This thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with the exact same issue right now - completed ID.me verification 5 days ago and my CONNECT account is still locked. I've been panicking about missing my claim weeks but reading that you can still claim them once unlocked is such a relief. I'm going to try the email approach first thing tomorrow morning. Question for those who've been through this - when you finally got back in, did your payment schedule go back to normal or were there any delays with the actual payments hitting your account?

This is such a frustrating but unfortunately common issue right now. I went through something similar back in January - ID.me completed but CONNECT stayed locked for almost 2 weeks. What worked for me was a combination of the email approach (which Daniel outlined perfectly) AND calling right at 7:30am sharp. I know the phone method is hit or miss, but I found that Mondays and Tuesdays at opening time had slightly better connection rates than other days. Also, make sure you're clearing your browser cache before trying to log into CONNECT - sometimes the old session data can make it look like you're still locked even after they've unlocked it on their end. The whole system is definitely broken and needs a complete overhaul, but don't give up. You WILL get through this and you won't lose those benefit weeks once you're back in!

Pro tip: Next time you call, ask to speak with a tier 2 representative. They usually have more authority to make changes and give you real answers. Don't let them brush you off!

A new monetary determination after adjudication usually means they've made a decision on your case and are updating your benefit amount or eligibility. Since you mentioned it shows you're eligible for redetermination starting tomorrow with max benefits, this could actually be good news! It might mean they've resolved whatever issue was keeping you on hold. I'd definitely check your CONNECT account online for any status updates and try calling first thing tomorrow to confirm what this means for your payments. Keep that determination letter safe - you'll want it for reference when you call!

One last tip: If you get denied for backdating or can't get through on the phone after multiple attempts, consider reaching out to your state representative. Many of them have staff dedicated to helping constituents with DEO issues. Google "[your county] state representative" and look for their constituent services contact info. Their offices can often cut through bureaucracy faster than we can as individuals.

I went through something similar last year - the key is persistence and knowing exactly what to ask for. When you finally get through to DEO (try calling right at 7:30 AM when lines open), ask specifically for the "Request to Modify Claim Filing Date" form that Julian mentioned. Technical issues with CONNECT are absolutely valid grounds for backdating. A few things that helped me: 1) Keep detailed notes of every call attempt with date/time, 2) Save any screenshots or error messages you have from October/November, and 3) Be prepared to explain your timeline clearly - when you lost your job, when you first tried to file, what specific issues prevented you from completing it. Also, don't panic about the work search records for those back weeks. You can reconstruct activities you did during that time period - any job applications, networking, even informal inquiries count. The important thing is getting that backdate request submitted ASAP since there are time limits. Good luck!

UPDATE: Just wanted to check if you were able to resolve this? Did you end up getting through to someone at DEO or find the extension application?

So glad you got it resolved! That's exactly the kind of hidden system glitch that makes Florida's unemployment system so frustrating. It's ridiculous that a resolved issue from months ago can suddenly pop back up and block your benefits without any notification. Thanks for sharing the update - this will definitely help others who run into the same problem. The fact that DEO agents are aware this is "happening to a lot of people" but haven't fixed the underlying system issue is pretty telling about their priorities.

Just a heads-up that once they change your effective date, you may need to wait for another determination letter before you can claim weeks using the new date. This typically takes 3-5 business days after the change is processed. If you don't receive a new determination letter within a week after speaking with an agent, call back to check on the status of your request.

That's great news that you finally got through! For anyone else dealing with this issue, I wanted to add that you can also try the DEO's online chat feature during business hours. It's not always available but when it is, you can sometimes get help without waiting on hold. Look for the chat bubble icon on the DEO website. The chat agents can't make changes themselves but they can escalate your case or give you a direct callback number that bypasses the main phone queue.