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Just to follow up on what was said about work search - you absolutely need to be doing this even while waiting for approval. You need 3 work search activities per week in Texas, and TWC can and will ask for your records going back to your initial application date. Also, make sure you're requesting payment on your regular schedule (every two weeks) even while your claim is pending. Many people miss this step and it causes further delays.
This is so helpful. I'm embarrassed I didn't know about either of these requirements. I'm going to set calendar reminders for payment requests and start job searching today. I guess I should create a spreadsheet to track my work search activities?
Yes, a spreadsheet is perfect for tracking work search activities. Include these details for each activity: 1. Date of contact 2. Company name and contact information 3. Position applied for 4. Method of application (online, in-person, etc.) 5. Result/follow-up Remember that "work search activities" can include: - Job applications - Creating a profile on WorkInTexas.com - Attending job fairs - Creating a resume - Registering with a staffing agency Keep good records because TWC can audit these at any time. And yes, definitely set those payment request reminders - your request day is based on the last digit of your Social Security Number.
Thank you so much! This community has been incredibly helpful. I've learned more here in a day than I did trying to navigate the TWC website for a week.
i had something like thsi happen but it was different error code. try calling realy early like 7:01 am when they first open thats how i got thru
UPDATE: Problem solved! It was actually a combination of issues. I followed the advice about the work search documentation fields AND used Tele-Serv. The phone system worked when the website wouldn't. For anyone else with this error, make sure you complete ALL fields in the work search section and try the phone if website still gives errors. Thanks everyone for your help!
Update! Called the number at 7am and was on hold for 30 minutes. It turns out someone stole my husband's identity and filed for benefits during Covid. They told him to send in some proof of identification and will proceed from there. Thank you all for your help.
Glad you were able to get through! Make sure your husband also files a police report about the identity theft - TWC may ask for this documentation later. Also, keep detailed notes of every conversation with TWC (date, time, representative name, case numbers, etc). This will help if there are any issues with the claim later. Hope everything gets resolved quickly!
This is exactly what happened to my brother! Once he sent in his ID documents, they cleared the fraudulent account within about 10 days and he was able to set up a legitimate account with a new PIN. Definitely follow the advice about filing identity theft reports too - my brother ended up finding other accounts opened in his name when he checked his credit reports.
Oh that's good to know there's a timeframe! 10 days is still a while but much better than 6 weeks. We'll definitely check his credit reports too. This is so stressful.
I had this problem last year and it turned out they were doing a quarterly review of my claim. Have you completed 3 months of unemployment? Sometimes that triggers an automatic review before they continue payments. Just a thought, might not be your situation but worth considering.
That's interesting - I am actually just about to hit the 3-month mark. Maybe that's what's happening? Do they notify you if they're doing a review?
Yes, quarterly reviews can cause temporary delays. TWC is supposed to send a notification, but sometimes these get delayed in the system as well. If this is the case, your payment request status should update once the review is complete. The reviews are generally automatic unless they find discrepancies with your reported income or work search activities.
Just wanted to update - my payment just processed! Check your accounts, Tuesday people!
mine too! finally!!!
Myles Regis
my cousin had this same problem!!! she had to wait for appeal but they did pay her all the back money once they fixed it. took like a month tho
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Hugo Kass
•A month feels like forever right now but at least it's good to know they eventually paid the back benefits. I'm going to try some of these suggestions to reach someone directly first.
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Nasira Ibanez
One more important thing - when you have your appeal hearing, if the TWC representative asks when you realized you made a mistake, be honest about the exact date. If you say you knew immediately but waited several days to try to fix it, that could hurt your case. Also, keep a log of all your work search activities during this time and be prepared to show you've been actively looking for work. This proves you really are available for full-time work despite the button error. Good luck with everything!
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Hugo Kass
•That's good advice - I did realize it right away when I got the confirmation message saying I wasn't available. That's when I started frantically calling. I've definitely been keeping up with my work search activities and logging them in case they ask!
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