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So confused right now! I received an official determination letter dated 7/9 saying my unemployment claim was APPROVED, but when I log into my TWC account online, the status still shows 'TWC is reviewing my claim' a week later. Has anyone experienced this disconnect between paper approval and online status? I've called the 800 number about 20 times but can't get through to a real person. Is this just a system delay or should I be worried that something's wrong with my claim? I need to start requesting payments but don't want to mess anything up if my claim isn't actually approved in their system.
Hey everyone! Today is showing as my process date for my unemployment benefits (first payment) and I set up direct deposit with Chase bank. Anyone know how long it usually takes for the money to actually show up in my account? The TWC website just says 'processed' but doesn't give any timeline. I've got bills coming up soon and really need to know when I can expect to see the funds. Does Chase usually make the funds available same day or will I be waiting a few more days?
Just wanted to update - money hit my account this morning! So it took one business day after the process date. Thanks everyone for your help!
Has anyone figured out what number actually works for discussing an ineligible determination? I got the determination letter last week saying I'm ineligible because of 'voluntary quit without good cause' (which isn't true - I was laid off!). The letter shows a specific number to call for discussing this determination, but every time I call it just disconnects after a few rings. I've tried like 30 times over 3 days! I need to appeal this ASAP since I know there's a deadline, but how am I supposed to talk to anyone if their own number doesn't work? This is so frustrating!!
UPDATE: I filed my appeal online and uploaded all my documentation! Also, I tried calling the main number at 800-939-6631 like suggested above and finally got through after a 2.5 hour wait. The agent confirmed they received my appeal and said it would take approximately 3-4 weeks to process. She also submitted notes to my file clarifying that I was laid off due to restructuring, not voluntary quit. Fingers crossed this gets resolved! Thanks everyone for your help.
Glad to hear you got through and filed your appeal! Just wanted to add that while you're waiting for the appeal decision, you should continue to request payment certification if you're still unemployed - even though you're not receiving benefits right now. If your appeal is successful, TWC will backpay you for all the weeks you were eligible but didn't receive benefits due to the wrong determination. Missing your weekly certifications could cause you to lose those weeks of backpay even if you win the appeal.
I've been getting disaster unemployment benefits due to Hurricane Beryl causing our business to temporarily close for repairs. I was only missing a week of work initially but now my boss just called me yesterday saying they're permanently laying me off since the damage was worse than expected. They told me I can now collect regular unemployment instead. Does anyone know how this works? Do I need to file a new claim or will my disaster claim automatically convert? I'm confused because I was already in the TWC system for the disaster benefits. Will my benefit amount change? Really stressing about this since I've got rent due next week.
My disaster benefits werent even enough to cover my bills so maybe regular ui will be better?? Idk. This whole unemployment system is SO COMPLICATED. Why cant they just make it simple?? Good luck with everything!!
I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been super helpful! Just wanted to add that when I called TWC yesterday, they told me to make sure I have my last day of work documented clearly - apparently they need to know the exact date you went from "temporary disaster-related work loss" to "permanent layoff" for their records. The agent also mentioned that if you worked any hours during your DUA period (like cleanup work or temporary shifts), you need to report those too when filing your regular UI claim. It can affect your base period calculation. Also heads up - they're apparently pretty backed up right now with Beryl-related claims so expect longer processing times than usual. Stay strong everyone, we'll get through this!
Hey everyone, I'm kinda worried about my work search requirements for TWC. I just got a letter from them requesting my work search logs specifically for the week of 4/28-5/04. During that week, I only contacted 3 places: 2 previous employers in Shreveport, Louisiana (about 45 mins from my house) and a friend who just started a business in Texarkana, Arkansas (where my brother lives, so I could stay with him if I got a job there). None of them were hiring, but I figured previous connections would be worth checking. Now I'm paranoid about two things: 1) Does TWC actually call these places to verify my contacts? and 2) Will I get in trouble because all three contacts were out-of-state? I'm on my third payment cycle and don't want to mess this up. Any experience with this?
Update: I just called TWC (finally got through after 2 hours on hold!) and asked specifically about out-of-state work searches. The rep said they ARE acceptable as long as: 1. You're legitimately willing/able to work there 2. You can document the contact properly 3. You meet the minimum required number of work searches Since Shreveport is only 45 mins away and you have family in Texarkana where you could stay, those should count as valid activities IF you properly documented them. The rep did suggest making sure at least some of your weekly contacts are in Texas going forward though.
I went through a similar audit last year and can share what I learned. TWC does verify contacts, but not every single one - they focus on questionable entries or if your pattern looks suspicious. Your out-of-state contacts should be fine since you have legitimate reasons (previous employers and family connection for relocation). The key is documentation. Make sure you can prove these were actual work search activities - save those emails you sent with your resume, and for the phone call with your friend, write down the date, what positions you discussed, and his business info. Going forward, I'd recommend mixing in some Texas employers to show you're casting a wide net. Also, try to vary your search methods - online applications, direct employer contact, networking, etc. This shows you're making a genuine effort. Don't panic too much - if your contacts are legitimate (which they sound like they are), you should be okay. The people who get in real trouble are the ones making up fake contacts or not actually conducting any searches at all.
Isabella Santos
Just checking back - was your online status updated yet? If your payment request went through successfully, that's another good sign your claim is properly approved in their system, even if the status display hasn't caught up.
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Oliver Wagner
AuthorUpdate: My payment request went through AND my status finally updated to approved yesterday! Took exactly 12 days after the letter date. You all were right about just being patient. Thanks for the help everyone!
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Isabella Ferreira
Glad to hear everything worked out! This is such a common issue with TWC that they really should put some kind of warning on their website about the delay between approval letters and online status updates. Would save everyone so much stress and confusion. Your experience is definitely going to help the next person who searches for this same problem!
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