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I'm going through the exact same thing and it's absolutely infuriating! Filed my claim back in May and haven't seen a single penny. The worst part is the complete lack of communication - like, just tell us what's wrong so we can fix it! Reading through all these comments has been both depressing and helpful. I had no idea about the Inspector General complaint option or reaching out to state representatives - definitely trying both of those this week. The fact that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get basic information about our own claims is beyond ridiculous. Thanks to everyone sharing their strategies and experiences - at least we know we're not alone in this nightmare! 🤞
I completely feel your frustration! The lack of communication is honestly the worst part - like you said, just tell us what's missing so we can fix it! I'm also going to try the Inspector General complaint after reading about it from @Ethan Wilson and others. It s'wild that we have to learn about these options from each other instead of from DEO directly. I m'planning to combine that with the early morning calling strategy and reaching out to my state rep too. This whole situation is such a mess, but I m'grateful for everyone here sharing what s'worked. We really shouldn t'have to become unemployment claim experts just to get our benefits, but here we are! Hang in there - sounds like persistence really does pay off eventually! 💪
I'm in the same boat as everyone here - filed in June and still nothing! Reading through all these comments has been both validating and overwhelming. It's incredible how we've all had to become unemployment experts just to navigate this broken system. I'm definitely going to try the Inspector General complaint that @Ethan Wilson mentioned, along with contacting my state rep and doing that early morning calling strategy. The fact that we have to pay services like Claimyr just to talk to someone is absolutely insane, but I might try that too if nothing else works. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and strategies - it helps knowing I'm not going crazy and that persistence really can pay off. This community support is honestly keeping me sane while dealing with this nightmare! 🙏
I went through this exact same situation about 6 weeks ago when my RA benefits expired. The whole "Expired" status thing is really scary when you first see it, but it's totally normal when you hit that 12-week limit. Just wanted to add that once your new application gets approved and you're on extended benefits, make sure to keep all your work search documentation organized because they do random audits more frequently during this phase. I got audited about 3 weeks into my extended benefits and had to provide detailed records of all my job applications. Also, don't panic if your first extended benefits payment is a few days later than usual - mine came on a Wednesday instead of the normal Tuesday, but all the back payments came through correctly. The restaurant industry has been tough lately, so hang in there!
This is really helpful to hear from someone who just went through this! I'm definitely going to keep my work search documentation super organized - sounds like the audits are pretty common during extended benefits. Good to know about the payment timing potentially being different too, so I won't panic if it doesn't come exactly when expected. The restaurant industry has been brutal this year, but hearing success stories like yours gives me hope that the system does work eventually, even if it's confusing at first. Thanks for sharing your experience!
I'm dealing with this exact situation right now too! My RA benefits just expired last week and I was completely lost trying to figure out where to apply for the extended benefits. Reading through everyone's responses here has been incredibly helpful - especially the tip about using a laptop instead of mobile to see all the menu options properly. I'm curious though, for those who have gone through the extended benefits process, is there anything different about the weekly claiming process once you're approved? Do you still just claim weeks the same way, or are there additional requirements during the extended benefits phase that I should be prepared for?
Hey Javier! I just went through this transition about a month ago, so I can share what I experienced. The weekly claiming process is pretty much exactly the same once you're approved for extended benefits - you still log in and claim your weeks the same way you did before. The main difference is that they seem to be more strict about the work search requirements. You still need to do 5 work searches per week and document them, but I noticed they ask more detailed questions during the claiming process about your job search activities. Also, like others mentioned, keep really good records because they do audit more frequently. Other than that, the claiming process feels identical to regular benefits. Just make sure to keep claiming every week even while your application is pending - they'll backpay you for approved weeks once it goes through. Good luck with your application!
Just wanted to add one more resource that might help with your situation - check if your county has a 211 helpline (dial 2-1-1). They can connect you with local resources for emergency rent assistance, utility help, and food assistance during your transition period. I used this when I was between jobs last year and they helped me find programs I never knew existed. Some counties even have specific "return to work" assistance programs that can help with things like work clothes, gas money for the first few weeks, or emergency childcare vouchers. The gap between unemployment ending and first paycheck is real and stressful - you're definitely not alone in dealing with this. Having multiple backup plans in place will give you peace of mind during the transition!
This is such great advice about 211! I had no idea this service existed. I'm definitely going to call them tomorrow to see what resources might be available in my area. The idea of "return to work" assistance programs is really encouraging - I never thought to look for programs specifically designed for people transitioning off unemployment. Thank you for sharing this information, it gives me hope that there might be more support available than I realized during this challenging transition period!
