CONNECT system keeps locking me out - any tricks to file DEO claim successfully?

there is NO secret lol.... the system is GARBAGE by design!! I had to wake up at 5am and try filing right when the system comes online. Even then it took me 3 mornings to finally get through without being kicked out. Their servers cant handle normal traffic. DEO doesnt care if we can file or not tbh

The CONNECT system is definitely frustrating, but there are a few things that might help: 1. Try using Chrome in incognito mode - this worked for me when regular browsers kept crashing 2. Don't use autofill for any fields 3. Complete each page fully before moving to the next one - don't go back and forth 4. If you have any special characters in your password, change it to something simpler temporarily 5. Make sure you're answering the work search questions consistently Keep in mind that CONNECT maintenance happens on weekends, so Thursday morning is usually the most stable time to apply in my experience.

My cousin had the same issue last month but she got through by using her phone instead of computer? something about the mobile version being more stable or something idk worth a try

If you're having trouble filing online and can't get through on the phone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr. It's a service that can connect you directly to a DEO agent, bypassing the busy signals and disconnects. I was in the same situation last month - couldn't file online and couldn't get through by phone for weeks. I was skeptical at first, but it actually worked and got me connected to a live person who helped me complete my claim over the phone. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Was definitely worth it for me since I was able to finally get my claim filed after weeks of frustration.

I used Claimyr back in January when my account got locked after an ID.me verification issue. It worked pretty well - got me through to someone in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for days on my own. The agent was able to fix my issues and I could complete my claim. Saved me a ton of headaches.

Another thing to check - make sure you're eligible before spending hours trying to file. Common mistakes that cause issues: 1. Not having enough base period wages in Florida 2. Being fired for misconduct rather than laid off 3. Not being able to document your legal work status 4. Not meeting the minimum earnings requirement ($4,875 in 2025) 5. Having an existing claim in another state The system sometimes locks people out when there are eligibility issues rather than explaining the problem clearly. What's your work situation that led to filing?

The CONNECT system is absolutely terrible. I had to apply 9 times before it worked. Keep trying different times of day and different devices. Eventually it will work. Just make sure you write down all your information so you can quickly fill it out each time without making mistakes.

Based on your situation (laid off after 3 years at the same employer), you should definitely be eligible. Since you've already tried the technical fixes like different browsers and devices, your best options are: 1. Try very early in the morning (5-6 AM) as suggested 2. Call as soon as they open at 7:30 AM 3. Use a service like Claimyr to connect with an agent 4. Visit a CareerSource Florida center in person for help Option 4 is often overlooked, but CareerSource centers have staff who can help with DEO applications. Here's a link to find your nearest center: https://www.careersourceflorida.com/career-centers/ For online filing, make sure you have all these documents ready to speed up the process: - Social Security number - Driver's license or state ID - Employment history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers) - The reason for job separation - Your bank account info for direct deposit

UPDATE: I finally got through! Used Chrome incognito mode at 5:30 AM, and it worked without any crashes. The whole process took about 45 minutes, and I got a confirmation number at the end. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions! For anyone else struggling, early morning really seems to be the key, along with using incognito mode and not using autofill.

Emails to employers can count as work search activities, but you need documentation. Each work search contact should include: 1. Date of contact 2. Method of contact (email, online application, in-person, etc.) 3. Company name, address, and phone number 4. Name of person contacted (if possible) 5. Type of work sought 6. Result of contact CareerSource workshops and job fairs also count toward your work search requirements. I recommend mixing different types of activities rather than just doing emails. And save everything - screenshots of applications, copies of emails, etc. DEO can request proof up to a year later.