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BTW dont forget to keep doing your work searches every week even while ur in adjudication!! I messed up and missed submitting them for 2 weeks during my wait time and almost lost benefits for those weeks. DEO is super strict about this.
I'm in a similar situation - been waiting 5 weeks in adjudication and really starting to panic about rent. One thing that helped me was contacting my utility companies (electric, water, etc.) to explain the situation and ask for payment extensions. Most have hardship programs that can give you 30-60 days extra time to pay bills, which frees up what little money you have for rent. Also check if your county has a "one-time emergency assistance" program - mine had a fund specifically for people waiting on unemployment that could cover up to $1000 in rent. You usually can only use it once but it might buy you the time you need for DEO to get their act together.
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through using any of these methods? I'm curious which one worked for you.
YES! Success! The CareerSource office was the winner. I called them this morning, explained my situation, and they were able to see that there was an issue with my wage transcript from my previous employer in Tennessee. The CareerSource rep called someone at DEO directly and got it resolved! My status changed from pending to eligible this afternoon. I'm so relieved and grateful for everyone's suggestions here!
That's fantastic news! I'm so happy the CareerSource route worked for you. It's amazing how they were able to identify the specific issue with your Tennessee wage transcript and get it resolved so quickly. This is exactly the kind of success story that gives hope to others struggling with the same system. Thanks for following up to let everyone know what worked - I'm sure future people finding this thread will really appreciate knowing that CareerSource can be the key to breaking through DEO's phone wall!
Just checking back - were you able to get this resolved? I'm still dealing with DEO account issues and wondering if you found a solution that worked.
Yes! Finally got it fixed yesterday. Ended up using Claimyr to reach an agent (worth every penny) and they were able to unlink our accounts. The agent explained they're seeing hundreds of these cases daily. For anyone else with this issue - they need to do what they call an "identity separation" in their system which can only be done by tier 2 support staff. Make sure you ask to be transferred to that department specifically!
I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My account got locked after the new email requirement and I've been trying to get through to someone for days. This is so stressful when you're counting on that final payment. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - it's really helpful to know I'm not alone in this. Going to try the CareerSource office visit approach first since that seems most reliable, and if that doesn't work I'll look into the Claimyr service. Has anyone had success with the tier 2 support transfer that Isabella mentioned? Wondering if I should specifically ask for that when I do get through to someone.
Have you received a hearing date yet? If not, you still have time to submit additional evidence. I recommend sending a more detailed letter from your doctor using the Appeals Document Upload feature in CONNECT. The letter should specifically state: 1) Your condition was directly worsened by specific workplace conditions, 2) Immediate cessation of work was medically necessary, and 3) Why reasonable accommodations would not have been sufficient. Include medical records showing your condition worsened while employed there. This approach has helped several clients I've worked with, and occasionally results in a favorable decision without a hearing, though that's uncommon.
I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now - had to quit my retail job due to panic attacks that were triggered by the crowded, high-stress environment. My psychiatrist told me the workplace was exacerbating my anxiety disorder and I needed to leave immediately for my mental health. Of course, DEO denied me for the same "failed to make reasonable efforts" reasoning. Reading through these comments is really helpful - it sounds like the hearing process isn't as intimidating as I thought it would be. @Isabella Oliveira, I'd definitely recommend getting that more detailed letter from your neurologist like others have suggested. The fact that your doctor specifically told you to leave immediately seems to be a key factor in winning these cases. Good luck with your appeal!
Connor Murphy
UPDATE: I just got off the phone with a DEO agent (finally!) after using that Claimyr service someone mentioned. The agent confirmed I'll keep getting the federal payments as long as I keep claiming weeks properly. She also said my appeal is estimated to be scheduled in about 5 weeks. She recommended I upload any evidence of my job searches to my CONNECT account ASAP, even if the documentation isn't perfect. Just wanted to share this info in case anyone else is in the same boat!
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Oliver Schulz
•That's great news! Did they tell you that you can also request an expedited appeal if you're facing financial hardship? If you're at risk of eviction, utility disconnection, etc., you can submit documentation of that and potentially get your hearing scheduled faster.
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Connor Murphy
•No, they didn't mention that! Thank you so much - I'm definitely facing hardship and will ask about expediting my appeal.
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Aisha Mahmood
I went through the exact same situation 3 months ago! Got disqualified for work search requirements that I honestly didn't fully understand either. Here's what I learned: 1) YES keep claiming your weeks during the appeal or you'll lose them forever, 2) Document EVERYTHING going forward - save confirmation emails, write down who you talked to, keep application receipts, 3) The federal payments will continue as long as you're claiming weeks properly, and 4) Use your appeal hearing to explain that you were genuinely searching for work but didn't understand the documentation requirements. I won my appeal by showing I had been applying to jobs consistently, just hadn't tracked it the way DEO wanted. Stay strong - the system is confusing but you can get through this!
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