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Just got blindsided big time. Filed for unemployment in January after my construction job ended. My claim was approved but I've been waiting 5 weeks with NO PAYMENTS hitting my account. After calling TWC about 50 times (literally), I finally got through to an agent yesterday who dropped a bomb on me. Apparently back in 2011, I was overpaid by $9,500 on my unemployment benefits and now they're taking 100% of my current benefits to recover that debt! The agent said letters were sent to my address from 2011 (which I haven't lived at for over a decade). I swear I never received ANY notification about this overpayment until now. The worst part is the agent said it wasn't even my fault - there was some employer reporting error that caused it! Has anyone dealt with this? Can I appeal or get a payment plan so I can at least get SOME money while I'm looking for work? I can't believe they can just hold funds from 14 years ago against me with zero warning.
I just had my appeal hearing with TWC on Wednesday about separation issues from my retail job. Now my account just shows 'Appeal - Pending Resolution' with no other information. I'm so confused because during the hearing the examiner didn't really say what would happen next or when I'd get an answer. It's been 2 days and I'm getting anxious since rent is due next week. Has anyone been through the separation appeal process recently? How long does it take to get a decision and what does 'pending resolution' actually mean for my payments?
mine took 12 days back in ferbuary. check ur mail everyday thats how i found out i won my apeal. good luck hope u get ur money!!
I went through a separation appeal last September and it was nerve-wracking! The "Pending Resolution" status is totally normal - it just means the hearing officer is reviewing everything from your hearing before making their final decision. In my experience, the waiting is honestly the hardest part because you're left wondering what's going to happen. Since you had your hearing on Wednesday, I'd expect to hear something by next week at the earliest. Keep checking both your online correspondence and physical mailbox daily. And definitely keep requesting payments every two weeks like others mentioned - that's crucial! Hang in there, the waiting sucks but at least you got your hearing done.
Hey everyone, I just got approved for unemployment benefits for the first time ever (lost my warehouse job last month). I'm totally confused about what happens next. Do I need to wait for something to come in the mail from TWC before I can request payments? Or am I supposed to be doing something on the website already? The approval letter didn't really explain the next steps clearly and I don't want to mess anything up. Thanks in advance for any help!
Glad you're getting on track! One more thing - when you do your first payment request, have your bank account information ready for direct deposit setup if you haven't done that already. It's much faster than waiting for a debit card or paper check.
Just wanted to add that you should also check if your employer contested your claim or if there are any pending issues on your account. Log into your TWC portal and look for any flags or notices. Sometimes there can be delays or holds that aren't immediately obvious from your approval letter. Also, if you had any severance pay or vacation payout from your warehouse job, make sure to report that accurately when you do your payment requests - failing to report income can cause major problems later. Good luck with everything!
I filed an appeal with TWC back in December after being denied benefits (they said I quit, but I was actually laid off). It's now been over 4 months and I haven't heard ANYTHING. The appeal status just says "pending" on the portal. I've called probably 30+ times but can never get through to a real person. My rent is due next week and I'm completely broke. Is this kind of delay normal for appeals? Has anyone else waited this long? I'm starting to think they just "lost" my paperwork or something. Do I need to file a new appeal or keep waiting? This is literally driving me insane.
Good point. I've been gathering everything for months - I have emails from my manager discussing the layoff, the official layoff notice, and even text messages where my supervisor acknowledged it was a layoff. I'm definitely ready for the hearing, I just wish they'd actually SCHEDULE it already!
I'm going through something similar right now - filed my appeal in January and still waiting. One thing that helped me was creating a timeline document with dates of all my interactions with TWC (when I filed, when I got confirmations, every time I called, etc.). It's been really useful for keeping track of everything and I plan to bring it to my hearing when it finally gets scheduled. Also, if you haven't already, try calling the Appeals line right when they open at 8 AM - I've had better luck getting through early in the morning. Hang in there, I know how stressful this waiting period is!
I lost my job at a small marketing agency about 5 weeks ago and applied for unemployment right away. My claim is still showing as 'pending' in the system with no updates or notifications. I'm starting to worry it's because my former employer hasn't responded to TWC about my claim. Does anyone know how long TWC will wait for an employer to respond before making a decision? Can they just leave my case pending indefinitely? I've already completed five payment requests but haven't received anything, and my savings are getting dangerously low. I tried calling but can't get through to anyone who can tell me what's happening with my claim.
One more thing to check - log into your TWC account and go to the "Claim and Payment Status" section. Look for any status messages or pending issues listed there. Sometimes there are specific hold reasons that don't generate correspondence but are visible in that section of your account. It might give you more insight into why your claim is delayed.
I'm dealing with something similar right now - my claim has been pending for 3 weeks and my former employer hasn't responded either. The uncertainty is the worst part because you don't know if you should be looking for emergency assistance or if the money is coming next week. I've been reading that some people have had success contacting their local workforce office directly instead of trying to get through to the main TWC phone line. Has anyone tried that approach? Also, @Maxwell St. Laurent - have you considered reaching out to any local assistance programs while you wait? I know it's not ideal but it might help bridge the gap until TWC gets their act together.
Sophia Nguyen
Just to follow up on what others have said with some clarification about your options: 1. Request a payment plan (aim for 25% recoupment instead of 100%) 2. File an appeal within 14 days of notification (focus on lack of notice and non-fault overpayment) 3. Submit Form EO-48 for waiver consideration 4. Request Statement of Overpayment Account to verify amount The good news is that even though this is frustrating, you do have multiple options to pursue simultaneously. The most immediate relief will likely come from the payment plan, which can often be arranged quickly. The appeal and waiver process take longer but could potentially resolve the entire debt. Also, if you're struggling financially while this gets resolved, remember to check eligibility for other assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps) or emergency housing assistance through your county.
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Emily Jackson
AuthorThank you for breaking this down so clearly. I'm going to start with calling for the payment plan tomorrow since that seems like the fastest way to get at least some money coming in. Then I'll work on the appeal and waiver form. This whole situation is just so stressful on top of being unemployed.
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Miguel Alvarez
I went through something similar in 2022 - TWC hit me with an overpayment from 2016 that I had no clue about. Here's what worked for me: First, definitely call that overpayment department number someone posted (512-936-3338) but call RIGHT when they open at 8am - that's your best shot at getting through. When you talk to them, use the exact phrase "financial hardship" multiple times and ask for the lowest possible recoupment percentage. Second, I discovered that TWC has an "Overpayment Collections Manual" that outlines their policies - you can request a copy under the Texas Public Information Act. It helped me understand what arguments actually work with them. Third, if you do file an appeal, include a sworn affidavit stating you never received proper notice at your current address. The burden is on them to prove they properly notified you, and "we sent it to your 2011 address" isn't proper notice if you moved and they had no forwarding info. One more thing - document EVERYTHING with dates and names. I kept a log of every call, every person I spoke with, and what they told me. It saved me when different agents gave me conflicting information. Hang in there - it's a frustrating process but you do have options!
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