Regarding your timing question - the fact that your benefits exhausted one week after the storm is actually a neutral factor. What matters more is that you can demonstrate the disaster created a NEW barrier to employment that didn't exist before. The strongest evidence in your case is: 1. The cancelled interview at the factory (get documentation) 2. Any other job prospects affected by the storm 3. Physical barriers to job searching (damage to your home/transportation) Focus your application on how your path to reemployment was specifically disrupted by the disaster. This frames your case as a disaster-caused continued unemployment rather than just a regular benefits exhaustion. Be prepared that you might need to appeal if denied initially, as these cases often require human review to fully understand the timeline and circumstances.

Hey Millie! I went through something similar after the freeze in 2021. The timing of your benefits exhausting right after the storm might actually work in your favor - it shows you had active UI when the disaster hit, which can help establish the connection. One thing that really helped my case was being super specific about HOW the disaster affected my job search beyond just the one cancelled interview. I documented things like: - Transportation issues getting to interviews due to road damage - Other businesses that were closed/not hiring because of storm damage - Any networking events or job fairs that got cancelled Also, when you apply for DUA, make sure you mention that your apartment was damaged too - that shows the disaster personally affected you, not just your job prospects. Even minor damage counts. The 30-day deadline is key, so don't wait! And definitely keep all those emails about the cancelled interview - that's gold for your case. Good luck!

Update for everyone: I just confirmed with my TWC contact that these calls are part of their new Random Identity Verification Program (RIVP) that started in February 2025. If you miss their calls, they'll attempt to reach you three times before placing a hold on your claim. The best approach is to answer unknown numbers while you're receiving benefits. They typically call between 8am-5pm on weekdays. If you're selected for verification and don't complete it, your payments will be paused until you do.

Just wanted to add my experience - I got one of these calls two weeks ago and it was definitely legit. The rep knew specific details about my previous employer and the exact date I filed my claim. The whole call took about 10 minutes and they just asked me to confirm my employment history and address. They didn't ask for my SSN or bank info like others mentioned. I was nervous at first but it turned out to be straightforward. My advice is to answer the call but be cautious about what info you give out - if they ask for sensitive details like your full SSN, that's a red flag.

try callng right wen they open at 7am. thats how i got thru last time

I went through this exact situation last year and won my appeal. Here's what I learned that might help: 1. File your appeal ASAP - you only have 14 calendar days from the determination date, not when you received it 2. In your appeal letter, be very specific: "I was terminated/fired by [manager name] on [date]. I did not quit, resign, or voluntarily leave my position." 3. Document everything NOW while it's fresh - write down exactly what your manager said, who was present, the date/time, etc. For faster results, try these approaches while waiting for your hearing: - Contact your state representative's office (they can sometimes expedite TWC cases) - Call TWC at exactly 7:00 AM when they open for better chance of getting through - Submit a written statement with your appeal explaining the situation in detail Most importantly: keep requesting benefits every two weeks even though you'll be denied. If you win your appeal, you'll get backpay for all those weeks. I got 11 weeks of backpay when I won mine. The system is definitely employer-friendly upfront, but appeals have a good success rate when you have clear evidence of termination vs. quitting. Stay strong and don't give up!

When you call, make sure you have all your info ready. They'll probably ask for your personal details and employment history. Also, ask them to confirm that your application will be submitted once you're done on the phone. Don't want to go through all that just to have it lost in the system!

Ugh, I went through the exact same thing last week! Got all the way to the final submit button and then BAM - error message saying I had to call. It's like they want to make this as difficult as possible. When I finally got through (after waiting 2.5 hours on hold 😩), the rep told me it's a "known issue" with their system. She was actually pretty helpful though and got my application submitted over the phone in about 20 minutes. My advice: call early in the morning, have all your documents ready, and maybe grab a good podcast to listen to while you wait. You got this! 💪

bookmarking this thread cuz i know this will happen to me again lol

Glad you got it sorted out! For future reference, I've found that TWC's system also has issues if you're using a VPN or if your IP address changes frequently. Sometimes switching to mobile data or a different network can help if you're still getting locked out after trying all the browser fixes. Also, pro tip - screenshot your successful login page once you get in, so you know you're always going to the right URL next time!