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Dominique Adams

DEO keeps disconnecting my calls and locked my account after ID.me verification

Is anyone else getting automatically disconnected when trying to call DEO right now? I've tried every number I can find (1-800-204-2418, 888-993-9713, 833-352-7759) and each time the call drops in the middle of their automated message! It's driving me INSANE. I submitted all my documents through their portal AND completed ID.me verification like they asked. Instead of fixing things, they've LOCKED my account (which was already pending for weeks) and sent a message saying the info I provided is "insufficient" without explaining what's missing. The documents I sent are EXACTLY what they requested in the first place! I'm at my wit's end trying to get through to a real person. Does anyone know if there's an actual working number to call DEO these days? Or some magic trick to get them to answer? My rent is due next week and I'm getting desperate.

Marilyn Dixon

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same thing happened 2 me last month!! the phone system is broken i swear. i tried calling like 20+ times and got disconnected EVERY time. so frustrating!!!!

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How did you eventually get through? I'm on attempt #11 today and ready to throw my phone...

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The DEO phone system is incredibly overwhelmed right now. When they say your information is "insufficient," it usually means one of three things: 1. Your identity verification documents don't match your application information exactly (even minor differences can trigger this) 2. You need to provide additional income verification documents they didn't initially request 3. There's a technical glitch in their system (very common) As for the phone disconnects, it happens when their call queue is full. The system is programmed to disconnect rather than keep people on indefinite holds. Your best bet is to try calling right when they open at 7:30 AM or during off-peak hours like Wednesday afternoons.

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Thank you for explaining! I'll try early tomorrow morning. The frustrating part is they didn't specify which documents were insufficient - I uploaded my driver's license, SS card, and two utility bills. Should I just upload everything again with additional documents?

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TommyKapitz

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hav u tried the trick where u select the spanish option and then hit 2 for employers? sometimes that gets u 2 a real person faster lol

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I'll try anything at this point! Thanks for the suggestion.

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I was in this exact situation about 3 weeks ago. After trying to call for 2 days straight with nothing but disconnects, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a DEO agent in about 25 minutes. They have this system that basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then calls you back when an agent is on the line. Saved me from losing my mind! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj When I finally got through, the agent told me my account was locked because my address on ID.me didn't exactly match what was in CONNECT (I had "Street" vs "St"). Such a stupid reason but at least they fixed it.

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Payton Black

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i tried this claimyr thing too when i had problems with my claim going to adjudication and it actually worked. saved me like 3 days of constant redialing

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Harold Oh

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THE DEO IS COMPLETELY USELESS!!! I've been fighting with them for 3 months now. Even when you DO get through, half the agents don't know how to help or give you wrong information. My account was locked after ID.me verification too and it took FOUR CALLS to fix it because each person told me something different. When they say "insufficient documentation" they're usually just buying time because they're backlogged. Keep calling and DEMAND to speak to a supervisor if the first agent can't help!! Don't let them push you around!!

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That's what I was afraid of... I've already been waiting almost a month since my initial application. Did you have to do anything special to get your account unlocked after the ID.me issue?

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Just an extra tip regarding the "insufficient documentation" message: Make sure any documents you upload are clear, unrotated images where all four corners are visible. The DEO system will automatically reject documents that are blurry, partially cut off, or at an angle. Also, ensure your name appears identical on all documents (e.g., don't use a nickname on some and full name on others). If you've already tried multiple times to call, you can also try emailing DEO.EmploymentAssistance@deo.myflorida.com with your claimant ID, last four of SSN, and a brief explanation of your issue. Sometimes they respond within a few days.

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Amun-Ra Azra

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emailing never works i sent 5 emails last yr and they nevr replied to any of them waste of time

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After I got my account unlocked, I also had to complete a fact-finding questionnaire that appeared in my CONNECT inbox. Make sure you check there daily once you get back in. They don't always notify you when they add new requirements, and if you miss the deadline to complete it, your claim could be denied automatically.

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Thanks for the heads up! This whole process feels like navigating a minefield. I'll definitely check the inbox regularly once I can get back into my account.

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Marilyn Dixon

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anyone else notice the deo website is extra glitchy on weekends?? i swear they do maintenance and break things every time!

