Good news: just saw you found out it's in adjudication for separation verification. That's actually fixable! Call the employer verification department directly at 877-846-8770 instead of the main DEO line. They're typically less busy. Tell them you need to verify if your former employer has responded to the separation verification request. Sometimes employers don't respond, which causes delays. If it's been over 10 days since they contacted your employer, ask for them to escalate it for non-response.

I went through something very similar last year and know how hopeless it feels. A few additional tips that helped me: 1) Document EVERYTHING - screenshot your claim status daily, keep records of all calls/times you tried calling. This helped when I finally got through. 2) If you're on Facebook, join the "Florida Unemployment Help" group - they post daily updates about which DEO numbers are working and share real-time tips. 3) For immediate food help, check if your area has a Feeding Tampa Bay or similar food bank - they often have emergency boxes available same-day. 4) Contact your local 211 office AND your county's emergency services department - many counties have rapid response funds for people facing eviction. Don't give up - I know it's torture but your benefits ARE coming. The system is broken but you will get through this.

Great news! This is exactly why persistence matters with DEO. So many claims get stuck on simple issues that could be fixed in minutes if you can just reach the right person. Make sure you check your CONNECT inbox daily for the next week in case they need any additional info.

Wow, reading through everyone's experiences here really shows how broken the DEO system is. I'm dealing with something similar - been trying to reach someone about my claim status for over a week now. The automated system keeps hanging up on me after I make my selections, and when I do get through, I get transferred to departments that can't access my account. It's like they designed this system to make us give up. Thanks for sharing all these tips about timing, menu options, and alternative approaches. Going to try the 7:30am call with the 5-2 option sequence tomorrow. Really appreciate this community helping each other navigate this mess!

One more important tip! When submitting your appeal, don't just use the online form - also fax a copy of your appeal letter and evidence to 850-617-6504. I found out they sometimes "lose" online appeals but having a fax creates a paper trail they can't ignore. Get a fax confirmation and keep it as proof of submission.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - they're questioning my availability because I mentioned I volunteer at my church on Sunday mornings. It's incredible how they twist normal life responsibilities into "unavailability for work." One thing I learned from my case worker is that you should frame everything in terms of flexibility. Instead of saying "I can't work Tuesdays" say "I currently have family commitments on Tuesdays but would immediately rearrange these if offered employment." The key is showing you're willing to prioritize work over other obligations. Also, start documenting your job search activities extra thoroughly now. Screenshot every application, save every email response, keep a detailed log with dates and times. This will strengthen your appeal case by proving you're genuinely seeking work despite having one day of family responsibilities. Good luck with your appeal - don't let them intimidate you!

@OP - were you able to get through to DEO yet? Any updates on your situation?

Let us know if you finally get paid!! fingers crossed for you!!

Thank you all for the advice! I passed everything along to my sister. She's applying today and her boss already wrote her a letter confirming the restaurant was destroyed by Milton. Fingers crossed she gets approved without all the problems some of you mentioned. I'll update once she hears anything.

Good luck to your sister! Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me - if she gets stuck in the system or has issues with her application, try calling the DEO customer service line first thing in the morning (like 7:30-8:00 AM) when they open. The wait times are usually shorter then. Also, keep detailed records of every call she makes, including date, time, and who she spoke with if she gets through. This documentation can be really helpful if there are any delays or denials later on. The restaurant being completely destroyed should definitely qualify her for DUA. Hope everything works out smoothly for her!