I went through this exact nightmare last year! The security questions issue is unfortunately becoming really common - I think there's definitely some kind of security vulnerability they're not being transparent about. Here's what finally worked for me: I went to the CareerSource office in Tampa with every piece of ID I could find (driver's license, passport, birth certificate, Social Security card, utility bill, and even my old W2s). The staff there couldn't directly reset my PIN, but they were able to create a priority case in the system and mark it as a potential fraud/identity theft issue. The key thing is to emphasize that this appears to be fraudulent account access - that gets it escalated much faster than just saying you "forgot" your security questions. I got a call back from a DEO supervisor within 3 business days, and they were able to verify my identity over the phone using information only I would know (like specific dates from my work history). I'd definitely recommend trying CareerSource first since it's free, but if you're running out of time for claiming weeks, the Claimyr route seems to work too based on what others are saying here. The important thing is getting to an actual human who can verify you're the real account holder. Good luck - don't give up! This system is broken but there are ways to get through it.

Just wanted to add another success story to give others hope! I had this exact same issue two weeks ago - someone had changed my security questions and email, completely locking me out of my CONNECT account. I was panicking because I had weeks to claim and couldn't get in. I tried the CareerSource route first like some people suggested here. Went to the one in Orlando with my driver's license, birth certificate, Social Security card, and a utility bill. The staff there was really helpful and explained that they're seeing this security breach issue constantly now. They couldn't reset my PIN directly but they filed what they called a "fraud escalation case" and said I should hear back within a week. Sure enough, I got a call from a DEO supervisor 4 days later! She was able to verify my identity using questions about my previous employers and claim dates. The whole phone call took maybe 20 minutes and she reset everything - PIN, security questions, and even helped me set up a new secure email for the account. For anyone dealing with this: definitely emphasize that it appears to be fraudulent account access when you contact them. That seems to get it prioritized much faster. And bring every piece of ID you have - the more documentation the better! The system is definitely broken that this is even happening in the first place, but there are ways to get it fixed if you persist. Don't give up!

BE CAREFUL SHARING YOUR INFORMATION PEOPLE! There are scams targeting unemployment claimants. Always verify you're speaking with actual DEO representatives. The official Florida DEO will never ask for your full social security number over the phone (only last 4 digits), and they will never ask for credit card numbers, gift cards, or payment information. If someone asks for unusual information or requests payment to process your claim, hang up immediately and report it to DEO's fraud department at 1-800-342-9909.

UPDATE: I called the number this morning and did get a callback about an hour later! The rep helped me figure out my adjudication issue was because of a discrepancy with my employment dates. He couldn't fix it fully but did file a request to expedite my review. THANK YOU FOR SHARING THIS NUMBER!!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - 5+ months is absolutely unacceptable! I went through something similar earlier this year and it's incredibly stressful. Here are a few things that helped me finally get movement on my case: 1. Try the "callback" feature on the DEO website if it's available - sometimes it's faster than calling directly 2. Email your claim details to your county's unemployment office (some have dedicated email addresses for pending cases) 3. Consider reaching out to Florida's unemployment advocacy groups - they sometimes have direct contacts within DEO 4. Keep a detailed log of every attempt you make to contact them - dates, times, reference numbers, etc. This documentation can be crucial if you need to escalate The system is definitely broken and it's not your fault. Keep pushing and trying different approaches - persistence really does pay off eventually. You've got this! 💪

I'm dealing with a similar nightmare - been waiting 4 months myself and it's beyond frustrating. One thing that finally helped me get some movement was filing a complaint through the Florida Attorney General's office consumer complaint portal. They actually have a category specifically for DEO issues and they seem to have some pull in getting cases reviewed. Also, if you haven't already, try logging into your CONNECT account at different times of day - sometimes the system glitches and won't show updates during peak hours. I know it sounds crazy but I literally refreshed my account at 2 AM one night and suddenly there was a message that had been sitting there for weeks! The whole system is a joke but don't lose hope - keep fighting for what's rightfully yours! 🙏

I had a similar employment separation issue back in February and it took about 19 days total to resolve. Once it moved to adjudication, I got paid within 3 days. Hang in there!

I went through this exact same situation back in June! My claim was stuck on pending for employment separation for almost 3 weeks. What really helped me was documenting everything - I took screenshots of my CONNECT account showing the pending issue, saved all my correspondence, and kept a log of when I claimed my weeks. When I finally got through to speak with someone (took multiple attempts calling right at 7:30am), the agent was able to see that my former employer had actually responded but there was a glitch in the system that wasn't updating my claim status. She manually pushed it through and I got paid within 2 days after that call. My advice: keep claiming your weeks religiously, take screenshots of everything for your records, and if it hits the 3-week mark with no movement, definitely try calling or use one of those callback services. The waiting is nerve-wracking but most employment separation issues do get resolved eventually!

Oof, changing anything with unemployment is such a pain. I feel for you, OP. Just remember to breathe and try not to lose your cool when dealing with them. It's frustrating but getting angry usually just makes things worse. You got this! 💪

Hey Evelyn! I went through this exact same thing about 6 months ago. Here's what worked for me: I called first thing in the morning (like 8 AM sharp) when they opened - way shorter wait times. Had all my paperwork ready including my termination letter and the reason I needed to change the date. The rep was actually super helpful once I got through. One thing I wish I'd known - if your original claim date was too early and you need to move it later, that's usually easier than trying to move it earlier (which can get tricky with overpayment issues). Also, definitely ask them to email you a confirmation of the change. Saved my butt when there was confusion later. The whole process took about 10 days for me to see the change reflected in my account. Just stay patient and persistent. You've got this! 🤞