Account locked for 3 months after ID verification - DEO keeps hanging up on me!

same here!! my account locked for 10 weeks, sent id stuff twice already. this system is a joke

The ID.me verification backlog is insane right now. I waited 9 weeks before my account was unlocked. Have you tried sending an email to DEO.Verifications@deo.myflorida.com with your claimant ID in the subject line? That's what finally got mine moving.

I know EXACTLY how u feel!!! DEO is literally the WORST agency in Florida!! I was locked out for 14 weeks and nobody would help me. Every time I called it was busy signals or just disconnects. My advice? Send emails EVERY SINGLE DAY and also contact your state rep's office. Thats what finally worked 4 me.

I'm really sorry you're going through this. The ID verification process is supposed to take 2-3 weeks maximum according to DEO guidelines, but with the new system updates they rolled out in May 2025, everything is taking longer. One option that worked for me when I couldn't get through on the phone was using Claimyr. It's a service that basically calls DEO for you and connects you when they get through. I was skeptical but after 6 weeks of not being able to reach anyone, I tried it and got through to an agent in about 25 minutes. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj that shows how it works. The agent I spoke with was able to manually verify my identity and unlock my account while I was on the phone.

My brothers cousins wife works for DEO and she says they're so understaffed right now that ID verification is taking forever. But she also said that if you submitted more than 60 days ago you should call and specifically ask for a supervisor because they can manually override the system.

Here's what you need to do to resolve this properly: 1. Email DEO.Verifications@deo.myflorida.com AND IdentityVerification@deo.myflorida.com with your claimant ID in the subject line and attach your ID documents again 2. In the email, specifically state the date you first submitted verification and request immediate review due to financial hardship 3. If your account has been locked for more than 8 weeks, you qualify for expedited processing - make sure to mention this 4. Contact your local CareerSource office as they can sometimes help escalate verification issues through their DEO liaison 5. Document every contact attempt with date and time For the eviction concern - Florida has emergency rental assistance programs through OUR Florida that might help while you wait for unemployment to be resolved. Don't wait until you're evicted to apply for this assistance.

Has anybody else noticed that ever since they "upgraded" the CONNECT system this year EVERYTHING takes 10x longer?? My neighbor got her benefits in like 2 weeks last year but now everyones waiting MONTHS?? DEO is such a joke I swear they make it hard on purpose so people just give up!!!

I work with a nonprofit that assists people with DEO issues, and unfortunately, the ID verification backlog is significant right now. However, there are some steps you can take: 1. The official verification timeline is currently 10-12 weeks due to the system upgrade, though they won't admit this publicly 2. The most effective method to resolve verification issues is through a three-pronged approach: email the verification department, contact your state representative, AND reach a live agent 3. For the phone issues - try calling at exactly 7:29am (one minute before they open) and use option 5, then 7, then 4 in the menu system to reach the ID verification team directly 4. If you're facing eviction, request a hardship escalation (specifically use those words) when you do reach someone I'd be happy to provide more specific guidance if needed.

Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get through to anyone? The early morning call trick sometimes works, but honestly, Claimyr is what I had to use after trying for weeks. The website is claimyr.com if you decide to try it. Hope you got some resolution!

UPDATE: I finally got through to someone at DEO! Used Claimyr this morning and was connected to an agent within 20 minutes. The agent confirmed they received my identity documents but said they were "pending review" in the verification queue. She submitted an escalation request due to the length of time and my hardship situation. She said I should see movement on my account within 3-5 business days. Will update again once I know more. Thank you all for the helpful advice!