DEO website errors at Step 3/4 - technical glitch preventing application completion

The DEO website is GARBAGE!!!!! I had the exact same issue last month and wasted nearly 2 weeks trying to get past that stupid error. Their system is deliberately designed to prevent people from getting benefits!!!!! I eventually found out it was because I was using Chrome - switched to Microsoft Edge and FINALLY it worked. Try a different browser before wasting time going to an office (which probably won't help anyway because they'll just tell you to use the website).

might be ur internet connection too. i had to use my neighbors wifi cuz mine kept dropping the connection. deo site takes forever to load each page

The technical error at step 3/4 is a common issue with the CONNECT system, especially during high-volume periods. Here are a few troubleshooting steps that have helped others: 1. Clear your browser cache completely 2. Try a different browser (Edge or Firefox seem to work better than Chrome) 3. Make sure you're not using autofill for any fields 4. Check that all required fields have responses - sometimes there's a hidden required field 5. If using WiFi, try a wired connection if possible Regarding in-person assistance, CareerSource offices can help with applications, though they can't fix technical issues directly. In Tampa, there's a CareerSource Tampa Bay office at 9215 N. Florida Ave. I recommend calling ahead to confirm their unemployment application assistance availability and hours.

I went through this exact nightmare in January. After trying everything (different browsers, computers, times of day), I finally got through to a live DEO agent who fixed something on their end that was blocking my application. The trick was using Claimyr.com to connect with an actual person instead of being disconnected constantly. Their service got me through to a rep in about 20 minutes when I had been trying for days on my own. They have a video demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/UzW_hbUy-ss?si=zORd51jeq1GX5Ldj The DEO agent told me that sometimes applications get "stuck" in their system and they need to manually reset something on their end. Once they did that, I was able to complete my application without errors.

I had this problem too!!!! but for me the problem was I was putting a dash in my social security number like 123-45-6789 instead of just the numbers 123456789. Took me FOREVER to figure out the system doesn't like dashes even though that's how SSNs are normally written lol

Sometimes the technical error happens when there's already a partial application in their system with your information. This happened to me when I had started an application months earlier but never finished it. The only solution was getting a DEO rep to delete the incomplete application from their database so I could start fresh. For in-person help, CareerSource can assist with applications but they're limited in what they can do with technical glitches. They don't have direct access to the DEO's system backend. Your best bet is reaching an actual DEO rep who can look at your specific case. In the meantime, make sure you're documenting each attempt (screenshots with dates/times) so you can request backdating when you eventually get through.

I just got my claim approved last week after dealing with this same error. What finally worked was applying between 2-4am when the system traffic is lowest. Seriously! I'd been trying for days during normal hours with the same technical error, tried at 3:30am and sailed through the whole application in one go. Worth a shot if you're desperate!

Just checking back - were you able to complete your application? The 3am trick sometimes works, but if you're still having issues, definitely try reaching a live agent. They can see exactly what's happening with your specific account.

So glad you finally got through! That's such a relief to hear. The driver's license format issue is something I've seen pop up before - the DEO system is incredibly picky about formatting even when you enter everything correctly. It's ridiculous that you had to go through all that trouble just to get a basic application submitted, but at least you got it backdated. Hopefully your claim processes smoothly from here on out. Thanks for updating us - this will definitely help other people who run into the same issues!

Maya, I'm so relieved you finally got through! Your experience highlights exactly what's wrong with the DEO system - the fact that you had to try multiple browsers, wake up at 3am, use a third-party service, AND still needed an agent to manually fix a formatting issue is absolutely ridiculous. No one should have to go through that much hassle just to file for unemployment benefits. I'm bookmarking this thread because the troubleshooting steps everyone shared (different browsers, clearing cache, checking for dashes in SSN, the Claimyr service) will be super helpful for future reference. The DEO really needs to invest in fixing their website instead of making desperate people jump through all these hoops. Thanks for following up with the solution - it gives hope to others dealing with the same nightmare!

Wow, what a journey Maya! I'm so glad you finally got your application through and that they're backdating it. This thread is like a masterclass in DEO troubleshooting - between Isaac's browser tip, Connor's detailed steps, KhalilStar's Claimyr recommendation, Amelia's SSN formatting insight, and Katherine's 3am strategy, you all covered every angle. It's incredible that it took a combination of ALL these workarounds plus a manual system fix to get one simple application submitted. I'm bookmarking this entire conversation because unfortunately, Maya's experience seems to be the norm rather than the exception with the CONNECT system. For anyone else reading this who's stuck - don't give up! Maya's persistence paid off and yours will too. The community here clearly has your back with real solutions that actually work.

This entire thread should be turned into a DEO troubleshooting guide! Maya, I'm so happy you finally got through - what an absolute ordeal. The fact that you had to use multiple browsers, try at 3am, pay for a third-party service, AND still needed manual intervention from an agent just to submit a basic application is completely unacceptable. The CONNECT system is clearly designed to discourage people from applying rather than help them access benefits they're entitled to. I'm new to this community but seeing everyone jump in with real solutions that actually work gives me hope. Between Isaac's browser tip, Connor's technical steps, KhalilStar's Claimyr recommendation, Amelia's SSN formatting insight, Katherine's 3am strategy, and everyone else's support, you all created a comprehensive survival guide for navigating DEO's broken system. I'm definitely saving all these tips because unfortunately it seems like technical nightmares are the norm with Florida unemployment applications. Thank you Maya for following up with your success story - it proves that persistence pays off even when the system is working against you!

This thread is incredible - Maya, I'm so relieved you finally got your application through! As a newcomer to this community, I'm both impressed by everyone's willingness to help and absolutely appalled by what you had to go through just to file for unemployment. The fact that it required multiple browsers, a 3am attempt, a paid service, AND manual intervention from an agent to submit ONE application shows how deliberately obstructive the CONNECT system is. I've been putting off filing my own claim because I've heard horror stories, but seeing all the specific troubleshooting steps everyone shared here (especially the browser switching, SSN formatting, and Claimyr service) gives me a roadmap to follow. This community is amazing - you all turned what should be a simple government process into a collaborative survival guide. Maya, thank you for updating us with your success story. It proves that persistence pays off even when the system seems designed to defeat you. I'm definitely saving this entire thread as my DEO battle plan!