As someone who just went through this exact same nightmare last week, I can confirm that the system is absolutely broken by design. What worked for me was a combination of what others mentioned here - I had to wait the full 72 hours after ID.me verification, then use a completely different browser (Edge worked when Chrome and Firefox didn't), and create a super complex password. But the real kicker was that my account was still locked even after all that, and I had to get DEO to manually unlock it. The fact that they don't tell you when your account is locked is criminal. For anyone still struggling with this, document EVERYTHING with timestamps and screenshots - it helps when you finally get through to an agent. This system desperately needs a complete overhaul.

This entire thread is a perfect example of why Florida's unemployment system is fundamentally broken. @Paolo Moretti I'm so glad you finally got through, but the fact that you had to use a third-party service just to contact DEO about THEIR system failing is absolutely insane. I've been helping people navigate CONNECT issues for over a year now, and the ID.me integration has made everything exponentially worse. The lack of clear communication about account locks, the hidden password requirements, the sync delays - it's like they designed this system to fail. What really gets me is that DEO knows these issues exist but does nothing to fix the root problems or even provide better error messages. Instead they just tell people to "keep trying" while their accounts get locked behind the scenes. For anyone reading this thread later: save yourselves the headache and assume your account will get locked if you have ANY issues after ID.me verification. Don't waste days trying technical fixes - go straight to getting DEO on the phone (however you can manage it) and have them manually verify everything. The system is broken, not you.

I'm currently going through this exact same experience! My status just changed to "paid" this afternoon and I've been nervously checking my bank account every couple hours. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly reassuring - I had no idea that waiting 2-3 business days after the "paid" status was completely standard. I was starting to panic thinking I'd somehow messed up my routing or account number during setup. The tip about checking for pending ACH transactions in online banking is absolutely genius - I'm definitely going to look for that tonight! It's so nerve-wracking being new to the unemployment system and not knowing what timeline to expect. This community has been such a lifesaver for understanding the real-world timing of DEO payments. Thanks Dylan for asking exactly what so many of us newcomers are wondering about, and thanks to everyone who shared their actual experiences with payment delays. It makes such a difference to hear from people who've been through this before!

This thread has been so helpful! I'm currently waiting for my first payment too - status changed to "paid" yesterday and I've been checking my account obsessively. It's such a relief to know that 2-3 business days is completely normal. I was starting to panic thinking I'd entered my bank info wrong or something. The tip about checking for pending ACH transactions is genius - just looked and found it there! That gives me so much peace of mind. Thanks Dylan for asking what we're all wondering about, and thanks to everyone who shared their real experiences. This community is amazing for helping newcomers understand what to actually expect with DEO timing!

Just checking back - have you had any success with any of these suggestions? The constituent services email usually responds within 5-7 business days, so you should hear something soon if you emailed them.

Wow, what a journey! This thread is incredibly helpful and shows just how broken the system really is. It's absolutely ridiculous that people have to jump through so many hoops and use third-party services just to access their own benefits. The fact that Joshua had over $4,000 sitting there for a YEAR while being locked out is infuriating. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and solutions - this is exactly the kind of community support that helps people navigate these bureaucratic nightmares. Saving this thread for sure in case I or anyone I know runs into similar issues!

This is absolutely maddening and unfortunately way too common with DEO! I went through almost the exact same thing - 6 months stuck in "application being processed" despite multiple ID.me verifications and consistent weekly claims. What finally broke me out of the loop was filing a complaint with Florida's Department of Management Services (DMS) in addition to all the other suggestions here. DMS oversees state agency operations and they can put pressure on DEO to actually review your case. You can file online at dms.myflorida.com under "File a Complaint." Also, try emailing your local news stations' consumer advocacy reporters. I know it sounds dramatic, but DEO is terrified of bad press and sometimes media inquiries get faster responses than months of phone calls. Channel 6 and Channel 13 both have "On Your Side" type segments that cover these exact situations. The fact that you've done everything right (ID verification, weekly claims, work searches) and they're still ignoring you for 7 MONTHS is beyond unacceptable. This is literally your lifeline they're playing games with. Don't let up the pressure - you're not asking for charity, you're demanding what you're legally entitled to receive!

This entire thread is both heartbreaking and infuriating - 7 months is absolutely criminal! What strikes me most is how many people are dealing with the exact same "application being processed" nightmare, which proves this is a systemic failure, not isolated cases. I'm taking notes on all the strategies mentioned here because I have a feeling I might need them soon (my claim is only 2 months old but already showing warning signs). The multi-pronged approach seems to be the consensus - state rep, Inspector General, DMS complaint, media contacts, AND the callback services all at once. One thing I wanted to add: document your financial hardship too. Keep records of late notices, eviction threats, medical bills you can't pay, etc. When you contact your representatives and media, lead with the human impact. "I'm about to lose my apartment" hits different than just "my claim is delayed." These aren't just processing delays - they're putting people on the street while sitting on money that's rightfully theirs. @Evelyn - I really hope you try all these approaches simultaneously this week. You've been way too patient already. The system is literally designed to exhaust people into giving up, but you've got a whole community here rooting for you. Keep us updated on what works! The fact that people are getting resolution in days/weeks once the right person finally looks at their case just proves how deliberately broken this process is. It's not complicated - they just don't want to pay out benefits.

my brother got backdated but he had to prove he couldnt access connect cuz of his internet being down for 3 weeks after that hurricane in march... he had letters from the internet company and everything

I'm in a similar situation - lost my job in February but waited until April to file because I was confident I'd land something quickly. After reading through all these responses, it sounds like my chances aren't great since "thinking I'd find work" isn't considered good cause by DEO standards. For those who got approved - did you have to provide specific documentation of your job search activities during the gap period? I have some email chains with recruiters and a few rejection letters, but I'm wondering if that's enough evidence to show I was actively looking rather than just sitting around. Also seeing mixed results on calling vs using services like Claimyr. Has anyone had success with the regular DEO phone line recently, or is it still basically impossible to get through? I'd rather not pay extra if I can avoid it, but if it's the only realistic way to reach someone...