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TWC payment request line keeps dropping after 'additional information needed' message - what now?

I'm seriously at my wit's end with this TWC phone system! I called on Sunday to request my payment like normal, and got that automated message saying they needed 'additional information' for my claim. Fine, I figured I'd wait to speak with someone. But it's now FRIDAY and I've been calling multiple times every day - when I finally get through the queue after waiting forever, the call just randomly disconnects right before a person comes on! This has happened 4 times now!! I can't afford to wait another week for payment. Has anyone dealt with this 'additional information needed' message? Do I need to go to a workforce office in person? I have bills due Monday and I'm completely panicking.

Quick update based on your situation - since it's Friday already and you've been trying all week, I'd recommend this approach: 1. Try calling one more time today if possible 2. If that doesn't work, use Claimyr as mentioned above or visit a Workforce office Monday morning 3. In the meantime, submit a message through the TWC portal contact form explaining your situation (though responses can take 5-7 days) The good news is that once you get this resolved, you should receive all the payments you're eligible for, even if delayed. The system is frustrating but eventually works out for most people.

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Thank you for the reassurance and the step-by-step plan. I'll give it one more try today, then look into Claimyr or visiting an office on Monday. It helps knowing the payments won't be lost completely even though they're delayed. Just stressful trying to manage bills in the meantime!

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I went through this exact same nightmare about 6 months ago! The "additional information needed" message drove me crazy for weeks. Here's what I learned that might help you: 1. The message can sometimes be triggered by something as simple as a slight discrepancy in how you reported your work search contacts vs. what they have on file from employers. 2. Try calling the Tele-Serv line (800-558-8321) instead of the main customer service line. Sometimes it will give you more specific information about what's holding up your claim. 3. If you do make it to a Workforce office, ask them to print out your "claim summary" - this sometimes shows internal notes about what verification they need. 4. Keep a detailed log of every call attempt with dates/times. If this drags on, you can file a complaint with the Texas Workforce Commission ombudsman. The most frustrating part is not knowing WHAT information they need! But hang in there - once you get through to someone, it's usually resolved quickly. Most of these "additional info" holds are for pretty minor verification issues.

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Who to notify when starting a job - TWC or Workforce Commission or both?

Just got a job offer (finally!) after 4 months on unemployment. Starting next Monday! Do I need to report this to TWC, Workforce Solutions, or both? The TWC website is super confusing about this. My friend said I just stop requesting payments, but someone else told me I have to formally notify them or they'll keep paying me and then I'll owe money back. I don't want to mess this up and get hit with an overpayment later! Also, do I report on my start date or my first payday? Thanks for any help!

when i got a job i just stopped requesting becuz its too much hassle honestly nobody ever botherd me about it

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While you may not have experienced consequences, this approach puts others at risk of overpayments. TWC can and does audit claims, sometimes months or even years later. The proper procedure is to report work on your final payment request to officially notify them of your employment status.

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Congratulations on your new job! Based on what others have shared here, I'd definitely recommend doing that final payment request and reporting your work hours - it seems like the safest approach to avoid any overpayment issues down the road. I've heard too many horror stories about people getting surprise bills months later. Better to spend a few minutes doing it right than dealing with appeals and repayments later. Good luck with your new position!

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TWC deposited payment before determination letter - Is this normal?

So I'm totally confused about my TWC unemployment claim process. I filed 3 weeks ago after getting laid off from my restaurant manager position. I just checked my bank account and noticed TWC deposited $438 for my second claimed week (nothing for first week which I guess is the waiting week). But here's the weird part - I STILL haven't received any determination letter saying I'm approved! When I called using the automated system, it says my claim is 'pending' and when I finally reached someone last week, they just said my employer responded and now it's 'waiting for an examiner to complete the process.' Has anyone else gotten paid BEFORE receiving their official determination? I'm afraid to spend the money in case this was a mistake and they ask for it back. Is this normal or did something glitch in their system?

Just to add an important note: Make sure you continue completing your payment requests on schedule regardless of whether you've received the determination letter. Missing a payment request period can create significant complications with your claim. The fact that you've already received a payment is a good sign, but the determination letter is still important because it contains your official benefit information and appeal rights. If you don't receive it within the next 2 weeks, I recommend contacting TWC to ensure they have your correct mailing address on file.

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I'm dealing with something similar right now! Filed my claim 2 weeks ago after being laid off from my retail job, and I just got my first payment yesterday but still no determination letter. Reading through these comments is really helpful - sounds like this is pretty normal with TWC being backed up. I was also worried about spending the money in case it was a mistake, but it seems like if they're paying you, that means you're approved. Still planning to keep documenting everything and doing my work searches just to be safe. Thanks for posting this question - you're definitely not alone in this situation!

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Can I apply for TWC benefit extension after exhausting regular UI benefits?

I just used up all my regular unemployment benefits and my account shows $0 remaining. This is my first time on unemployment and I'm freaking out because I still haven't found work. Are there any extensions available in Texas right now that I can apply for? My last payment hit my account yesterday and I'm worried about how I'll pay rent next month. Do I need to file a whole new claim or is there some extension process? Sorry if this is a dumb question, the TWC website is really confusing about what happens after benefits are exhausted.

Since you're near the end of your benefits, make sure you request a statement of benefits paid for your tax records. You can do this through your TWC account. Also, even though extensions aren't available, continue checking your correspondence inbox on the TWC portal weekly. Sometimes there are updates about temporary programs or specialized assistance that might apply to your situation. The system isn't always great about sending email notifications for these opportunities.

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That's really helpful advice, thank you. I hadn't thought about needing tax records but that makes sense. I'll keep checking my TWC inbox regularly just in case. This whole thread has been so helpful - I feel less lost now even though the news wasn't what I hoped for.

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I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - the uncertainty is awful when you're already dealing with job loss. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you've gotten good advice about exploring SNAP, TANF, and other assistance programs while continuing your job search. One thing I'd add is to check with local churches, community organizations, and food banks in your area - many have emergency assistance funds for rent/utilities that can help bridge the gap while you're waiting for other programs to kick in. Also, don't forget about gig work or temporary employment agencies as a short-term income source. It's not ideal, but even a few hundred dollars from DoorDash or temp work can help with immediate expenses. You're not alone in this situation and you're being smart by asking for help and exploring all your options. Hang in there!

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TWC claim stuck in limbo after employer responded - no updates for weeks

I filed my unemployment claim on May 13th and got confirmation that my employer responded to TWC's inquiry. It's been almost 3 weeks now and I haven't heard ANYTHING from TWC except automated messages saying "continue to request payment and complete work search activities." No determination letter, no approval/denial, nothing about my benefit amount... just silence. I've been dutifully requesting payment every two weeks and logging my 3+ job searches, but my account still shows "pending." Is this normal?? How long should I expect to wait before I get some kind of actual update? I'm seriously worried about paying rent next month if this keeps dragging on. Has anyone experienced similar delays recently?

Update: Finally got through to TWC! Apparently my claim was flagged for "additional review" because I had worked for my last employer for less than 6 months. The agent said this is routine but they're behind on processing these reviews. She put a note on my account to expedite it. Thanks everyone for your advice - especially about being persistent with calling. Will update when I get my determination letter!

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Awesome! How did you finally get through? I'm still trying ๐Ÿ˜ฉ

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I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Felt silly paying to get through but after 3+ weeks of trying on my own, it was worth it. Got connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes.

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Glad you finally got some answers! That "additional review" flag is so frustrating - they should really notify people when claims get flagged for routine stuff like this. At least now you know it's moving forward. Fingers crossed you get your determination letter soon and the backpay comes through quickly!

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