PA IDme verification keeps timing out when trying to access UC account - stuck in endless loop
I'm losing my mind trying to access my PA unemployment account. Filed my initial claim by phone yesterday, and now I'm attempting to set up online access. I enter my username and password on the website, then it redirects me to complete IDme verification. I click the link and get stuck on a 'please wait' screen that never advances. After waiting forever (like 20+ minutes), the system just times out and kicks me back to the beginning. I've tried THREE different browsers and even my phone with the same result. Has the IDme system crashed again? Is anyone else experiencing this? I need to file my weekly claim by Sunday and I'm seriously starting to panic.
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Jamal Anderson
I had this EXACT issue last week!! The IDme verification system is completely broken. I tried for 2 days straight with no luck. The trick is to call the PA UC office directly and have them help you bypass the IDme verification temporarily. Then you can try completing it again later when their system isn't crashed.
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•Thanks for responding! Did you actually manage to get through on the phone? I've tried calling about 15 times today and just keep getting busy signals or automated messages saying they're experiencing high call volume. How long did you have to wait?
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Mei Wong
this happens all the time. uc website is trash. try doing it between 6-7am when less ppl are on
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•I'll try early morning tomorrow, thanks. Do you know if this will delay my payments? I'm seriously worried about rent next month.
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QuantumQuasar
The PA unemployment IDme verification system is particularly problematic during high-volume periods. There are three specific things you can try: 1. Clear your browser cache completely, then use Chrome in incognito mode 2. Make sure you have a strong internet connection (not public WiFi) 3. Try during off-peak hours (5-7am or after 9pm) If none of those work, you can file your weekly claim by phone using the PAT automated system at 888-255-4728, even if your online access isn't working. The phone system doesn't require IDme verification after initial setup. Don't panic about your payments - as long as you file your weekly certification on time (even by phone), your payment schedule won't be affected by website access issues.
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•Thank you so much for these detailed instructions! I didn't know I could still file by phone even after setting up online. That's a huge relief about the payments not being delayed. Will try incognito mode right now and see if that works.
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Liam McGuire
Its happening to EVERYONE! The whole system crashed on Tuesday and they haven't fixed it yet. My neighbor works for the state (not UC dept but different office) and she said they got an internal memo about ongoing technical issues with the IDme system. Nobody knows when it'll be back up right.
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Amara Eze
•That's not entirely accurate. The system isn't completely down - it's experiencing intermittent issues related to high traffic volume. I was able to complete my IDme verification yesterday around 5:30am when server load was lower. The PA UC hasn't released any official statements about a complete system crash.
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Giovanni Greco
If you're having trouble with IDme verification on the PA UC portal, I'd recommend using Claimyr to get through to an actual unemployment representative who can help resolve this. I was dealing with the same frustrating timeout loop for days until another forum member suggested it. It got me connected to a PA UC agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold for hours. The agent was able to temporarily bypass the IDme requirement so I could access my account immediately. Check out their demo video for how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 or visit claimyr.com. Seriously saved my sanity when dealing with these technical glitches.
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Zoe Alexopoulos
•Thanks for the suggestion! At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything. Just watched the video and it seems pretty straightforward. Did the agent actually help solve your problem or just tell you to keep trying?
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Giovanni Greco
•They actually fixed it! The agent I spoke with said they've been dealing with this IDme issue all week. She put a note in my file, manually verified my identity, and temporarily bypassed the IDme requirement so I could access my account right away. She said to try completing the IDme verification again in about a week when they expect the system issues to be resolved.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
i had this problem to!!! what worked for me was using Microsoft Edge browser (weird I know) and also make sure ur accepting ALL cookies. IDme is super picky about browser settings and somehow Edge worked when nothing else did
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Zoe Alexopoulos
UPDATE: I finally got it working!!! Used Microsoft Edge browser as suggested by @casual_commenter below AND called using Claimyr as recommended by @service_mention. The agent put a temporary bypass on my account AND I was finally able to complete IDme verification this morning around 6am when I tried again. Thanks everyone for your help - my weekly claim is now properly filed!
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QuantumQuasar
•Glad to hear you got it resolved! For anyone else experiencing this issue, this is a good reminder that PA UC technical problems often require multiple approaches to solve. The early morning timing (lower server load) combined with the right browser and getting agent assistance is the perfect example of covering all bases. Be sure to file your weekly claims on time even if you're having account access issues.
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