly. Wishing you the best of luck!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress of dealing with unemployment denial while already struggling financially is just overwhelming. I went through almost the exact same situation about 8 months ago (also claimed I "voluntarily quit" when I was clearly let go due to "budget cuts"). Everyone here has given amazing advice, but I want to stress one thing: FILE YOUR APPEAL TODAY if you haven't already! Don't wait even one more day. The 20-day deadline is FIRM and they will not make exceptions. A few additional tips from my experience: - When you write your appeal statement, use their exact words against them. If they said "restructuring" in any communications, quote that directly - Print out EVERYTHING related to your termination before it potentially gets deleted from company systems - Keep a simple timeline of events with dates - it really helps during the hearing when the referee asks specific questions The hearing itself was way less scary than I imagined. The referee was professional and fair, and I actually felt like they really listened to my side of the story. I won my case and got full backpay for all the weeks during the appeal process. You can absolutely do this! The fact that you have documentation about "restructuring" puts you in a strong position. Stay organized, tell the truth, and don't give up. Rooting for you! 💪

I'm actually going through something similar right now and this thread has been incredibly eye-opening. I had no idea that the 13-week extensions were just a COVID thing - I've been planning my budget assuming I'd get those extra weeks automatically. Reading through everyone's experiences here, it sounds like Florida really doesn't make it easy for people who are genuinely trying to get back on their feet. James, I hope that job interview works out for you! For anyone else in this situation, it might be worth checking if you qualify for any other assistance programs while you're between benefits and employment. I know some counties have emergency rental assistance or utility help that can buy you some time. It's frustrating that we have to piece this information together from forums instead of getting clear guidance from DEO, but at least we're helping each other figure it out.

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm new to Florida after moving here from California and just filed my first unemployment claim last week. Reading through everyone's experiences, I'm shocked that Florida only provides 12 weeks maximum - in California I would have gotten 26 weeks. It's really concerning that the CONNECT system doesn't make this clear upfront. James, I hope your new job comes through soon! For anyone else just starting their claims, it sounds like we need to treat these 12 weeks as emergency time to find work, not a safety net. I'm already looking into part-time work options just in case, and will definitely check out CareerSource Florida for additional resources. Thanks to everyone for sharing your real experiences - this kind of peer-to-peer information is so much more valuable than the confusing official documentation.

I feel for you - this is such a tough situation and the uncertainty makes it so much worse. Just wanted to add that if you haven't already, make sure to file your final weeks even if you think you might not qualify. Sometimes there can be processing delays or corrections that might give you an extra week or two. Also, don't forget about temporary staffing agencies! Places like Kelly Services, Manpower, and Robert Half often have immediate openings, even if they're just short-term assignments. It's not ideal, but it can help bridge the gap while you're looking for something permanent. Some of these temp jobs even turn into full-time offers. One more thing - if you have any professional certifications or licenses, check if they need renewal soon. Some workforce development programs will pay for certification renewals or training if you're unemployed. Your local CareerSource office should have info on what's available in your area. You've got this! The fact that you're planning ahead and asking the right questions shows you're being smart about this transition.

I'm so sorry you're facing this situation! I went through the exact same thing last year and it's incredibly stressful. Unfortunately, everyone here is correct - there are no federal extensions available anymore since all the pandemic programs ended in 2021. One thing that really helped me was applying for multiple assistance programs at once rather than waiting. I applied for SNAP, contacted my county's emergency rental assistance program, and even reached out to local churches and community organizations. Many have emergency funds for people transitioning off unemployment. Also, don't overlook gig work while you're job hunting - apps like DoorDash, Uber, or Instacart can provide some immediate income while you search for permanent employment. It's not ideal, but it can help cover basic expenses. Keep your head up - Florida's job market is actually pretty strong right now, especially in healthcare, hospitality, and logistics. You've made it through 12 weeks of job searching, which shows your persistence. Something will come through!