This happened to my brother-in-law and the worst part was that the IRS tried to make him pay taxes on "benefits" he never received or applied for! Fight this aggressively and document EVERYTHING. The burden of proof somehow falls on the victim which is completely backwards. The system is broken.

Final update: I've reported the fraud to West Virginia, filed an FTC report, put freezes on my credit, and my bank is helping return the money. West Virginia said they're seeing a lot of these cases and promised to send me something in writing confirming this was fraud for my tax records. Thanks everyone for your help! This community has been amazing with advice during a stressful situation.

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.

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.

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!

One more important tip: during your appeal hearing, focus ONLY on the natural disaster aspects. Don't get drawn into arguments about other attendance issues even if your employer brings them up. The hearing officer only cares about the specific reason for your termination as it relates to the determination letter. Also, request a copy of your TWC claim file before the hearing so you can see exactly what your employer told TWC. Sometimes employers will change their story or add details that weren't part of the original termination reason.

Update: I submitted my appeal yesterday with all the documentation suggested here. I included 12 photos of flooding, screenshots of my texts to my supervisor, local news reports about the storm, and the county disaster declaration. Now just waiting for my hearing date. Thanks everyone for your help - I'll update when I hear something!

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.

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.