CONNECT account still locked after multiple ID.me verifications - need backdating help desperately

The same thing happened to me in February! I did the ID.me 3 times and was still locked out. What finally worked was emailing DEO directly with "URGENT - ACCOUNT LOCK AFTER ID.ME VERIFICATION" in the subject line. Send it to DEO.Feedback@deo.myflorida.com and include your claimant ID, full name, phone number, and the last 4 of your SSN. Explain that you've completed ID.me multiple times but remain locked out. For backdating, once you get in, look for the "Request to Modify Claim Date" link under the Determination section. They'll make you provide proof of your previous attempts to file, so save any screenshots/emails from when you tried earlier. They've gotten strict about backdating requests lately.

id me is the WORST!!! did it 5 times myself last yr. try calling right when they open at 7:30am thats the only time i ever got thru

The ID.me verification issues are unfortunately very common with the CONNECT system. What's happening is that while ID.me is confirming your identity successfully, there's a disconnect in how that information transfers to your CONNECT account. Here's what worked for me and several others I've helped through this process: 1. Contact your state representative's office (find yours at myfloridahouse.gov). Their constituent services can often expedite DEO issues. 2. If you need immediate help reaching DEO by phone, I had success using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They basically hold your place in the phone queue and call you back when they have a DEO agent on the line. Saved me days of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj 3. For the backdating issue - once your account is unlocked, you'll need to submit a "Request to Modify Claim Date" form. Be prepared to provide documentation showing why you couldn't apply earlier. They'll only backdate if you can prove you had system issues or other qualifying reasons for the delay. Don't give up - persistence is unfortunately necessary with the DEO system!

my sister had this exact problem in january!!! she kept doing id.me over and over with no luck. turns out she had 2 connect accounts somehow and they were conflicting. call and specifically ask if you might have duplicate accounts.

The DEO system is COMPLETELY broken. I was locked out for 6 WEEKS despite doing ID.me verification multiple times. This is BY DESIGN - they make it impossible to claim benefits so they can report lower unemployment numbers. I had to get my state senator involved before anyone would help me. The whole system is corrupt and they don't care about people actually getting the benefits they're entitled to.

try using a different browser for id.me sometimes chrome causes problems i had 2 use edge

Regarding your backdating request - I work with unemployment claims professionally, and I want to make sure you understand the current rules: 1. For 2025 claims, DEO requires documented proof of why you couldn't file when you initially lost your job. Technical issues with CONNECT need to be documented with screenshots, emails, or call records. 2. The backdating form requires specific information about each week you're requesting to backdate, including work search activities for each of those weeks. 3. The maximum backdating period is typically 4 weeks unless you can prove technical issues prevented filing (which sounds like your situation). 4. Backdating requests are being heavily scrutinized right now after several audit findings, so documentation is essential. My advice: Once you get your account unlocked, immediately file your current claim before attempting the backdating request. Getting some benefits flowing is better than further delays trying to fix everything at once. Then gather all documentation for your backdating request before submitting it.

Quick update for you - I just helped my brother-in-law with almost this exact situation last week. The email method I mentioned earlier didn't work for him, but he used Claimyr (the service someone mentioned above) and got through to DEO in about 25 minutes. The agent was able to manually unlock his account while on the phone. Apparently, there's a specific note they need to add to your account after ID.me verification that often doesn't happen automatically. Just thought I'd share since it worked so recently!

make sure ur using the same email for id.me and connect. i had diff emails and that caused problems

I went through this exact nightmare last month! The ID.me loop is incredibly frustrating. Here's what finally worked for me: 1. Document EVERYTHING - take screenshots of every successful ID.me completion, save confirmation emails, and keep a log of all your call attempts with times/dates. This will be crucial for your backdating request. 2. Try the "nuclear option" - clear ALL cookies and browser data, then try ID.me in an incognito/private window. Sometimes cached data interferes with the verification process. 3. If you have a local DEO office, try going in person. I know it sounds old school, but sometimes a face-to-face conversation can cut through the digital mess. 4. For backdating once you're in: You'll need to prove you made "good faith efforts" to file during the weeks you're requesting. Your ID.me screenshots and call logs will be your best evidence. The system is absolutely broken, but don't give up! I was in the same boat for 5 weeks and finally got it resolved. You've got some great advice in this thread - especially the Claimyr service and contacting your state rep. Hang in there!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Been stuck in the ID.me verification loop for 2 weeks and it's absolutely maddening. What's really frustrating is that I can see my ID.me account shows "verified" but CONNECT still won't let me in. One thing I discovered that might help - when you call the DEO number, try pressing 0 immediately when the automated system starts instead of going through all the menu options. Sometimes it bypasses the busy circuits and gets you to a different queue. I managed to get through once using this method, though the agent couldn't help with my specific issue. Also, has anyone tried filing a complaint with the Florida Ombudsman? I'm considering that route if the email and Claimyr suggestions don't work out. The whole system feels designed to exhaust people into giving up, but we can't let that happen when we're entitled to these benefits. Thanks for posting this - it's oddly comforting to know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare!

I've been following this thread closely because I'm in almost the exact same situation - multiple ID.me verifications but still locked out of CONNECT. Reading everyone's experiences has been both frustrating (knowing how widespread this is) and helpful (so many good suggestions!). One thing I wanted to add that I discovered through my own research: if you're on social media, try reaching out to @FLDEO on Twitter/X. I've seen several people report that they got faster responses through their social media team than through traditional channels. Post your issue publicly with your claimant ID and ask for help - sometimes the public visibility motivates faster action. Also, for anyone dealing with this, make sure you're checking your spam folder regularly. I almost missed a critical email from DEO because it went to spam, and it contained instructions for completing my account unlock that I never would have seen otherwise. The persistence everyone is showing here is inspiring - this system is clearly broken but we can't let that stop us from getting the benefits we're entitled to. Keep fighting and sharing information like this!