It sounds like based on your responses that you're starting to understand the key distinction here. I think you have a valid path forward if you approach this correctly. For your specific situation with long COVID, I'd recommend taking these steps: 1. Have your doctor create documentation that clearly states what types of work you CAN perform (remote, part-time, sedentary, etc.) along with necessary accommodations 2. Call TWC using Claimyr (claimyr.com) to connect faster - waiting for hours on the regular line will just exhaust you further with your health issues 3. Request the specific form for medical work search adjustment (they'll email it to you) 4. Continue to request payments while answering that you ARE able and available for suitable work 5. Keep detailed records of any work searches you do complete, focusing on positions that match your current capabilities 6. If you're having a severe symptom day when a TWC appointment is scheduled, call immediately to reschedule rather than missing it Many people with long COVID have found that emphasizing their ability to work remotely or on a modified schedule has been successful with TWC. The key is framing your situation as needing accommodation rather than being unable to work.

I went through something very similar with long COVID and TWC about 8 months ago. Here's what worked for me: First, don't panic about the SSDI/unemployment contradiction - lots of people apply for both simultaneously. Just be consistent in how you describe your limitations. For TWC, I got approved for reduced work search requirements (1 per week) by having my doctor complete their medical exemption form. The key was my doctor writing that I could work "remote positions requiring minimal physical exertion for up to 20 hours per week with flexible scheduling due to unpredictable symptom flares." I focused my work searches on legitimate remote/part-time positions that actually matched my current capabilities. This way I wasn't just going through the motions - I was genuinely looking for work I could actually do. The biggest thing that helped me was joining some long COVID support groups on Facebook where people share specific strategies for navigating these systems. There are a lot of us dealing with this exact situation. One warning though - be super careful about missed appointments or late payment requests. My symptoms made me miss a phone appointment once and it took weeks to get it straightened out. Set multiple reminders and ask for email confirmations of everything. You can definitely make this work, but it requires being very strategic about how you present your situation. Focus on what you CAN do, not what you can't.

Has anyone actually used that Claimyr service mentioned above? I've been trying to get someone at TWC on the phone for days and I'm desperate, but wondering if it's legit before I try it.

I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago and won my appeal! The key thing that helped me was being able to show a pattern of consistent communication with TWC - I had screenshots of all my weekly certifications and income reporting going back months. Even though I missed that one paystub deadline, I could prove I was actively engaged with the system and reporting everything accurately. One thing I wish someone had told me - bring a notepad to jot down the hearing officer's name and any reference numbers they mention. It helps if you need to follow up later. Also, they'll ask you to explain in your own words what happened, so practice a clear, concise explanation beforehand. Don't ramble or get defensive, just stick to the facts. The good news is that most people in similar situations do win their appeals if they have the documentation ready and can show they were acting in good faith. TWC recognizes that their notification system isn't perfect. You've got this!

I'm dealing with this exact same issue right now! Completed my ID.me verification 8 days ago and still stuck on the dreaded "ineligible" status. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a huge relief - I was starting to convince myself that I had somehow screwed up the verification process. The most helpful thing I've learned from this thread is that it's actually a manual review process that can take 7-10+ business days, not some automatic system update like I initially thought. I've been checking my account like 5 times a day expecting it to magically flip to eligible overnight, which was just making my anxiety worse. I'm definitely going to follow the advice about continuing to request payments even while showing ineligible - that makes total sense so you don't miss out once everything gets resolved. Also just set up those text alerts that Giovanni mentioned so I can stop obsessively logging in every few hours. The lack of transparency from TWC is honestly the most frustrating part. A simple "verification under review - please allow 7-10 business days" message would save so much stress for all of us going through this. But knowing that most people eventually get it resolved within 2 weeks gives me hope. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and keeping each other sane during this nightmare waiting period!

I'm going through this exact same situation! Just finished my ID.me verification 3 days ago and my account is still showing ineligible. I was starting to panic thinking I did something wrong, but reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring. It's really helpful to know that this is actually a manual review process that takes 7-10 business days rather than an automatic system update. I've been checking my account multiple times a day expecting instant results, which was just driving my stress through the roof. I'm definitely going to take Victoria's advice about continuing to request payments even while showing ineligible, and I just set up text alerts like Giovanni suggested. The uncertainty is definitely the hardest part - TWC really should communicate better about what's happening behind the scenes. But knowing that most people get resolved within 2 weeks gives me hope. Thanks everyone for sharing your timelines and advice!

This whole thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation where my claim has been stuck in "pending adjudication" for 2 weeks now. My employer laid off half the staff due to "restructuring" but I'm worried they might contest it too. Reading about everyone's experiences with getting through to TWC is both encouraging and terrifying - 67 calls in one day?! I'm definitely going to try some of these methods, especially the early morning calling and maybe that Claimyr service if I get desperate enough. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get the benefits we're entitled to when we lose our jobs through no fault of our own. Thanks Chris for sharing your whole journey - gives me hope that there's light at the end of this tunnel!

Wow, this whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm currently dealing with TWC phone line issues myself - been trying to reach them for about a week now with the same "high call volume" message every single time. My claim shows "under review" and I'm getting anxious about it. @Chris King so glad you finally got through and got your situation resolved! Your employer trying to claim you quit when they literally closed the restaurant is absolutely infuriating. It's crazy how some businesses try to dodge their responsibility to the unemployment system. I'm definitely going to try the 6:59am calling strategy first, and if that doesn't work I'll look into Claimyr. At this point I'm willing to try anything to avoid the endless cycle of busy signals. It's honestly shameful that the state makes it this difficult for people who are already stressed about losing their jobs to access the benefits they've paid into. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences and tips - this community is a lifesaver when dealing with bureaucratic nightmares like this!

Just wanted to follow up - how did your call with TWC go? Were you able to get through and explain the separation issue?

That's great news that you got through and the agent was helpful! I'm glad you were able to get your side of the story documented. Mass layoffs like yours should be pretty straightforward to verify - TWC can usually see patterns when multiple people from the same company file claims around the same time. Hopefully they'll approve it quickly and you'll get all your back pay too. Keep us updated on how it goes!