DEO CONNECT backdate request - can I call to backdate my claim to when I actually lost my job?

Yep this happened to me too!!! The CONNECT system is a JOKE. I kept getting kicked out during the ID.me verification process and lost almost a month of benefits. I called like 50 times and could never get through to an actual person. Just automated garbage that disconnects you.

Yes, you can definitely request backdating, but calling rarely works because you'll never get through. The correct process is to submit a backdate request through CONNECT: 1. Log into your CONNECT account 2. Go to "Determination, Pending Issues and Decision Summary" 3. Click on "Request to Modify Claim Date" 4. Complete the form with your requested date and reason (technical issues) You can also email DEO.BPC@deo.myflorida.com with your claimant ID, last 4 of SSN, and explanation. Include "BACKDATE REQUEST" in the subject line. Make sure to mention the specific technical errors you encountered as evidence.

good luck getting any1 on the phone at DEO lol

I was in a similar situation in January and couldn't file until nearly a month after I lost my job. Called over 30 times, kept getting disconnected or waiting on hold forever. Finally I found this service called Claimyr that actually got me through to a real DEO agent in less than an hour. They have a system that basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then they call you when there's an agent on the line. Saved me from losing 4 weeks of benefits. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj The agent was able to backdate my claim right away once I explained the technical issues I had. Just make sure you have specific dates when you tried to apply and what errors you got.

Make sure you document everything when attempting to get your claim backdated. Florida DEO has become increasingly strict about backdating since the pandemic. They now require what they call "good cause" for any backdate requests. Technical issues do qualify as good cause, but you need evidence. When you submit your request: 1. Include specific dates and times you attempted to apply 2. Describe the exact error messages you received 3. Provide any screenshots of errors if you have them 4. Reference any emails you sent to DEO during this time 5. Note any previous call attempts with dates and times Also, be aware that Florida's current rules only allow backdating for a maximum of 6 weeks (used to be longer during COVID). Since you're only asking for 3+ weeks, you should be fine if you provide sufficient documentation.

deo connect always gives me errors too when i try to claim weeks. sometimes i have to try like 20 times just to get in. their system is garbage!!!! good luck

To answer your follow-up question: Always start with the CONNECT request form first. It's the official channel and gets routed directly to claims processing. The email is more of a backup method. In my experience helping claimants, CONNECT requests typically get processed within 7-10 business days, while emails can take 2-3 weeks or longer. That said, I recommend doing both - submit through CONNECT, then wait 3 days and send the email as a follow-up. One more tip: after submitting your backdate request, check your Determination History tab daily. When they process your request, a determination notice will appear there before anything else updates in the system. If they approve it, you'll then need to log in and claim those backdated weeks within 14 days of approval.

i had this exact problem with backdating last year but it was for my PUA claim when i got laid off not regular unemployment but anyways the agent told me they can only backdate if you can prove you couldnt access the system. did you take any screenshots of the errors? thats what i did and it worked

UPDATE: Thank you all for the advice! I submitted a backdate request through CONNECT yesterday and also sent an email with my screenshots to the DEO.BPC email address. This morning I checked my Determination History tab as suggested and there's already a notice saying my backdate request was APPROVED! Now I just need to figure out how to claim those backdated weeks.