Excellent news! Glad you got it resolved. This is unfortunately very common - the ID.me verification solves one security lock but not necessarily all of them. For future reference for anyone reading, there are actually three different types of security locks that can be placed on DEO accounts:\n\n1. Identity verification lock (solved by ID.me)\n2. Fraud prevention lock (requires agent intervention)\n3. Multiple login attempt lock (automatically clears after 24 hours unless escalated)\n\nSometimes you need all three addressed to fully regain access.

That's really helpful info! I wish DEO would explain this clearly on their website instead of making us figure it out through trial and error. Thanks again for your help!

Based on your situation, I'd recommend trying these three steps before proceeding with the attorney (this is what worked for me with a similar disqualification issue): 1. Submit a formal appeal through CONNECT even without a specific determination letter - this creates a paper trail 2. Contact the DEO Reemployment Assistance Service Center directly at 833-FL-APPLY (833-352-7759) and specifically ask for a "claim escalation" to a supervisor - use those exact words 3. Send a detailed email to DEO.Appeals@deo.myflorida.com with your claimant ID, full name, last 4 of SSN, and a clear timeline of the issue The appeals email actually got me a call back within 3 days, which was faster than anything else I tried.

PLEASE update us on if the lawyer actually works!!! I bet we're not the only ones having this issue and if attorneys are the only way to get DEO to do their jobs, a lot of us need to know!

UPDATE: Thanks for all the advice everyone! I tried the email approach that @profile4 suggested, documented EVERYTHING including screenshots of all my CONNECT errors, and followed up exactly 7 days later asking for a supervisor review. And guess what? IT WORKED! Just got notification that my claim effective date has been changed to 03/29! Now I need to go back and claim those additional weeks. For anyone dealing with this same issue, be super persistent and document EVERYTHING. I'll post again once I actually receive the backdated payments.

Just be careful when claiming those backdated weeks! Make sure you accurately report any income or job searches during that period. DEO is doing a lot of audits this year and if they find discrepancies, you could end up with an overpayment notice. I'd recommend keeping a spreadsheet of all weeks claimed, work searches reported, and payments received just to be safe.

did u try logging into CONNECT and checking ur payment history? sometimes it says more details there

Update us if you get this resolved! I'm currently waiting on my payment too (though mine still says processing) and now I'm worried I'll have the same problem.

THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO DENY YOU!!! don't expect any help from DEO. They terminated my PUA early claiming I didn't provide proper documentation when I DID and now I can't even get through to anyone. They owe me 3 weeks of payments I'll never see. Florida has THE WORST unemployment system in the entire country BY DESIGN.

Regarding work search requirements - if you do qualify for regular benefits, be prepared that Florida now requires 5 work search contacts per week (it was waived during much of the pandemic). You need to keep detailed records of where you applied, contact information, etc. The DEO can audit your work searches at any time. Also, you must use the Employ Florida website (employflorida.com) to register and create a profile within 7 days of filing your new claim. A lot of people miss this step and end up having their benefits held up.