When my account was locked for suspected fraud, I discovered that it was because someone had attempted to access my account from an unrecognized device in another state. The fraud department needs to verify your identity before they can unlock your account. Here's what I recommend: 1. If you can't reach them by phone, try going to your local Workforce Solutions office in person with your identification documents (driver's license, social security card, etc.) 2. Even with your account locked, document the dates you would have requested payment - you'll need this information for backdating 3. Once your account is unlocked, you'll need to submit a Payment Request Revision through your online portal under the "Payment Request" section 4. You might also need to complete a new ID.me verification even after your account is unlocked Don't worry about missing Tuesday's deadline as long as you're actively trying to resolve this. TWC has procedures for these situations.

I went through this exact same situation about 3 months ago and it's incredibly stressful, but you will get through it! A few additional tips that helped me: - Try calling the fraud line at different times throughout the day, not just first thing in the morning. I actually got through around 2pm on a Wednesday when everyone else was probably calling early - Keep a log of every call you make (time, date, how long you waited) - this documentation helped when I finally spoke to someone - If you do miss Tuesday's deadline, don't panic. When you get your account unlocked, tell them immediately that you tried to file but couldn't due to the fraud lock. They have a process for this and I got all my missed payments - Make sure you're ready with ALL your documents when you do get through - ID, social security card, and any employment records they might ask for The whole thing took me about 10 days to resolve, but I did get every penny I was owed. The system is frustrating but they do make it right eventually. Hang in there!

I went through something similar earlier this year! TWC will absolutely backpay you for those weeks you were legitimately unemployed, even though you're working now. The key is making sure you complete payment requests for ALL those weeks - don't skip any just because your claim was pending. A few tips from my experience: - Keep detailed records of your work search activities for each week (sounds like you already did this, which is great!) - When you do your payment requests, be completely accurate about your new job start date - If you missed any payment request weeks due to confusion, you can request backdated opportunities through TWC The whole process was frustrating for me too, but I eventually got every penny I was owed for the weeks I was unemployed. Don't give up - you earned those benefits during the time you were out of work and actively searching!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Filed my claim 5 weeks ago and it's still pending with no updates. Just got a job offer yesterday and wondering the same thing about backpay. Reading through all these responses is really helpful - sounds like the key is to keep doing payment requests for those unemployment weeks even after starting work, and being totally honest about start dates. Has anyone had success with the TWC online chat feature mentioned earlier, or is calling really the only way to get through? I'm dreading spending hours on hold but if that's what it takes to get those weeks sorted out... @Andre Dupont - congrats on the new job! Hope you get all your backpay sorted out soon.

That gives me some hope! I definitely applied in good faith and provided all documentation honestly. I'll prepare my financial information ahead of time in case I need to request this waiver. Thank you both for this advice!

I went through almost the identical situation two years ago - $18,000 overpayment demand after 14 months of appeal silence! Here's what saved me: I requested my complete case file through a Public Information Act request before the interview. This revealed they had flagged my case due to a "wage discrepancy" that turned out to be THEIR data entry error from when my employer reported my separation. During the interview, I had documentation proving the correct information was submitted initially. The key was staying calm and methodical - I asked them to walk through exactly which form or document contained the "incorrect" information they were basing their decision on. Turns out they had misread my employer's response about my separation reason. The whole thing got reversed and I didn't owe anything. The lesson: demand specifics about what triggered their review and have your original documentation ready to prove you submitted accurate information. Don't let them make vague accusations - make them show you exactly what they think was wrong.

Update: I was finally able to get through to TWC this morning after using Claimyr! The agent I spoke with was actually really helpful and said they've expedited my case because I had all the documentation ready (police report, FTC report). She said it would still take 7-10 business days to complete their investigation, but at least now I have a case number and a direct extension to call back if needed. Thanks everyone for your suggestions! Will update again when it's resolved.

Just wanted to share my experience since I went through this exact same thing about 6 months ago. The identity theft form submission was just the first step - they also required me to fax additional documents including a notarized affidavit and copies of my driver's license front and back. The fax number should be in the confirmation email you received after submitting the form. Without those extra docs, my case sat in limbo for weeks. Also, if you haven't already, try calling the fraud hotline directly at 800-252-3642 instead of the main TWC number - sometimes it's less busy. Hang in there, it's incredibly frustrating but they do eventually get it sorted out!

To summarize what everyone has said: 1. Railroad workers file ONLY with the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), not with TWC 2. RRB benefits are typically higher than TWC benefits 3. For the "mutual termination" issue - if he was given the choice to quit or be fired, that's generally considered a discharge, not a voluntary quit 4. Document everything about the separation, especially if safety concerns were involved 5. Be prepared for long wait times when contacting the RRB The RRB website has forms and instructions at rrb.gov - I suggest starting there and then calling them if you have questions.

Just wanted to add - when filing with RRB, make sure your husband has his Social Security number, railroad service records, and any documentation about his last day of work ready. The RRB application asks for specific details about his railroad employment history and the reason for separation. Also, if he worked for multiple railroad companies during his career, he'll need to provide information about all of them. The RRB considers all creditable railroad service when determining benefit amounts. Good luck with the process!