PA UC IDme verification issue stopping me from filing weekly claims - locked out with wrong phone number
I'm seriously panicking right now. I filed my initial PA unemployment claim about 2 weeks ago, but now I can't access my account to submit my weekly claims because it's asking me to verify with IDme. Big problem - the phone number linked to my IDme account is my old number that I don't have anymore! I've already missed filing for 2 weeks and I'm freaking out about losing that money. When I finally reach someone at UC (if that miracle ever happens), will they let me backdate those weekly certifications? Has anyone dealt with this IDme phone number nightmare before? I'm about to be late on rent and don't know what to do!
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Manny Lark
same thing happened to me! try clicking the 'forget phone number' option when u do the IDme thing. u might be able to use email verification instead
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Liam Duke
•I tried that already but it still wants me to verify through the old phone number. It's so frustrating! Did you eventually get it fixed or did you have to call UC directly?
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Rita Jacobs
You definitely need to contact PA UC directly about this. This is a common issue with IDme verification. When you reach them, explain that you need to file those missing bi-weekly claims. They can and WILL allow you to backdate them since this is a technical issue beyond your control. Just make sure you document every attempt to log in and resolve this yourself. The problem is actually reaching someone... I spent 3 weeks trying to get through on the phone line before finding Claimyr (claimyr.com). It connected me to an agent in about 20 minutes. There's a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2 - totally worth it when you're stuck like this!
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Khalid Howes
•Is that service legit tho?? Seems sketchy that we have to PAY just to talk to unemployment ppl OUR TAXES already pay for!!!! The whole system is BROKEN!!
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Rita Jacobs
•I was skeptical too, but it's just a service that helps you get past the busy signals. Once you're connected, you're talking directly to the actual PA UC representatives. After trying for weeks with no success, I was desperate enough to try anything. But yes, it's ridiculous we need workarounds just to access benefits we're entitled to.
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Ben Cooper
Let me clarify something important: You have 2 weeks from the Sunday of the week you're claiming to file your weekly certification. So if the weeks you missed were within that timeframe, you should still be able to file once you get access. If it's been longer, you'll need to request a "credit for delayed filing" which UC reps can process if you explain this was due to the IDme verification issue. For your IDme problem, go to the IDme website directly (not through the UC portal) and use the account recovery options there. They have more verification alternatives on their main site than through the UC integration. You might be able to use a driver's license or credit verification option instead. If that fails, IDme has its own customer service that can help update your phone number before you try UC again.
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Liam Duke
•Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I didn't know about the 2-week timeframe or that I could try account recovery directly through IDme instead of the UC portal. I'm going to try this tonight. If it works I'll be so relieved!
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Naila Gordon
idk if this helps but my cousin had the same thing happen in december and he had to do a video call with idme to prove his identity when he couldn't access his old phone. took like 30 mins but then he got in and could file all his missed weeks. dont give up!
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Liam Duke
•I didn't know video verification was an option! That might be exactly what I need. I'll look into that right away. Thanks for the tip!
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Cynthia Love
This EXACT nightmare happened to me last month. The IDme system is a DISASTER. I had to contact UC through the messaging center (did that through a friend's account) AND I had to contact IDme separately to update my phone number. It took almost 3 weeks to fix everything but I DID get paid for all my missed weeks. Document EVERYTHING. Take screenshots when it gives you errors. The system is designed to be complicated so people give up!!! DON'T GIVE UP!!!
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Darren Brooks
•While I understand your frustration, it's important to note that IDme verification was implemented to reduce the massive fraud that was happening during the pandemic. Yes, it creates hurdles for legitimate claimants, but there are established procedures to resolve these issues. The messaging center approach mentioned is a good alternative to phone calls, though response times are currently around 5-7 business days.
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Liam Duke
Update: I tried going directly to IDme like someone suggested and found their trusted referee video call option! I scheduled a call for tomorrow morning where I'll show my ID and they'll manually verify me. The online chat rep said once that's done, my UC portal access should work again. I'll let everyone know if this solves it! Fingers crossed I can file those missed weeks once I get in.
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Ben Cooper
•That's excellent news! The trusted referee option is exactly what you need in this situation. Once you complete that verification, make sure to file your weekly certifications immediately. Since it sounds like you're still within that two-week window, you should be able to claim those weeks without additional paperwork. If you encounter any problems after the IDme verification is complete, come back and let us know.
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Khalid Howes
My neighbor had the SAME PROBLEM last month!!! He said he went to the ACTUAL UC OFFICE in person and they fixed it right there!! Sometimes u gotta show up in person when the online stuff is broken!!
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Darren Brooks
•This is partially correct information. While PA UC does have physical offices, they operate on an appointment-only basis now, not walk-ins. You need to schedule through the PA CareerLink system. That said, for identity verification issues, an in-person appointment can indeed resolve things quickly if you bring proper identification documents.
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Liam Duke
FINAL UPDATE: Success!! The IDme trusted referee video call worked perfectly. The rep was super helpful and verified my identity using my driver's license and birth certificate. About an hour after the call, I was able to log into my UC portal again! And the best news - I was able to file for both missed weeks without any issues. The system accepted them as if nothing happened. Payment is pending for all weeks now. HUGE relief! Thanks to everyone who helped me figure this out!
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Manny Lark
•awesome!!!! so glad it worked out for u!! this will help other people with the same problem too
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Ben Cooper
•This is a great outcome! I'm glad you got everything resolved. For anyone else reading this thread with similar issues: Remember that IDme trusted referee video calls are available 24/7, and this approach often works faster than trying to reach PA UC directly. Also, as this case demonstrates, as long as you file within the 2-week window, you won't lose your benefits even if verification issues temporarily prevent access.
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