website seems to be working again! just logged in and was able to check my claim status. might wanna try now before it crashes again lol

Glad to hear the website is back up! For anyone still having issues, I'd recommend clearing your browser cache and cookies before trying to log in. Sometimes during outages like this, cached data can cause problems even after the system is restored. Also worth bookmarking the direct login page (ui.texasworkforce.org) instead of going through the main TWC site - it tends to be more stable during high traffic periods.

Quick update - I spent all morning gathering documentation for my appeal. I found emails from 8 different clients canceling jobs specifically due to flood damage, photos of three job sites that were underwater, and my work calendar showing all the scheduled jobs for the month. I'm also writing a detailed letter explaining exactly how the flooding made it impossible to continue my landscaping work. Hoping this will be enough for the appeal!

Michael, that documentation sounds very thorough! One additional tip - when you submit your appeal, consider including a brief timeline that shows your normal business pattern before the disaster versus after. For example: "January-February 2025: averaged 15 jobs per week, March 1-15: had 12 jobs scheduled, March 16 (flood date) - present: zero jobs completed due to client cancellations and inaccessible work sites." This kind of clear before/after comparison really helps TWC see the direct impact. Also, if any of your regular clients have offered to provide written statements about how the flooding affected their properties and led to job cancellations, those can be incredibly powerful supporting documents. Make sure you submit everything before that 14-day deadline - sounds like you're well on your way to a successful appeal!

One final suggestion - when you attend the hearing, keep your answers brief and directly responsive to the questions asked. Don't volunteer extra information unless specifically asked. The hearing officer is looking for clear facts related to eligibility requirements, not a detailed narrative. And be sure to mention those emails showing your position was eliminated - that's strong evidence for your case. Good luck!

I went through a similar situation last year - appeal hearing scheduled 13 months after I filed! The frustrating part is that by the time they finally schedule these hearings, people have often moved on and found new jobs, which is probably what they're counting on. But definitely don't skip it! I almost didn't go because I thought "what's the point" but ended up getting $4,200 in back benefits. The hearing itself was only about 20 minutes by phone. Just make sure you have all your original documentation ready - they'll ask about the specific circumstances of your job separation and want to see any proof you have. The delay doesn't affect your eligibility for the original claim period at all.

UPDATE: I finally got through!! I used that Claimyr service that someone mentioned above. Got a callback with a TWC agent in about 1.5 hours. Found out the issue was that my previous employer contested my reason for separation (claimed I quit when I was actually laid off). The agent helped me submit the right documentation and said my payments should process within 3-5 business days. Honestly worth it after wasting days trying to call myself. Wish the regular phone system wasn't such a disaster though!

Congrats on finally getting through! Your situation is exactly why I tell everyone to document EVERYTHING when they get laid off. Always get that separation paperwork in writing if possible. Employers contest claims all the time to keep their unemployment insurance rates down - it's basically free for them to dispute it and hope you give up. Glad the agent was able to help you submit the right docs. Definitely keep checking that correspondence inbox like AstroAce said - you'll want to see that determination letter to make sure everything's officially resolved in your favor.

ok so Im gonna share what happened to my cousin who had literally THE SAME SITUATION!! he missed like 6 payment requests during his appeal cuz he didnt know better. when he finally won his appeal (took like 2 months btw) he called TWC right away and explained that he didnt request payments cuz he thought he couldn't while denied. they let him backdate THREE of the missed requests but said it was a "one-time courtesy" or whatever. so basically he got half of what he shouldve gotten. better than nothing but still super frustrating. good luck!!

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I'm a former TWC claims examiner (worked there for 3 years until 2023). The payment request requirement during appeals is definitely confusing and trips up a lot of people. Here's what I can tell you from the inside: 1. The "backdating" process @Luca Ferrari mentioned is real, but it's not automatic. You'll need to specifically request it and provide a good reason why you didn't request payments initially. 2. When you call, ask to speak with a "claims specialist" rather than just general customer service. They have more authority to make adjustments to your account. 3. Document EVERYTHING - dates you tried calling, who you spoke with, reference numbers from calls, etc. This creates a paper trail that can help your case. 4. The hearing officer for your appeal actually has some discretion here too. If you explain the situation during your hearing and show you've been actively trying to resolve it, many will make a note in their decision that could help with backdating. The system is frustrating, but don't give up. I've seen plenty of cases where people in your exact situation got at least partial relief. The key is being persistent and documenting your efforts to fix the mistake once you realized it.