
Ask the community...
Finally got my ID.me verification completed yesterday after struggling with it for weeks! My payment requests were on hold because of this identity verification issue, and now I got a letter saying they can process my payments. Does anyone know if TWC will automatically include all those missed weeks in my next scheduled payment? Or will they be sent separately? The letter wasn't clear about the timing, and I'm trying to figure out when I'll actually see this money since I have bills coming due. I've been trying to call TWC for 3 days straight but can't get through to anyone. So frustrating when you just need a simple answer! 😫
My sister works for TWC (not in benefits dept tho) and she says they're super backlogged right now with all these ID.me issues. Apparently there was some kinda system update that messed up a bunch of accounts. That's why nobody can get through on the phones.
Of COURSE they had a system update! They do this EVERY YEAR and it ALWAYS causes problems. Why can't they ever get their act together? Your sister should tell her bosses to hire more people instead of making us wait for hours on the phone!
Just to update you on my experience - after my ID.me verification went through, it took exactly 4 business days for the status in my account to change from "held" to "processed." Then I received the backpay on my regular payment day. So if you just completed verification yesterday, I'd give it until at least Tuesday or Wednesday next week before expecting to see any changes.
This is really helpful, thank you! Do you know if it's possible to get a copy of these updated guidelines to reference during my hearing? Or would mentioning them be enough?
You won't be able to get a copy of the internal guidelines, but you can reference Texas Workforce Commission Appeals Policy Letter 08-24 (released Jan 2025) which addresses pandemic-era claim reviews. The hearing officer will be familiar with it. Just mention that you understand TWC has updated its guidance on reviewing Covid-period claims and respectfully ask that your case be considered under those updated standards.
Anyone know if they backpay DUA from the date of the disaster or just from when your appeal gets approved? I'm thinking about appealing my denial too.
If your appeal is successful, benefits should be paid retroactively from the date you first became unemployed due to the disaster (as long as you've been filing your payment requests on time during the appeal process). Make sure you keep requesting payments every two weeks even while your appeal is pending!
Quick update - I spent all morning gathering documentation for my appeal. I found emails from 8 different clients canceling jobs specifically due to flood damage, photos of three job sites that were underwater, and my work calendar showing all the scheduled jobs for the month. I'm also writing a detailed letter explaining exactly how the flooding made it impossible to continue my landscaping work. Hoping this will be enough for the appeal!
Update: I applied yesterday and listed both income sources. The online system was confusing but I managed to get through it. Now my claim status says "under review" and mentions something about determining my "base period wages" - whatever that means. Guess I'll be making some phone calls to figure out what's next. Thanks for all the advice everyone!
"Base period wages" refers to how they calculate your benefit amount - they look at your earnings over the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. This is why documentation is so important. Since we're in Q2 of 2025 now, they'll look at your income from January-December 2024. The "under review" status is normal while they verify both income sources.
Omg this whole TWC system is such a nightmare! I've been on unemployment three times in the last 5 years (oil and gas industry layoffs) and every single time there's some new ridiculous hoop to jump through. Last time I got FIVE different voicemails from FIVE different TWC people all asking slightly different questions about the same thing. So inefficient! And then they wonder why their system is always backed up. 🙄
Update: I FINALLY got through! Turns out they just needed to verify my last day worked because my employer reported a different date than what I put on my application (they counted my two weeks notice period differently). The lady was super nice and said my claim should be processed within 3-5 business days now. Thanks everyone for the advice and keeping me from panicking too much!
That's great news! Glad it was something simple. This is pretty common with TWC claims - the employer reports dates one way, you report them another, and TWC needs to clarify. Make sure you request your payment on your assigned day even if the claim still shows pending.
UPDATE: I checked my claim status on Tele-Serv like you all suggested and everything looks good! No issues showing. I'll still request payment on Sunday as normal and hope for the best. Thanks everyone for the helpful information - really put my mind at ease!
While you probably won't qualify for regular unemployment, you might want to check if Texas has any self-employment assistance programs. Some states offer grants or other support for former business owners. Also, if your income has dropped significantly, look into other assistance programs like SNAP benefits or emergency assistance programs while you get back on your feet.
did u get anythng in writing about your suspension? thats super important for your twc claim. my work tried to say i was fired for theft but couldnt show any proof and i got my benefits. just be honest on your application.
After you apply, you'll likely receive a "determination letter" from TWC. This is their decision about your eligibility. If it's denied, don't panic! You have 14 calendar days to appeal from the date on the letter (not from when you receive it). Appeals are actually quite successful - about 30% of denials get reversed on appeal. For the appeal, you'll need to submit a written statement explaining why you believe you qualify, along with any supporting evidence. If your employer made the false accusation, TWC will expect them to provide evidence. If they can't prove you did something wrong, you should qualify for benefits. During the appeal process, KEEP REQUESTING PAYMENTS every two weeks. If you win your appeal, you'll receive back payments for those weeks.
My friend told me when this happened to her it was becuz they were checking her work search stuff? Did u put in all ur 3 job applications for each week?
Just wanted to follow up - were you able to get your issue resolved? The same thing happened to my brother-in-law last month, and it took about 10 days after he submitted the additional information before his payment was released. Did calling in help speed things up?
Yes! I used that Claimyr service you recommended and got through to TWC yesterday. The agent confirmed they received my information about the part-time job and said since it was before my claim period, it won't affect my current benefits. She expedited the review and my payment should be processed in the next 48 hours. Thanks for your help!
Aisha Abdullah
wow this is scaring me about filing my 3rd appeal... did u ever get any confirmation when u submitted your appeal? like an email or letter saying they received it?
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Nia Thompson
•I got a form letter about 2 weeks after submitting my appeal that just said "Your appeal to the Commission has been received and will be processed in the order it was received." That's the last official communication I've had. Don't let my situation scare you though - file your appeal if you believe you're in the right!
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Mateo Rodriguez
Just checking back - have you made any progress with any of these approaches? I'm curious which method actually works because I might be heading into a Commission Appeal myself soon.
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Nia Thompson
•I contacted my state representative yesterday and their office took down all my information and said they'd submit an inquiry. They warned me it could still take 2-3 weeks to get a response. I also left a message with the ombudsman but haven't heard back yet. I'll update when I have news!
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