PA UC ID.me verification trapping me in endless loop - can't complete my claim after layoff
Been trying to file a new PA unemployment claim after getting laid off last month (worked steadily for 3 years before this). Problem is I forgot my old login info from when I claimed during Covid. When I tried to reset my password, the system directed me to ID.me verification. I created an account there and started answering the PA claim questions, but after about 8 questions, it suddenly kicked me back to ID.me again! Now I'm stuck in this weird loop - claim questions → ID.me → claim questions → ID.me... Can't get past this to finish my application. Is ID.me required now? I don't remember using this in 2020. Anyone know how to break out of this loop and actually complete the claim?
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Clarissa Flair
Yes, ID.me is required now for all PA unemployment claims. It was implemented after the pandemic to reduce fraud. The loop you're describing sounds like a technical glitch. Try completely logging out of both systems, clear your browser cache and cookies, then start over. Also make sure you're completing the ENTIRE ID.me verification process including the face scan or video call option if required.
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Eve Freeman
•Thanks! I'll try clearing everything and starting fresh. Do you know if the face scan is always required? I'm not comfortable with that part.
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Caden Turner
I went through this exact thing in January! The ID.me verification is definitely required now - it's part of their fraud prevention after all the pandemic scams. What fixed it for me was using a completly different browser (I switched from Chrome to Firefox). Also make sure you finish ALL the ID.me steps including identity verification BEFORE trying to continue with your UC application. You need the green checkmark on everything.
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Eve Freeman
•Oh that might be it! I don't think I got any green checkmarks. I'll try Firefox instead. Really appreciate the specific advice!
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McKenzie Shade
id.me is THE WORST!!! been using PA UC on and off for years and never had these issues until they added this garbage. got locked out 5 TIMES trying to verify my identity. they make it impossible on purpose so people give up and they don't have to pay benefits!!!
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Harmony Love
•I felt the same way initially, but it's actually just to prevent fraud. Over $45 billion in pandemic unemployment benefits were stolen by fraudsters (mostly international), which is why they implemented these stricter verification measures. It's frustrating but necessary.
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Rudy Cenizo
Have you tried using a different device? My ID.me verification kept failing on my phone but worked first try on my laptop. Also make sure you're using the most updated version of your browser.
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Eve Freeman
•I was using my laptop but it's pretty old. Maybe I'll try my tablet instead. Thanks for the suggestion!
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Natalie Khan
Just to clarify a few things about ID.me and PA UC: 1. Yes, ID.me is now required for all UC claims in Pennsylvania 2. You must complete ALL verification steps in ID.me before returning to your claim 3. The basic verification includes document upload (driver's license/passport) and selfie matching 4. Some people get flagged for additional verification through a video call 5. Once fully verified in ID.me, you should only need to use it once (though some have reported being asked again later) The loop issue you're experiencing is a known technical problem. Besides trying different browsers/devices, you can also call PA UC directly to report the technical issue. However, as I'm sure you know, getting through on the phone can be nearly impossible.
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Daryl Bright
•I had the same issue calling PA UC about my ID.me problems - couldn't get through for days! Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an agent in about 20 minutes. They fixed my ID.me connection issue right away. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/CEPETxZdo9E?si=WL1ZzVZWG3KiHrg2. Saved me weeks of frustration!
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Caden Turner
Did any of these suggestions work for you? I'm curious because I'm helping my brother with the same issue right now.
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Eve Freeman
•YES! Success! I tried 3 things that I think helped: 1) Used Firefox instead of Chrome 2) Cleared all cookies/cache 3) Made sure to complete EVERY step of ID.me verification before going back to the UC portal. The key was getting that final confirmation from ID.me first. Thank you everyone!!!
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Harmony Love
For anyone else finding this thread with similar issues - the official PA UC guide for ID.me troubleshooting is actually pretty helpful: https://www.uc.pa.gov/Pages/IDme.aspx (replace this with whatever format is required). Key point they mention that others missed: after verifying with ID.me, you must wait at least 24 hours before logging back into your UC account for the systems to sync properly.
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Rudy Cenizo
•this 24hr wait fixed it for me too!! weird they dont tell u that anywhere in the actual process
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