After you apply, you'll likely receive a "determination letter" from TWC. This is their decision about your eligibility. If it's denied, don't panic! You have 14 calendar days to appeal from the date on the letter (not from when you receive it). Appeals are actually quite successful - about 30% of denials get reversed on appeal. For the appeal, you'll need to submit a written statement explaining why you believe you qualify, along with any supporting evidence. If your employer made the false accusation, TWC will expect them to provide evidence. If they can't prove you did something wrong, you should qualify for benefits. During the appeal process, KEEP REQUESTING PAYMENTS every two weeks. If you win your appeal, you'll receive back payments for those weeks.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - being suspended based on false accusations is incredibly stressful! I went through something similar last year and want to share what I learned. First, definitely apply for TWC benefits right away. When you file, select "suspended without pay" as your reason for unemployment. Don't overthink the application - just state the basic facts: you were suspended without pay on [date] pending an investigation, and you haven't been allowed to work or earn wages since then. Here's something important I wish I'd known: even if your employer contests your claim (which they probably will), TWC makes their own independent determination about whether you qualify. They don't just take your employer's word for it. During the fact-finding interview, you'll get to tell your side of the story. Keep documenting everything - dates, conversations, any emails or texts. And definitely don't quit, no matter how frustrated you get. If they do end up firing you, make them do it officially so you have a clear record of what happened. The whole process is nerve-wracking, but you have rights here. TWC has seen these situations many times before. Stay strong and don't let them intimidate you out of benefits you may be entitled to!

One time I was in a different state visiting family and tried to log in to TWC and suddenly got flagged for identity verification... I think sometimes even small things can trigger their security system. Definitely not necessarily fraud like someone suggested. Just a precaution.

UPDATE: The access code showed up this morning (took about 30 hours). I completed the ID.me verification and it wasn't too bad! Had to upload my driver's license and do a video selfie thing. Now just waiting for TWC to process it and hopefully restore my claim. Thanks everyone for the help and reassurance!

UPDATE: My mom was able to visit the Workforce Solutions office in Houston this morning. They verified her identity and helped her set up her account with a PIN right there! She's now submitted her initial claim. Thanks everyone for all your help and suggestions!

Congrats to your mom for getting through the process! For anyone else reading this who might be dealing with PIN issues, here's a quick summary of what seems to work best based on this thread: 1) Try the in-person Workforce Solutions office first if possible - seems most reliable, 2) If calling, try early morning or mid-week for better chance of getting through, 3) Consider services like Claimyr if you're stuck on hold, 4) The mailed PIN can take 1-2 weeks so don't wait if you need benefits ASAP. Also great reminder about the work search requirements - that's something they really should make clearer upfront!

UPDATE: The website is back up now! Just successfully submitted my payment request. It's running a bit slow but at least it's working. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

I'm still getting an error message when I try to log in. Anyone else still having problems or is it just me now? Getting so frustrated with this whole process!!!

Did they tell you how to pay back the money? Do u have to write a check or can you do it online?

Thanks for sharing the update! This is really helpful for others who might be in the same situation. It's reassuring to know that TWC handled it fairly when you self-reported the mistake. Seven weeks is a significant waiting period, but at least you know exactly when your benefits will resume and there are no fraud concerns hanging over your head. For anyone else reading this thread - this is a perfect example of why it's always better to call and correct mistakes proactively rather than hoping they won't notice. The system may be frustrating, but they do seem to work with people who are honest about errors.