This exact thing happened to my sister last month! She was visiting family in Oklahoma when her payment status suddenly changed to "ineligible" and she was convinced it was because she crossed state lines. Turns out it was completely unrelated - TWC had flagged her account because her previous employer reported some final paycheck details that didn't match what was in the system. Once she got through to someone (took forever on the phone), they cleared it up in minutes. The timing was just a coincidence! Definitely check that correspondence tab first like others mentioned, and don't panic about the out-of-state thing. TWC really doesn't track your location like that.

This thread is so helpful! I had a similar scare last year when my payment got flagged as "ineligible" right after I drove to New Mexico for a family emergency. Like everyone else, I immediately thought it was because I left Texas, but it turned out to be a completely unrelated issue with my work search documentation. TWC had questions about one of my job applications that I'd submitted online. Once I provided the additional details they needed, everything went back to normal. The key lesson I learned is that TWC's timing with these reviews can make it seem like your travel caused the problem, but it's almost always something else entirely. The correspondence tab really is your best friend - that's where all the real answers are!

keep us updated!! i hope it works out for you!! the system is so unfair sometimes.

I went through something similar last year, though not quite as long a delay. A few additional tips that helped me: 1. Request a copy of your complete claim file from TWC before the hearing - you're entitled to see everything they have, including what your employer submitted 2. If your employer is claiming you were fired for misconduct, ask them to provide specific documentation of warnings, write-ups, or policies you allegedly violated 3. Keep the focus on facts, not emotions - even though it's infuriating to deal with this so long after the fact The good news is that TWC generally doesn't like to reverse determinations without compelling new evidence. Since you were already approved and followed all the rules during your benefit period, you're in a stronger position than someone appealing an initial denial. Also consider filing a complaint with TWC about the excessive delay if this causes you financial hardship - there should be reasonable time limits on when employers can challenge determinations.

UPDATE: I finally got through!! I used that Claimyr service that someone mentioned above. Got a callback with a TWC agent in about 1.5 hours. Found out the issue was that my previous employer contested my reason for separation (claimed I quit when I was actually laid off). The agent helped me submit the right documentation and said my payments should process within 3-5 business days. Honestly worth it after wasting days trying to call myself. Wish the regular phone system wasn't such a disaster though!

Congrats on finally getting through! Your situation is exactly why I tell everyone to document EVERYTHING when they get laid off. Always get that separation paperwork in writing if possible. Employers contest claims all the time to keep their unemployment insurance rates down - it's basically free for them to dispute it and hope you give up. Glad the agent was able to help you submit the right docs. Definitely keep checking that correspondence inbox like AstroAce said - you'll want to see that determination letter to make sure everything's officially resolved in your favor.

Update to my earlier comment: I just checked TWC's official documentation. If you missed payment requests because the system didn't allow you to request them (as opposed to simply forgetting), you can file for what's called "backdated payment requests" after winning your appeal. You'll need to explain that the system didn't provide the option. Don't wait though - call them now to document your situation and get proper guidance for your specific case.

I'm going through something similar right now - filed my appeal two weeks ago and just realized I haven't been requesting payments because the option disappeared from my account too! This thread is a lifesaver. I had no idea we were supposed to keep requesting during appeals. Called Tele-Serv this morning after reading these comments and was able to submit my request for this week. For anyone else in this situation, the Tele-Serv number (800-558-8321) does work even when your online account doesn't show the payment request option. Just have your SSN and PIN ready. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - this could have cost me weeks of benefits!

I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) last month when I had a similar issue with my TWC claim, and they got me through to a live person pretty quickly. Worth checking out if you're still struggling to reach someone. The agent I talked to explained that in Texas, you need to report self-employment on your initial claim because it affects your base period calculations. The good news is that they can add it retroactively.

Just to clarify some confusion I'm seeing in the comments: TWC treats self-employment differently than regular W-2 employment when calculating your initial benefit amount. Self-employment income typically doesn't count toward your base period wages that determine your weekly benefit amount (WBA), but you still must report any current self-employment earnings during your payment requests. However, it's crucial to disclose all types of work on your initial application for accuracy. Then during each payment request, report all earnings before taxes for that week. If your weekly DoorDash earnings are less than your WBA, you'll receive partial benefits equal to your WBA minus a portion of your earnings.