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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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Dominique Adams

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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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Louisa Ramirez

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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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Dominique Adams

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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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Dominique Adams

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

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Angel Campbell

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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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Dominique Adams

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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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Louisa Ramirez

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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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Angel Campbell

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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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Dominique Adams

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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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Dominique Adams

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

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Louisa Ramirez

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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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Dominique Adams

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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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