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 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! 🤞

I'm so glad to see people sharing what actually works! I've been lurking here for weeks reading everyone's experiences while my own claim sits in adjudication hell. @c43714aed98c your update gives me hope - I'm going to try the "payment issues" route first thing tomorrow morning at 7:30am. @fa0691986852 thank you for that detailed script, I'm writing it down word for word. And @f52366f8c41d the advice about contacting state reps is something I hadn't considered. It's crazy that we have to become experts in gaming the system just to get basic help, but I really appreciate everyone sharing their hard-won knowledge. This community has been a lifesaver during this nightmare process!

This is exactly what I needed to see right now! I'm on week 6 of adjudication and was starting to lose hope. @c43714aed98c congratulations on getting through - the "payment issues" tip is genius and I'm definitely trying that tomorrow at 7:30am sharp. @fa0691986852 that script about escalating hardship is gold, thank you for sharing the specific language that works. @f52366f8c41d your legal perspective really helps explain why the system works the way it does, even if it's frustrating. I've been calling randomly throughout the day but clearly timing and word choice matter way more than I realized. Going to contact my state senator's office too based on @dd3d070ae4f8's success story. It's sad that we have to jump through all these hoops, but I'm grateful this community exists to share what actually works. Will report back after I try these strategies!