UPDATE: The money just landed in my account this morning! So that was about 48 hours after the email. Thanks everyone for your help and keeping me from panicking!

Great to see it worked out for you! This is exactly why I always tell people not to panic until at least day 3. The TWC system can be stressful when you're new to it, but once you go through it a few times you get used to the timing. For future reference, if you ever need to contact TWC and can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr service someone mentioned is legit - saved me hours of frustration when I had an issue with my claim status last year.

I'm in a similar situation - my restaurant got flooded out and we're looking at being closed for at least a month. I applied for regular unemployment on Monday and got the denial letter yesterday (not enough wage credits since I just started this job 3 months ago). Now I'm trying to figure out the DUA application process. One thing I'm confused about - do I need to wait for some kind of official notification that I can apply for disaster assistance, or do I just go back into the TWC portal and look for a DUA option? The website isn't super clear about the next steps after getting denied for regular benefits. Also, for anyone who's been through this - is there a separate application or does it automatically trigger once you're denied? I'm worried about missing some deadline or step in the process.

I'm also dealing with flood damage to my workplace and have been following this thread closely. Just wanted to add that I called TWC yesterday and the agent told me that disaster claims are currently taking 2-3 weeks longer than usual because of the high volume from the recent flooding. She said they're processing claims in the order they're received, so if you haven't applied yet, definitely don't delay. One thing that helped speed up my application was having all my documentation ready before I even started the DUA application. I had my last 3 pay stubs scanned, a letter from my employer about the closure, and photos of the flood damage to our building. The agent said having everything uploaded at once instead of submitting pieces later really helps avoid delays. Also, for anyone still waiting - make sure you're requesting payment every two weeks even if your claim is still pending. If you're approved, you'll get back pay for those weeks, but only if you actually requested payment during that time. I almost missed this detail and would have lost out on benefits for my first two weeks.

Yes, work search reporting deadlines will also be extended. When the system comes back online, you'll have at least 3 business days to submit any work search activities that were due during the outage. This is standard procedure during system outages. One tip: prepare your work search information on paper or in a document so you're ready to enter it quickly when the system is back up. And as always, make sure you're completing at least 3 qualified work search activities each week regardless of the system status.

Just wanted to update everyone - I was finally able to get through using the Tele-Serv number that Lauren mentioned! It took about 20 minutes of trying different times, but I successfully submitted my payment request through the automated system. The key was calling around 2pm when call volume seemed lighter. For anyone still struggling, definitely try the 800-558-8321 number and be patient with the automated prompts. My payment request went through even though the website is still down. Hope this helps others who are in the same boat!

Thanks everyone for the advice! I've told him to apply immediately and be honest about why he waited. He's going to try calling TWC tomorrow and explain his situation, then submit his application online. I'll update here if we find out anything that might help others in the same situation.

Your brother-in-law should definitely still apply! I work at a Workforce Solutions office and see this situation fairly regularly. While he likely won't get the full 5 months of backpay due to the good cause requirements, he should still be eligible for benefits going forward. The key is to apply TODAY - every day he waits is another potential benefit week lost forever. When he applies, he'll be asked about the delay and should be honest about his reasoning. Even though "thinking he'd find work quickly" isn't typically considered good cause, stranger things have happened and each case is reviewed individually. At minimum, he'll preserve his eligibility for future weeks while unemployed. Also make sure he has his separation paperwork ready - the exact layoff date will be important for his claim.

I went through this exact same situation last month! Here's what worked for me: I called early in the morning (around 8 AM) to avoid the worst hold times. When I got through, they were able to reset my PIN in about 5 minutes after verifying my identity with SSN, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of my bank account where they send payments. The new PIN was active immediately. Also, I'd recommend setting up text alerts if you haven't already - it helps you stay on top of important updates even if you get locked out again. Hope this helps!

I had the same issue a few weeks ago and it was so stressful! What worked for me was calling right at 8 AM when they open - way shorter hold times. Also, have all your info ready before you call: SSN, DOB, address, and if possible the last unemployment payment amount. They asked me all of these to verify my identity. The whole process took about 10 minutes once I got through to someone. And definitely write that new PIN down in multiple places this time! I learned my lesson the hard way too 😅