mine got fixed when i went to my local careersource office in person they have ppl there who can call DEO direct

I had a very similar situation last year with the mixed W-2/1099 income issue. What helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet showing all my income by quarter during the base period, separating W-2 wages from 1099 earnings. When I uploaded this along with my tax documents, it made it much easier for DEO to see that I clearly met the minimum requirements. The key thing to remember is that 1099 income sometimes gets processed differently in their system, so having everything clearly documented speeds up the review process. Also, don't panic if your payments stop temporarily - mine were on hold for about 2 weeks while they sorted it out, but I got all the back pay once it was resolved.

I'm currently going through this exact same situation! Remote worker from Illinois for a Florida company, just filed with IL unemployment 2 weeks ago. This entire thread has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea interstate claims were this complicated and broken. After reading everyone's experiences, I'm realizing I need to be much more proactive. IL unemployment just told me to "wait for processing" but based on what everyone's shared here, that probably means nothing is actually happening behind the scenes. Starting tomorrow I'm going to: - Call FL DEO directly to see if they've received any wage verification request from Illinois - Contact my former employer's payroll department to make sure they're ready to respond quickly to any requests - Start that documentation spreadsheet that several people mentioned - Stop trusting the online portal and demand specifics when I call The most eye-opening thing from this thread is realizing that the states often aren't actually communicating even when they claim they are. It sounds like we basically have to manage the coordination ourselves, which is absolutely ridiculous for a government system. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories and advice! At least knowing that persistence eventually pays off (even if it takes 2-3 months) gives me hope. I'm bookmarking this thread to refer back to as I navigate this nightmare. For anyone just starting this process - definitely read through all these comments and be prepared to become your own case manager!

I'm dealing with this exact same interstate nightmare right now! Remote worker from Colorado for a Florida company, been waiting 8 weeks since filing with Colorado unemployment and getting absolutely nowhere. What's really helped me after reading through this entire thread: - Finally got through to FL DEO yesterday using that Claimyr service someone mentioned - turns out Colorado never actually sent any wage verification request despite telling me they did 6 weeks ago! - My former employer's payroll department had been waiting for verification requests that never came - Started calling both states daily with specific questions about case numbers and reference IDs like others suggested The breakthrough came when I got both states on a three-way call (took me 47 attempts to coordinate this) and we discovered the wage request was sitting in Colorado's "pending interstate queue" with no one assigned to process it. The agent was able to send it while we were all on the phone together. For anyone just starting this process - don't trust ANYTHING either state tells you about "processing" or "waiting for information." Demand specifics, get reference numbers, and verify everything with both states. The system is completely broken but persistence does eventually pay off. I should finally get my first payment next week after 8 weeks of hell, but at least I'll get all the backpay. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - this thread literally saved my sanity and gave me the roadmap to finally get results!

Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else in this situation - I was furloughed from my retail management job last year with a guaranteed return date 6 weeks out. I successfully got the work search exemption approved, but here's what I learned: make sure your employer's letter includes not just the return date but also confirms you're expected to return to the SAME position with the SAME hours/salary. DEO rejected my first request because the letter didn't specify I was returning to my exact same role. Once I got that clarification added, it was approved within a week. Also, keep checking your CONNECT dashboard daily - the approval notification is easy to miss and you want to know right away so you can stop doing work searches if you've been doing them as a backup plan.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago when my company had a temporary shutdown for equipment upgrades. Here's what worked for me: definitely go for the return-to-work exemption as others mentioned, but also have a backup plan. While waiting for approval, I started doing the work searches anyway just in case - better to be safe than get hit with an overpayment later. The key thing that helped me was getting my HR department to include very specific language in the letter about the temporary nature of the layoff and that I was "expected to return to active employment status" on the exact date. Also, screenshot everything when you submit the exemption request - I had to reference my submission details when I called to check on the status. The whole process took about 10 days for me, but having that documentation trail saved me from any issues. Good luck with your hotel management position!

Just wanted to add my experience as someone who went through benefit exhaustion recently. I exhausted my regular Florida benefits in December 2024 and have been navigating this exact situation. A few things I learned that might help: 1. Even after your benefits end, keep your CONNECT account active and check it regularly. I got a survey from DEO about potential new programs through my CONNECT inbox that I almost missed. 2. If you're worried about the income gap, look into temporary/gig work while waiting. I started doing some part-time warehouse temp work through staffing agencies - it's not ideal but it helps cover basic expenses and shows continued work search activity. 3. Contact your local American Job Center (part of CareerSource). They have resources beyond just job searching - some locations offer emergency assistance referrals and skills training programs that can help bridge the gap. The uncertainty is really stressful, but don't give up. Keep all your documentation organized and stay engaged with the process even after benefits end. Wishing you the best of luck with your job search!

I'm in a similar boat - laid off from my retail management job in January and getting close to exhausting my benefits. Reading through all these responses has been super helpful, especially about keeping the CONNECT account active and documenting everything. One thing I wanted to add that might help others: I called my local 211 service (just dial 2-1-1) and they connected me with several local organizations that help with utilities, rent assistance, and food while you're between jobs. Some of them don't even require you to be completely out of benefits yet - they help people who are about to lose income. Also, if anyone is in the Tampa Bay area, the Pinellas County Urban League has a program specifically for people transitioning off unemployment. They help with resume building, interview prep, and even have connections with employers who are willing to hire people coming off unemployment benefits. The whole system is definitely frustrating, but there are more resources out there than I initially realized. Hang in there everyone!

I went through something very similar last year - 10 weeks in adjudication hell. After reading all these responses, I wish I had known about some of these options back then! What finally worked for me was a combination approach: I called my state representative's office AND showed up at CareerSource on the same day. The rep's office made an inquiry, and CareerSource helped me document everything properly. Within 48 hours, my adjudication was complete and payments started flowing. A few additional tips from my experience: - When you visit CareerSource, bring printed copies of EVERYTHING (claim confirmation, correspondence, screenshots of your CONNECT account) - If you get through to DEO on the phone, immediately ask for the agent's name and employee ID number - write it down - Keep a detailed log of every call attempt, message sent, and person you speak with The system is absolutely broken, but persistence does pay off eventually. Don't give up - you WILL get through this! And definitely try that CareerSource visit - it seems to be one of the most effective options based on what everyone's sharing here.

Just wanted to add another resource that helped me - the Florida Senate Democratic Office has a constituent services team that specifically helps with state agency issues including DEO. You can reach them at 850-487-5229. They helped escalate my case when I was stuck for 8 weeks. Also, if you're really struggling financially while waiting, look into local food banks and utility assistance programs. United Way (dial 2-1-1) can connect you with emergency resources in your area. The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities also have programs to help with rent/utilities while you're waiting for benefits. I know it shouldn't take all these workarounds just to get unemployment benefits, but unfortunately that's the reality in Florida. Keep fighting - you deserve those benefits and you will eventually get them!