I went through almost the exact same situation last year! The key thing is being super precise with your reporting dates. You can absolutely continue claiming until July 10th (your start date), but make sure you report accepting the job offer on your very next certification. One thing that really helped me during that gap period was asking my new employer if they could do a payroll advance or if they had any employee assistance programs. Some companies will help bridge that gap, especially if you explain the childcare situation. It never hurts to ask! Also, regarding the childcare costs - have you looked into whether your new employer offers childcare benefits or partnerships with local daycares? Some companies have deals that can reduce costs significantly. And definitely apply for that School Readiness Program that Chloe mentioned - it was a lifesaver for my family. Hang in there, the transition is tough but you're asking all the right questions and planning ahead. That first "real" paycheck will feel amazing after everything you've been through!
This is such helpful advice about asking the employer for a payroll advance! I never thought about that possibility but it makes sense - worst they can say is no, right? I'm definitely going to have that conversation when I do my paperwork. And I'll ask about childcare benefits too. It's amazing how supportive everyone has been here with practical suggestions I wouldn't have thought of on my own. Really helps knowing others have successfully navigated this same transition. Thanks for the encouragement!
I'm in almost the same exact boat - my benefit year ends September 6th and I've got about 7 weeks of payments left in my balance. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful but also pretty discouraging to know that money just vanishes. One question I haven't seen addressed - has anyone successfully appealed or challenged this policy? It seems like there should be some way to collect benefits you've already been approved for, especially when you're still actively job searching and meeting all the requirements. Also, for those who've gone through filing a new claim after their BYE date - did you have to go through the whole waiting week process again? That would mean potentially 2-3 weeks without any income between when the old claim ends and the new one kicks in.
I haven't heard of anyone successfully appealing the benefit year end policy - it's pretty much set in stone in Florida statutes. As for the waiting week, yes, you typically have to serve another waiting week when you file a new claim, which means that gap you're worried about is real. Some people try to time their new application strategically, but DEO won't process it until after your current benefit year actually ends. The best advice I can give is to start putting aside whatever you can from your remaining payments to cover that transition period. It's tough but unfortunately that's how the system is designed.
I'm going through something similar and this thread has been incredibly informative. One thing I wanted to add that might help others - I just spoke with a DEO representative yesterday (finally got through after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned) and they confirmed a few key points: 1. You can file your new claim online the day after your benefit year ends (so September 5th in your case) 2. If you've worked any W-2 jobs during your benefit year, make sure you have those pay stubs ready - even part-time or temporary work counts toward qualifying wages 3. They're currently processing new claims within 2-3 weeks if there are no issues with your application The rep also mentioned that if you've been doing any 1099 work or gig economy jobs, those wages might not count toward your new claim qualification since they're considered self-employment income. Something to keep in mind when calculating whether you'll have enough qualifying wages. It's definitely frustrating to lose that remaining balance, but at least we know exactly what to expect and can plan accordingly. Good luck with your job search!
Natasha Orlova
I'm going through this exact same issue right now! Been stuck on that July 2025 employment question for over a week. It's so frustrating because like you said, how can anyone answer about employment status for a date that hasn't even happened yet? I've tried different browsers, clearing cache, logging out and back in - nothing works. Reading through all these responses is really helpful though. Sounds like @Freya Thomsen's "Request Staff Review" method might be the easiest to try first before paying for a service or spending hours calling. I'm going to try that approach today and see if they can override it on their end. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not going crazy and it really is a system error!
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Xan Dae
•Yes, definitely try the "Request Staff Review" method first! I'm new to dealing with DEO but from reading everyone's experiences here, it seems like the most straightforward approach before having to pay for services or spend forever trying to call. It's crazy that this July 2025 date bug is affecting so many people - you'd think they would have caught something this obvious before pushing the update live. Keep us posted on whether the staff review request works for you!
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Ella Cofer
I'm dealing with this exact same July 2025 employment question bug right now! It's so frustrating - the system literally won't let me proceed no matter what I select. I've been unemployed since February when my company downsized, but somehow DEO wants to know about my employment status 4 months in the future?? Based on all the responses here, it sounds like this is a widespread issue with the latest CONNECT update. I'm going to try @Freya Thomsen's "Request Staff Review" approach first since that seems like the least complicated option. If that doesn't work within 48 hours, I might have to bite the bullet and use one of those callback services like others mentioned. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - at least now I know I'm not losing my mind and this really is a system error that needs to be fixed on DEO's end!
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