DEO backdating nightmare - trying to change effective date from 05/17 to 03/29 with no success
Totally stressed out about my claim effective date issue with DEO! I got laid off on 03/29 but due to CONNECT system errors and identity verification problems, I couldn't submit my claim until 05/17. Now the system shows 05/17 as my effective date, meaning I'm losing over 6 WEEKS of benefits I should be entitled to! I've called DEO literally every week (sometimes twice) since filing to request backdating to 03/29. Each time they tell me they'll "submit a request" and I need to wait. I've filled out those stupid backdating forms THREE TIMES now when they claim they never received the previous ones. The last agent had me email forms to some special backdating email address but still nothing. It's been over a month of calling and I'm still showing the wrong effective date. This is over $2,500 in benefits I'm potentially missing! Has anyone successfully gotten their effective date changed? What's the secret trick to actually make DEO process these requests?? I'm desperate here!
18 comments
Zoe Kyriakidou
I successfully had my claim backdated last year, but it definitely wasn't easy. Here's what worked for me: 1. You need to specifically request a "Backdate Request Form" - if they're having you fill out general forms, you might be completing the wrong paperwork. 2. When you submit the form, make sure you're including documentation that proves why you couldn't file earlier (screenshots of CONNECT errors, ID.me verification emails showing delays, etc.) 3. Most importantly, you need to cite the specific DEO rule about backdating eligibility - Section 443.036(9), Florida Statutes allows backdating for good cause, which includes system issues. 4. After submitting the form, wait exactly 7 days, then call again and ask for a "status check on backdating request" - this specific phrase seemed to get better results. The whole process took about 3 weeks for me, so hang in there! I know it's frustrating.
0 coins
AstroAce
•Thank you so much for the detailed advice! I never heard about citing that specific statute before. Do you remember which email address you sent your forms to? I sent mine to BACKDATING@deo.myflorida.com but now I'm wondering if that's even correct. Did you have to call multiple times after the 7-day wait?
0 coins
Jamal Brown
they NEVER backdate claims anymore!!! been trying since january and nothings happened. wasted hours on hold just to get hung up on. DEO is a JOKE
0 coins
Mei Zhang
•This isn't accurate. The DEO absolutely still processes backdating requests, but they're very strict about documentation requirements now. Many requests get denied because claimants don't provide sufficient evidence of why they couldn't file earlier. The system definitely has issues, but spreading misinformation doesn't help anyone trying to navigate it.
0 coins
Liam McConnell
I had the exact same problem last month! Same timeframe too - couldn't file until way after my last day of work. What worked for me was using Claimyr to actually get through to a real person at DEO who could help. I spent weeks trying to call on my own and either got disconnected or waited hours only to talk to someone who couldn't help. With Claimyr (claimyr.com), I got through to an agent in about 20 minutes who actually knew how to handle backdating requests. The agent was able to submit my request while I was on the phone and confirmed it was in the system. My effective date was changed within 10 days after that call. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj Definitely worth it for potentially getting thousands in backdated benefits. Good luck!
0 coins
Amara Oluwaseyi
•does this actually work? seems like a scam to me. DEO phone system is broken on purpose so we give up
0 coins
Mei Zhang
The backdating process has become much more formalized since 2025 began. Here's what you need to know: 1. DEO now requires all backdating requests to go through their Backdate Request Portal, not just by calling or emailing forms. Log into CONNECT, go to "Determination Issues" and select "Request Claim Effective Date Change" 2. You'll need to provide specific documentation for the period between your last day of work (3/29) and filing date (5/17), including: - Screenshots of any CONNECT errors you encountered - Email confirmations from ID.me showing verification delays - Any correspondence with DEO during that period 3. The most common reason backdating requests get denied is insufficient documentation of "good cause" for late filing 4. The current processing time for backdating requests is 4-6 weeks Also, very important: continue to claim your weeks while waiting for the backdating decision. If your effective date is changed, you'll be prompted to claim the additional weeks after the change is processed.
0 coins
AstroAce
•Wait, there's a specific portal for this now?? None of the agents I spoke with mentioned a backdating portal! I've been on CONNECT constantly and never saw this option under Determination Issues. Is it hidden somewhere? Going to log in right now and look again.
0 coins
CosmicCaptain
my cousin works at deo and says they deny most backdating requests automatically now. budget cuts or something. good luck tho
0 coins
Mei Zhang
•This is incorrect. While the DEO has become stricter about documentation requirements, they do not automatically deny backdating requests. Each request is reviewed individually based on the evidence provided and the reason for delayed filing. Budget considerations have no impact on individual eligibility determinations - these are governed by state law.
0 coins
Giovanni Rossi
I just went through this EXACT situation and got my claim backdated successfully! Here's what worked for me: 1. I stopped just calling randomly and instead sent a formal email to UCMonitoring@deo.myflorida.com with subject line "URGENT: Backdating Request - [Claimant ID]" 2. In the email I included: - Full name, claimant ID, last 4 of SSN - Current effective date vs. requested effective date - SPECIFIC reason for filing delay (in my case, ID.me verification issues) - Screenshots showing my attempts to file earlier - Links to any relevant error messages 3. I also cited Florida Administrative Code 73B-11.013 which covers backdating for good cause 4. Most importantly - I followed up exactly 7 business days later with a phone call, asking specifically for a "Supervisor review of backdating request" My effective date was changed within 2 weeks of this approach. The key is being super organized with your documentation and being persistent but professional. Hope this helps!
0 coins
AstroAce
•Thank you!!! This is incredibly helpful. I just drafted an email following your template exactly. Did you attach the backdating form to your email or just include all the information in the body? And did you have to call multiple times after the 7-day follow-up?
0 coins
Amara Oluwaseyi
lol good luck. they owe me 8 weeks from december still. system is rigged
0 coins
Zoe Kyriakidou
•Have you formally appealed the decision on your claim? If DEO denied your backdating request, you have 20 days to file an appeal. Many people miss this deadline and lose their chance at those additional weeks. It's a separate process from requesting the backdating initially.
0 coins
AstroAce
UPDATE: Thanks for all the advice everyone! I tried the email approach that @profile4 suggested, documented EVERYTHING including screenshots of all my CONNECT errors, and followed up exactly 7 days later asking for a supervisor review. And guess what? IT WORKED! Just got notification that my claim effective date has been changed to 03/29! Now I need to go back and claim those additional weeks. For anyone dealing with this same issue, be super persistent and document EVERYTHING. I'll post again once I actually receive the backdated payments.
0 coins
CosmicCaptain
•congrats! how long did the whole process take from when u sent that email?
0 coins
Liam McConnell
Just be careful when claiming those backdated weeks! Make sure you accurately report any income or job searches during that period. DEO is doing a lot of audits this year and if they find discrepancies, you could end up with an overpayment notice. I'd recommend keeping a spreadsheet of all weeks claimed, work searches reported, and payments received just to be safe.
0 coins
AstroAce
•That's great advice, thank you! I've been keeping records of all my work searches anyway, but I'll make sure to be extra careful with the backdated weeks. Last thing I need is an overpayment issue after finally getting this resolved!
0 coins