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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!
That's a really smart idea about creating a timeline document! I wish I had started doing that from the beginning. I'm definitely going to put one together now - it'll help me remember all the dates when I finally get my hearing. And thanks for the tip about calling at 8 AM, I'll definitely try that with the Appeals number tomorrow. It's somewhat reassuring to know I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare waiting period. How are you holding up financially while waiting? This whole situation is so stressful.
I'm in a very similar situation - filed my appeal in late January and still nothing after almost 3 months. The worst part is the financial stress while waiting. I've had to move back in with family and pick up gig work just to survive. What really gets me is that they can deny your claim in like 2 weeks, but then take 4-6 months to hear your appeal! The system is completely backwards. I'm definitely going to try calling that Appeals number at 8 AM like someone mentioned. Brooklyn, have you been able to find any temporary work while waiting, or are you just stuck in limbo like the rest of us?
I'm in almost the exact same boat as you and Brooklyn - filed my appeal in mid-January and it's been radio silence ever since. The financial stress is absolutely crushing. I've been doing DoorDash and Uber just to keep the lights on, but it's barely covering my basic expenses. You're so right about how backwards the system is - they can reject you instantly but take forever to actually review the appeal. It's like they're hoping we'll just give up and go away. I'm definitely going to try that 8 AM Appeals number trick too. We shouldn't have to jump through all these hoops just to get a fair hearing on benefits we're entitled to! Hang in there everyone - hopefully we'll all get some movement on our cases soon.
UPDATE: You guys won't believe this! Just checked my correspondence inbox and TWC APPROVED my appeal already! Only took 2 days after I called that second time. The determination letter says they reviewed my documentation and found that I DID submit everything on time. They're releasing all my backpay from July 10th (hurricane date) through now - almost $5,000! I'm in shock that it happened so fast after all the headaches. For anyone else dealing with this - definitely call multiple times and file that appeal immediately if denied. Seems like their system is automatically denying people even when the documentation is there. Thank you everyone for your advice and support!
That's awesome news! So happy it worked out quickly for you. Make sure you continue doing your payment requests every two weeks to keep the benefits coming. Did they say anything about whether you need to submit additional proof for continued eligibility?
Thanks! The letter just says to keep submitting payment requests on my scheduled filing day (every other Monday). It mentions I need to document at least 3 work search activities each week, but that's standard for all unemployment in Texas now. The back pay was deposited this morning - such a relief!
This is so encouraging to hear! I'm currently dealing with a DUA denial myself - applied after losing my job due to hurricane damage to my workplace in August. They're claiming I didn't provide adequate proof of employment, even though I submitted my final paystub, W-2, and a letter from my employer confirming the business closure due to storm damage. Reading all these success stories gives me hope that persistence really pays off with TWC. It sounds like their automated system is definitely flagging legitimate claims incorrectly. I'm going to follow the advice here and keep calling until I get someone who can actually review my case properly. For those who got approved after appeals - did TWC require any additional documentation during the appeal process, or did they just re-review what you had already submitted? Trying to prepare myself for what might be coming next.
Hey Tyler! I'm actually the original poster (NeonNova) but using a different account now. Just wanted to update you - I ended up getting approved after following everyone's advice here! They didn't require any additional documentation during my appeal process, just re-reviewed what I had already submitted. The key things that seemed to work: 1) Called multiple times until I got someone knowledgeable, 2) Asked them to add detailed notes to my appeal about the dates I submitted documents, and 3) Had them confirm in writing that my docs were visible in their system. My appeal was resolved in about a week. Your documentation sounds solid - paystub, W-2, AND employer letter should definitely be sufficient. Don't let their broken automated system discourage you. Keep pushing and document every interaction. You've got this! @Tyler Murphy
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the help! I found the notice in my correspondence inbox that explained the transition to biweekly payments. It was sent weeks ago but I never saw it. Mystery solved! Just sharing in case someone else has the same confusion in the future.
This exact same thing happened to me about 3 weeks ago! I panicked when I saw the double payment thinking it was a mistake and they'd want it back. Then when nothing came the following week I was sure my claim was messed up. Turns out it's just the new biweekly system rollout. The double payment is intentional to get you caught up before switching you over. Your timing sounds right - they're still transitioning people in batches. Just make sure to update your budget since you'll now get paid every two weeks instead of weekly. The amount is the same overall, just different timing.
Have you tried calling right when they open? I heard that's the best time to get through. Also, keep hitting 0 or # repeatedly - sometimes that'll bump you to a real person.
I totally get your frustration! I went through the same thing a few months back. What finally worked for me was calling around 2 PM on Wednesdays - seems like a weird time but I think it's when they have more staff available after lunch breaks. Also, make sure you have your Social Security number, last employer info, and exact dates of employment ready before you call. The reps move fast once you get through and they'll hang up if you take too long to find your paperwork. Don't lose hope - it took me 3 weeks but I eventually got everything sorted out!
Chloe Delgado
I had a similar situation last year and learned the hard way that you really need to be proactive about this. The TWC payment processing and benefits systems don't sync up properly, which is why so many people are getting double-charged. What worked for me was calling the day after I made my overpayment (before requesting weekly benefits) and specifically asking them to put a "payment hold" on my account until the systems caught up. The rep was able to see my payment immediately and flagged my account to prevent the automatic deduction. It's frustrating that we have to do their job for them, but it's better than dealing with the refund process later. Definitely call them tomorrow and don't take "it should be fine" as an answer - make sure they actually document something in your file!
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Adaline Wong
•This is exactly the kind of proactive approach I wish I had known about! I'm definitely going to call tomorrow and specifically ask for a "payment hold" like you mentioned. It's ridiculous that their systems don't communicate properly, but at least now I know what to ask for. Thank you for sharing what actually worked - this gives me hope that I can avoid the whole double payment mess if I act fast enough!
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Sara Unger
I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! I paid my overpayment online yesterday and then requested my weekly benefits this morning before reading all these responses. Now I'm panicking that they're going to double-charge me too. Based on what everyone is saying, it sounds like calling TWC immediately is the only way to prevent this mess. I'm going to start calling first thing tomorrow and keep trying until I get through. It's so frustrating that their systems don't talk to each other properly - you'd think in 2025 they would have figured this out by now! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, at least now I know what to expect and what to ask for when I finally reach someone.
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Ella Knight
•Don't panic - you're in the same boat as a lot of us! The good news is that you caught this early and now you know what to do. Based on everyone's advice here, calling them ASAP is definitely your best bet. When you call, make sure to have your payment confirmation number ready and specifically ask them to put a note in your file about the payment you already made. Even if they do end up taking it twice, at least you'll have documentation that you tried to prevent it. Keep us posted on how it goes - your experience might help other people in the same situation!
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