Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else who might be dealing with ReliaCard issues - I was in a similar situation last year when my card got damaged and I couldn't get to a branch. What worked for me was calling the ReliaCard customer service number directly (not TWC) and explaining my situation. They were able to expedite a replacement card to my address within 3-4 business days, which was faster than switching to paper checks. That said, if you're having broader issues with the card system or don't have proper ID like Malik mentioned, paper checks are definitely the way to go. The key is being persistent with those phone calls - I know it's frustrating but eventually you'll get through to someone who can help!

This whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm actually in Texas and just applied for unemployment benefits myself, so reading about everyone's experiences with payment options is really valuable. It sounds like the system has quite a few quirks but there are definitely workarounds available. For anyone else who might be new to this process like me - it's reassuring to see how willing people are to share their experiences and help each other navigate these challenges. The tip about calling right at 8 AM seems to be mentioned by multiple people, so I'll definitely keep that in mind if I run into any issues with my benefits. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this discussion!

Has anyone had any luck getting an installment plan from TWC that doesn't completely drain your bank account every month? They want me to pay $275/month which I CANNOT afford right now with inflation and everything else going up!

I went through this exact situation last year and it was a nightmare to figure out! Here's what I learned after consulting with a CPA who specializes in these cases: You absolutely DO need to report the full $4,600 from the 1099-G as income - there's no way around that since TWC already reported it to the IRS. But you have options for getting relief on the repayments. Since you started repaying in 2024 (the same year you received the benefits), you can actually deduct the amount you repaid IN 2024 from your taxable income. So if you paid back $540 in 2024 ($180 x 3 months), you can reduce your reportable unemployment income to $4,060 for tax year 2024. For the payments you'll make in 2025, you'll handle those on your 2025 tax return. Since your total repayment will be over $3,000, definitely look into the Section 1341 credit calculation - it could save you more money than just taking the itemized deduction. Keep EVERY receipt and confirmation of your payments to TWC. The IRS may want to see proof of the repayments if they have questions. Also, consider hiring a tax professional for this year since the calculations can get tricky with partial repayments across multiple tax years. Don't stress too much - the tax code does have provisions for exactly this situation, even though TWC doesn't make it clear!

This entire thread is both heartbreaking and infuriating. I'm currently at 16 months waiting for Commission Review after winning at both lower levels, and reading everyone's experiences makes me realize I've been way too passive in my approach. I've been calling the main TWC number monthly and getting the same runaround - "it's in process, be patient, there's a backlog." But seeing @Amina Diop's update about discovering a "system flag" and undisclosed employer documentation really opened my eyes. How many of us are sitting in limbo because of TWC's administrative errors that we're never told about? Tomorrow I'm calling the Appeals Department directly (512-463-8770), emailing the Ombudsman office, and contacting my state representative. I'm also going to reach out to the State Auditor's office as @CyberSamurai suggested. This is clearly a systemic problem affecting multiple people, not isolated delays. @StarGazer101 - your 18-month nightmare is absolutely unacceptable, but thank you for posting this. Your situation has mobilized all of us to take more aggressive action. The fact that you've won TWICE and they're still dragging this out is unconscionable. I think we should seriously consider coordinating a group complaint and reaching out to local media outlets together. When you have this many people experiencing identical delays (win twice, then disappear into Commission Review black hole for 12-18+ months), that's not normal processing - that's systematic negligence that deserves public scrutiny. Keep fighting everyone - they're counting on us giving up, but we won't!

I'm so sorry you're going through this ordeal - 18 months is absolutely outrageous! Reading through all the advice here, I wanted to add one more potential resource that helped me when I was dealing with a different state agency issue. Have you tried filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau? I know it sounds unconventional for a government agency, but TWC actually responds to BBB complaints because they affect their public rating. When I filed one for a different issue, I got a response within 2 weeks from someone much higher up the chain than I'd ever reached through normal channels. Also, consider documenting all of this and sending it to your local newspaper's investigative team. The Austin American-Statesman has done stories on TWC issues before, and 18 months for someone who's already won twice is exactly the kind of bureaucratic nightmare that makes for compelling reporting. The fact that you've won at both the hearing and Appeal Tribunal levels means you have a rock-solid case. TWC is absolutely hoping you'll give up, but don't let them win through attrition. That $18,500 is rightfully yours, plus interest! Keep us posted on what happens when you try the Appeals Department direct number - I have a feeling that's going to be the breakthrough you need.

Thank you everyone for the advice! I just submitted my payment request and made sure to report the exact wages I earned during the 2 weeks I worked. I also documented my 3 work search activities per week as required. The TWC website shows my payment is now pending, so hopefully it goes through without issues. Really appreciate all the help!

Glad to hear you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - if you ever have a gap between when your temp job ends and when you submit your next payment request, make sure you're still doing your work search activities during that gap too. TWC counts every week you're unemployed toward the requirement, even if you haven't submitted a payment request yet. I learned this the hard way when I had a similar situation and forgot to do work searches the week after my temp job ended.

UPDATE: Thank you all for the advice! I ended up using Claimyr to get through to TWC this morning (worked like a charm), and the agent confirmed there was a mistake in my file. Apparently my employer coded my separation incorrectly, making it look like I was receiving ongoing payments. The agent documented everything and said they'd be sending a new determination letter within 10 business days. She also suggested I contact my former employer's HR to ask them to submit a correction, which I did right after the call. I'll keep updating my payment requests and hopefully this will all be sorted soon. For anyone else facing similar issues - document EVERYTHING and be persistent!

This is such a frustrating situation but you're definitely not alone! I went through something similar last year where my employer told TWC I was still employed part-time when I had actually been completely laid off. A few things that helped me: 1. Keep detailed records of EVERY interaction - dates, times, names if you get them, reference numbers, etc. This becomes crucial if you need to escalate. 2. The appeal route mentioned by others is really effective. Even without an official determination letter, you can submit documentation contradicting your employer's claims through the portal. 3. Don't give up on the callbacks - I know it's maddening but sometimes they do come through. I waited 5 weeks for mine but it finally happened. 4. If you're comfortable doing so, definitely reach out to your former employer's HR. In many cases it's just a clerical error on their end and they can submit a correction quickly. Stay persistent and keep filing those payment requests! Once this gets resolved you should receive retroactive payments for all the weeks you were eligible. Sending you good vibes that this gets sorted out soon! 🤞