One other thing to be aware of - even if you CAN'T get backdated to your actual unemployment date, make sure you're claiming every week going forward! A lot of people file their initial application but don't realize they need to request payment every two weeks. You have to keep certifying even while waiting for your claim to be approved, or you'll lose those weeks too. The TWC system is seriously designed to trip people up in my opinion. They make everything so complicated that people miss out on benefits they're entitled to.

I made the same mistake when I first became unemployed - waited about 10 days thinking I'd land something quickly. When I finally called TWC to ask about backdating, the agent told me that unless there were extenuating circumstances (like medical emergency, natural disaster, or TWC system being down), they typically can't backdate claims just because someone didn't know to file immediately. However, she did mention that if you can document that you were actively job searching during that gap period and can show you were genuinely unemployed and available for work, sometimes they'll make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. It's worth gathering any emails, job applications, or other proof that you were looking for work during those two weeks before calling. The key is to call as soon as possible - the longer you wait to request backdating, the less likely they are to approve it. And like others mentioned, be prepared for long wait times or consider using one of those callback services if you can't get through.

Have you checked your bank account details in the system? Sometimes payments get held up if there's a mismatch or if your bank rejects the deposit for some reason.

I went through something similar a few months ago and it was incredibly stressful. Here's what worked for me: First, try clearing your browser cache and cookies completely, then attempt to log in using an incognito/private browsing window. If that doesn't work, the nuclear option that finally got me back in was calling the main TWC number at 8am sharp when they open - you'll still wait, but your chances are better early in the morning. When you do get through, ask them to check if your account has been flagged for fraud prevention (this happened to me after I moved and updated my address). They can usually fix login issues and payment holds on the same call once they verify your identity. Also, make sure you have your social security card and driver's license ready - they'll need to verify everything. Don't give up, the system is broken but the people on the phone can actually help once you reach them!

anyone els think its ridiculous that TWC takes WEEKS to tell u this information when they could just post it on ur account???? the whole system is designed to frustrate people into giving up

I went through something similar last year when I was laid off from my marketing job. Got 12 weeks severance and TWC took forever to process everything. One thing I learned is that you can appeal the severance allocation if you think they calculated it wrong - I had to do this because they initially counted my vacation payout as part of my severance when it should have been separate. Also, if you're really struggling financially during the waiting period, you might qualify for other assistance programs like SNAP or emergency rental assistance through your county. The allocation period feels endless when you're going through it, but hang in there - the benefits will eventually start once it's over as long as you keep up with all the requirements.

After reading through all the comments, I agree with the consensus that you probably won't get the waiting week paid. But for future reference (or anyone else reading this thread), here's the official TWC rule about waiting week payments: "The waiting week is the first week of your claim. You must request payment for this week, but you won't get paid for it until: - You return to full-time work, or - You exhaust all of your benefits, or - You have received 3 times your weekly benefit amount in benefits" Since you were disqualified and never received benefits equaling 3x your weekly amount, the waiting week remains unpaid. The system is designed this way to prevent people from filing for very short periods of unemployment.

I'm really sorry you're going through this situation. Based on everything I've read here, it sounds like you're unfortunately out of luck for the waiting week payment since your entire claim was disqualified and you never received any benefit payments. The 3-week benefit requirement seems to be pretty strict. But honestly, congratulations on finding that better-paying job so quickly! I know it doesn't help with those medical bills right now, but at least you're in a better position overall. Sometimes these TWC situations work out in unexpected ways - you might have ended up making less on unemployment than you're making now at your new job. If you do decide to reach out to TWC just to be 100% sure, I'd go with the online message system like Michael suggested. At least then you'll have an official answer without the phone headache.

One more thing to add - the TWC Appeals department normally sends you a letter acknowledging receipt of your appeal within 7-10 days. If you didn't get that, I would double-check that they actually received your appeal. You can submit another one if needed (it won't hurt your case), just to make sure you're in the system.

Hang in there! I know the waiting is incredibly stressful when you're running low on funds. Based on what others have shared, 4 weeks is still within the normal timeframe, though I totally understand your frustration. Since you mentioned you got the acknowledgment letter, that's good - you're definitely in the system. The key things to focus on now are: 1) Keep requesting payments every two weeks (even though you're not getting paid yet), 2) Document your work search activities thoroughly, and 3) gather any evidence that supports your case about the layoff vs. misconduct. The fact that your employer is claiming misconduct when you were actually laid off due to restructuring should work in your favor. Do you have any emails, documents, or witnesses that can back up your version of events? Having that ready will be important when your hearing gets scheduled. Stay strong - appeals do take time but many people win when they have the facts on their side like you seem to!