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Just to follow up - I just checked and it looks like TWC hasn't posted anything about recent flooding disaster unemployment yet. They usually send out a press release first, then update the website. You might want to sign up for their news alerts at https://www.twc.texas.gov/news to get notified as soon as they announce the DUA program for your disaster. The deadline to apply is usually 30 days after the announcement, so you don't want to miss it!
kinda off topic but make sure u do ur work search stuff even with disaster benefits they still made me do that
Actually, that's not correct for DUA. Regular unemployment requires work search activities (3 per week in Texas), but Disaster Unemployment Assistance typically waives or modifies the work search requirements depending on the severity of the disaster. The TWC will specify any work search requirements in the DUA announcement for your specific disaster.
Important clarification about tax refund intercepts: TWC has to certify the debt to the Treasury Offset Program, which doesn't happen immediately. Typically, they must send you multiple notices before your debt gets sent to TOP. Additionally, there's processing time involved. If you resolve the identity verification issue quickly (within 2-3 weeks), you can likely prevent the refund intercept. Call TWC's Benefit Overpayment collections department directly at 512-936-3338 rather than the general unemployment line - they can help with setting up payment plans or holds while you resolve the verification issue.
UPDATE: I finally got the ID.me verification to work! Used my roommate's laptop with better camera and made sure to have good lighting. Then I called that direct number for overpayments (512-936-3338) and after about an hour on hold, I got through to someone who was super helpful. They put a hold on my account and said they'll review it within 7-10 business days. They said if everything checks out with my identity, the overpayment should be removed from my account. Fingers crossed my tax refund will be safe! Thanks everyone for all your help!
One more thing - you can sign up for direct deposit to your regular bank account instead of using the ReliaCard. Many people find that's faster and more convenient. You can set it up in your TWC account under payment options.
Thanks everyone for the helpful info. I just checked my TWC account and found my determination letter - looks like my DUA runs until September 15th (exactly 26 weeks from when I applied). That gives me about 10 weeks to get my business back to at least partial capacity. Going to look into those SBA disaster loans too as a backup plan. Really appreciate all the advice!
Glad you found your end date! Just remember if anything changes with your income before September 15th, you need to report it on your payment requests. If you start making money from your business, even if it's not back to normal levels, you have to report it and TWC will adjust your benefit amount. A lot of people miss this part and end up with overpayment notices later.
Zoe Wang
Based on what you've described, your claim sounds like it's in the normal processing phase. The 5-6 week timeline is unfortunately standard right now, especially for first-time claims. The agent's statement that you have "about a week left" is actually good news - it means your claim is progressing through the system without major issues. A few technical points that might help you understand the process: 1. First-time claims go through multiple verification processes including wage verification with employers, identity verification, and eligibility determination. 2. When you requested payments, did you receive confirmation numbers? If yes, that's a very good sign. Those weeks are being recorded and will be processed for payment once your base claim is approved. 3. TWC's internal processing has several stages, and it sounds like you're in the final stage if they're giving you a one-week timeframe. If next week passes and you still don't see approval, I'd recommend calling again specifically to ask if there are any issues or holds on your claim that you need to address.
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Jayden Hill
•Yes, I did receive confirmation numbers for my payment requests! That's reassuring to hear. I'll give it until the end of next week and then call again if nothing changes. Really appreciate the detailed explanation.
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Connor Richards
I just checked my old emails and found that my claim from this February took exactly 33 days from filing to approval. The agent I spoke with when I called using Claimyr explained that first-time claims just take longer because they have to verify everything from scratch. After the initial approval, everything went smoothly with my biweekly payment requests. Hang in there!
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Jayden Hill
•Thanks for checking! 33 days would put me at about next week, so maybe the agent's timeline is accurate after all. I'm trying to be patient but it's hard when the bills are due.
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