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Harold Oh

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YES! Weekends and Monday mornings are THE WORST times to try using CONNECT. It's almost like they WANT us to fail at getting our benefits. The whole system is DESIGNED to be frustrating!!

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TommyKapitz

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my cousin had this problem and she just kept calling like 50 times until she got through lol persistence is key

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I'm at about 15 calls today and counting... guess I need to triple my efforts!

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Quick update on phone numbers - the most reliable one right now seems to be 1-833-FL-APPLY (1-833-352-7759), but you need to call between 7:30-8:00 AM for the best chance of getting through. Also, make sure you're selecting option 2 for claimant assistance and then option 4 for claim-specific questions when prompted. This routing tends to have more agents available.

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Thank you so much! I'll set my alarm for 7:15 tomorrow morning and try this approach. Really appreciate all the help from everyone.

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Madison King

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I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now! Been trying to call for 3 days straight and getting disconnected every single time. My account got locked after ID.me verification too, and they're saying my documents are insufficient without telling me what's wrong with them. I uploaded everything they asked for - driver's license, Social Security card, bank statements, W-2s - and it's still not enough apparently. The worst part is I can't even log into CONNECT to see if there are any new messages or requirements because the account is completely locked. I'm supposed to certify for benefits this week but can't access anything. Has anyone found a way to unlock their account without having to get through on the phone? This is beyond frustrating when you're already struggling financially and need these benefits to survive.

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Monique Byrd

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I feel your pain! The locked account after ID.me verification seems to be happening to a lot of people lately. Unfortunately, from what I've seen in this thread and other posts, there's no way to unlock it without actually speaking to a DEO agent. The system locks you out completely until they manually review and fix whatever the issue is on their end. Have you tried the Claimyr service that @Angel Campbell mentioned? It might be worth the cost if you re'desperate to get through. Also, make sure when you do get through to ask them EXACTLY what documents they need - don t'let them hang up without a clear list of what s'missing or wrong with what you submitted. Good luck!

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Ravi Patel

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I'm dealing with the exact same phone disconnection issue! Been trying to call DEO for the past week and getting cut off during their automated message every single time. It's like their system is programmed to fail. What's really frustrating is that I completed my ID.me verification successfully (got the confirmation email and everything), but now my CONNECT account shows some vague "pending review" status that's been stuck for over two weeks. I can't even request my certification because the system won't let me proceed. Has anyone tried calling their local CareerSource office? I'm wondering if they can help with DEO issues or at least provide some guidance on what to do when you're completely locked out of the system. At this point I'm willing to drive somewhere in person if it means talking to an actual human being who can help! The timing couldn't be worse - my savings are almost gone and I have bills piling up. This whole system feels designed to make people give up on their legitimate benefits.

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Olivia Kay

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I actually tried going to my local CareerSource office last month when I was having similar issues with DEO! Unfortunately, they told me they can only help with job search services and can't directly access or fix DEO/CONNECT problems. However, the staff there was really helpful and gave me some printed materials with all the DEO phone numbers and best times to call. They also suggested trying to call right at 7:30 AM sharp and mentioned that Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have shorter wait times than Mondays or Fridays. It's worth a visit if you're nearby - at least you'll talk to real people who understand the struggle, even if they can't directly fix your account.

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I'm so sorry you're dealing with this - the DEO phone system and ID.me verification issues are absolutely maddening right now. I went through something similar last month and it took me over a week of constant calling to finally get through. A few things that helped me: First, definitely try the early morning approach everyone mentioned (7:30 AM sharp). Second, when you do get through, immediately ask for your case to be escalated to a supervisor if the first agent seems unsure about anything. Third, keep detailed notes of every call - date, time, agent name if they give it, and exactly what they tell you. This helped when I had to call back multiple times because different agents were giving me conflicting information. Also, double-check that your name appears EXACTLY the same on all your documents. My account got locked because my ID.me had my full middle name but my original application only had my middle initial. Something that small can trigger their system to flag your account as having "insufficient documentation." Hang in there - I know it feels impossible but people do eventually get through and get their accounts fixed. The system is broken but persistence does pay off eventually.

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