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!

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.

One more important thing: keep requesting payment every two weeks while your appeal is pending! If you win, they'll pay you for all those weeks, but ONLY if you've been submitting your payment requests on time. A lot of people forget to do this during the appeal process and miss out on weeks of benefits.

Almost forgot - make sure you understand exactly how the hearing works. It'll be a phone call with you, the hearing officer (like a judge), and probably your former employer. You'll all be sworn in. The hearing officer asks questions first, then you and the employer each get to tell your side. At the end, you can make a final statement. Be super professional no matter what your ex-employer says. Don't argue or get emotional even if they lie. Just say "That's not accurate" and refer to your evidence. Also, expect the call to last 30-60 minutes, so be somewhere quiet where you won't be interrupted.

hi there, just went thru something similar with my cousin who moved from oklahoma. what finally worked was having her create a new TWC account using her SSN only, then immediately requesting a PIN reset. for some reason this bypassed the DL verification for her and she got to the next step. not sure if it will work for everyone but worth a shot!

Just checking back - were you able to get through using any of these methods? The Tele-Serv option that @helpful_user1 mentioned is usually the most reliable in my experience. Also, worth noting that with her nursing background, she might qualify for certain priority processing since healthcare workers sometimes have different unemployment rules. Make sure to specifically mention she's a nurse when you do connect with someone.

Yes, absolutely mention in your application that you can do desk work after the initial recovery period. This demonstrates that you're available for suitable work, which is a key requirement for UI benefits. When you refile, be very explicit about: 1. The exact reason for separation (laid off due to upcoming medical procedure) 2. Your work capabilities during recovery 3. The temporary nature of your medical restriction Regarding your work search: focus on applying for jobs that you could physically perform during recovery. Document these clearly on your payment request forms. This approach shows TWC you're making good faith efforts to find suitable employment despite temporary medical limitations.

Unfortunately, TWC generally won't backdate benefits to your original filing date if your application expired due to inactivity. Benefits will typically start from the week you submit your new application. However, if you can prove that system errors or inability to reach TWC prevented you from completing your original application, you can request backdate consideration. To do this, immediately after filing your new claim: 1. Send a detailed message through your TWC portal explaining the circumstances 2. Document all your previous attempts to contact TWC (dates, times) 3. Request that they consider backdating to your original filing date While this isn't guaranteed to work, some claimants have successfully had their claims backdated when they could demonstrate the delay wasn't their fault. Make sure to continue submitting payment requests for current weeks while this is being resolved.