CONNECT account locked - DEO not answering calls and no callback option today

DEO is the absolute WORST!!! I had the same exact issue last month. Their system is designed to frustrate people until they give up claiming benefits we deserve. For the lock date, just put the date you first noticed you couldn't log in. That's what I did and it worked. As for calling, good luck! I spent 3 weeks trying before I finally got through.

The account lock date question is one of DEO's tricks to confuse claimants. Put the date you discovered it was locked - that's all they need. For the unlock form, make sure you're using the one from the official DEO website (not a random Google search result). Regarding phone issues - I know this is frustrating but there's a service called Claimyr that can help you get through to a DEO agent without the endless waiting. I used it when my account was locked last month. They charge a fee but got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. You can check them out at claimyr.com or watch their demo at https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj to see how it works.

i got locked out 2x already this year lol. just put whatever date u think it happend doesnt matter much. they just need somthing to put in the system. btw if u have id.me issues thats different from regular account lock so make sure ur clear about which problem u have

For your account lock issue, there are three ways to handle this: 1. Complete the unlock request form with your best estimate of the lock date (the system doesn't actually verify this date, it's just for their tracking) 2. Email RA.BPC@deo.myflorida.com with subject line "URGENT: CONNECT Account Lock" and include your claimant ID, full name, last 4 of SSN, and request to unlock 3. Contact your state representative's office - they have direct lines to DEO specialists The most important thing is to make sure you still claim your weeks even while locked out. You can do this by phone using the automated system at 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759). Choose the option for claiming weeks, and follow the prompts. This ensures you don't miss deadlines while waiting for the account unlock process.

This happened to me last week! Isn't it crazy how they lock us out then make it impossible to get help? 🤦‍♀️ I just put the date I tried to log in and couldn't. Also sent like 5 emails to different DEO addresses I found online. Someone finally responded after 4 days. Good luck!

When I had this problem back in January, I found that calling exactly at 7:29am (not 7:30) sometimes lets you get in the queue before everyone else. Also, Tuesday and Wednesday seem to have slightly shorter wait times than Monday or Friday for some reason. Also, sometimes account locks happen because of password attempts or identity verification issues. Did you recently get any emails from DEO about verifying your identity? Sometimes they don't tell you directly that's why you're locked.

Just wanted to update everyone - I tried the Claimyr service that someone mentioned above and it actually worked! I was super skeptical about paying to reach a government agency I should be able to call for free, but after wasting 6+ hours on hold over 3 days, I decided to try it. The video demo shows exactly how it works. I got connected to a DEO agent in about 15 minutes. The agent unlocked my account on the spot, and I didn't have to fill out that confusing form after all. The agent said account locks are happening a lot due to their system updates and security changes. For anyone dealing with this same nightmare - save yourself the time and frustration. Either use the phone service or follow the email advice from earlier comments. Life's too short to spend it on hold with DEO!

To answer your question - the agent didn't give a specific timeframe for when the system updates would be complete. She just said they're "ongoing" and recommended changing your password immediately after getting back in, and also setting up 2-factor authentication if you haven't already. That supposedly reduces the chance of random security locks. Oh, and one more tip - when you do get back in, take screenshots of your claim information, payment history, and especially your next claiming date. That way if this happens again, you at least have the critical info saved somewhere.

I've been dealing with DEO for months and here's what I've learned - their phone system is absolutely broken by design. The trick that worked for me was calling the 1-833-FL-APPLY number and selecting the option for "technical issues with CONNECT" instead of the regular customer service line. It routes to a different department that seems to have shorter wait times. Also, if you're still stuck, try reaching out to your local state representative's office. They have constituent services that can contact DEO directly on your behalf. I got my account unlocked in 2 days after weeks of trying on my own. Most people don't know this is an option but it's free and actually works! Don't give up - you're entitled to these benefits and they can't just lock you out forever without helping you get back in.

Hey Alice, I'm dealing with the exact same nightmare right now! My account got locked yesterday and I've been going in circles trying to reach someone. Thanks to everyone who shared their tips - I had no idea about the phone claiming option or contacting state reps. One thing that might help while you're waiting: I found that the DEO website has a "Contact Us" form under the Help section that's separate from the account unlock form. I submitted it yesterday explaining my situation and got an automated response saying they'll get back to me within 3-5 business days. Not ideal timing but it's another avenue to try. Also, make sure you're checking your email (including spam folder) regularly. Sometimes they send unlock instructions or requests for additional info via email instead of showing anything in the system. Keep us posted on what works for you - this community is honestly more helpful than DEO customer service! 🤞

I'm so sorry you're going through this Alice! The DEO system is absolutely maddening and you're definitely not alone. I went through the same thing about 6 weeks ago and it took me almost 2 weeks to get resolved. A few things that might help based on my experience: 1. For the lock date on the form - just put your best guess, even if it's today's date when you first noticed. They really don't verify this against anything, it's just for their internal tracking. 2. Try calling the DEO Reemployment Assistance Customer Service line at (850) 245-7105 instead of the main number. It's their Tallahassee office direct line and sometimes has shorter wait times, especially mid-week around 2-3pm. 3. Document EVERYTHING - take screenshots of error messages, keep records of when you called, etc. If this drags on, you might need to file a complaint with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity's Inspector General. 4. Most importantly - don't let this stop you from claiming your weeks! You can claim by phone even with a locked account, and you can also request backdating later if you miss deadlines due to their technical issues. The whole system is designed to be frustrating, but hang in there. You WILL get this resolved! Keep us posted on what works for you.