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I went through the exact same thing a few months ago! Got denied initially but kept getting those ID.me emails and was so confused. Turns out it's completely normal - the ID.me verification is required for your TWC account regardless of whether your initial claim was approved or denied. I actually called it the "bureaucratic chicken and egg problem" because you need to verify to appeal, but you get denied before verifying! The good news is that once I completed the ID.me verification and filed an interstate claim (I had worked in New Mexico), everything got sorted out. The verification itself took maybe 15 minutes - just have your driver's license ready and make sure you're in good lighting for the video selfie part. One tip that saved me a lot of headache: when you do get through to TWC, ask them to put a note in your file that you completed the ID.me verification on [whatever date you do it]. Sometimes there's a delay between when you complete it and when it shows up in their system, and having that note prevented me from having to redo the process later. Hang in there - the system is definitely confusing but it sounds like you're on the right track with the interstate claim angle!
Thanks for sharing your experience Darren! The "bureaucratic chicken and egg problem" is the perfect way to describe this situation - I was feeling so frustrated about needing to verify my identity after being denied, but hearing that it's completely normal helps a lot. That's a really smart tip about asking them to put a note in my file about completing the ID.me verification. I can definitely see how there could be delays between completing it and it showing up in their system, and I'd hate to have to go through the whole process again later. I'm planning to complete the verification tonight and then work on getting through to them about the interstate claim. It's so reassuring to hear success stories from people who have been through this exact same confusing process!
I just went through this same process last month and wanted to share what I learned! The ID.me verification is actually required for ALL TWC accounts now, regardless of your claim status. So even though you got denied, you still need to complete it because it's tied to your account, not your specific claim. The really important thing here is that your denial was likely because TWC's system initially only looks at Texas wages. Since you worked in Oklahoma, you'll probably need to file what's called an interstate claim or combined wage claim to include those out-of-state wages. I had a similar situation with Arizona wages and once I got the right type of claim filed, I qualified easily. My advice: Complete the ID.me verification ASAP (it's pretty quick - just need your driver's license and decent lighting), then focus on getting through to TWC to discuss filing an interstate claim. The verification requirement isn't going away, so you might as well get it done now rather than having it delay things later if your appeal or new claim gets approved. Don't let the confusing system discourage you - it sounds like you should definitely qualify once they look at your Oklahoma wages!
This is such a helpful summary Emma! I'm new to this whole unemployment process and was getting really overwhelmed trying to figure out what I needed to do first. Your explanation about the ID.me verification being tied to the account rather than the specific claim finally makes it click for me. I'm in a similar situation - worked in Colorado before moving to Texas and got denied for insufficient wages. It sounds like I need to do the ID.me verification first and then call about an interstate claim. Did you have any trouble getting through to someone at TWC who understood the interstate claim process, or did most agents know how to help with that?
I went through this same panic last year! Filed my claim and then completely spaced on the WorkInTexas registration for almost 2 weeks. Here's what I learned: **Good news:** You're only 6 days out, which is way better than the 2+ weeks some of us have delayed. Since your first payment request probably isn't due yet, you should be totally fine if you register today. **About your 2023 registration:** Unfortunately, it's definitely expired by now. WorkInTexas registrations become inactive after about 90 days of no activity, so even though you were in the system before, you'll need to go through the full registration process again. **Pro tips from my experience:** - Use a computer, not your phone - the mobile site is a nightmare - Set aside a solid hour to complete everything in one sitting - Fill out EVERY section completely, including uploading a resume - Take screenshots of your completion confirmation The TWC website is super confusing about this requirement, but it's absolutely mandatory. Don't stress too much though - as long as you get registered before your first payment request, you should avoid any payment delays. Just get it done today and you'll have peace of mind!
This is exactly the reassurance I needed to hear! I've been stressing about this all morning but you're right - 6 days isn't nearly as bad as I thought. I'm definitely going to tackle this registration today on my laptop and get it over with. One thing that's been bugging me - do you remember if TWC ever sent you any kind of reminder about the WorkInTexas registration requirement? I swear the agent mentioned it when I filed but I don't see it anywhere in my paperwork or emails. Makes me wonder how many people miss this step just because it's not clearly communicated! Thanks for the detailed breakdown and the reassurance that I'm not doomed. Time to stop procrastinating and just get this done!
Just went through this exact same situation a few months ago - filed my claim and then completely forgot about WorkInTexas registration for over a week! The anxiety was real, but here's what I learned: **You're actually in good shape at only 6 days out.** Most people don't submit their first payment request until 2-3 weeks after filing, so you have time to get this sorted before it becomes a real problem. **Your 2023 registration is definitely expired.** I had the same false hope, but those registrations go inactive after 90 days of no activity. You'll need to start completely fresh. **Here's exactly what to do:** 1. Register on WorkInTexas TODAY using a desktop computer (seriously, the mobile site will make you want to throw your phone) 2. Complete EVERY section - work history, resume upload/creation, job preferences, make profile searchable 3. Screenshot your completion confirmation and save it somewhere safe 4. Don't panic about calling TWC unless you run into actual technical issues The good news is that TWC checks your registration status when they process your payment request, not when you initially file. As long as you're registered before you submit that first payment request, you should be golden. I know the 2-hour hold times are brutal, but honestly, just getting registered is more productive than sitting on hold right now. You've got this! 💪
This thread has been such a lifesaver! I'm literally in the exact same boat - filed my claim 5 days ago and just now realizing I never registered on WorkInTexas. Reading everyone's experiences here has been both scary and reassuring at the same time. @Malik Johnson thanks for breaking it down so clearly! The timeline you mentioned makes me feel a lot better - I was panicking thinking I was already screwed, but if I have until my first payment request to get this sorted, that takes some pressure off. One quick question for anyone who s'been through this - after you register on WorkInTexas, do you get any kind of confirmation that TWC can see your registration? Or do you just have to trust that the systems are talking to each other? I m'the type of person who likes to double-check everything, especially when benefits are on the line! Going to tackle this registration today on my laptop. Wish me luck dealing with that awful website everyone s'been warning about! 🤞
I'm on day 12 business days waiting for my ReliaCard and this thread has been absolutely incredible for my peace of mind! Like so many others here, I was initially counting weekends and getting really stressed thinking I was way overdue. Once I understood the business days vs regular days difference, everything made so much more sense. I called that US Bank number (1-855-282-6161) yesterday and they confirmed my card was mailed 4 days ago to the correct address, which was such a relief to hear. The hardest part is definitely seeing "payment issued" in the TWC portal but not being able to actually access the funds when bills are piling up. But reading all these timelines from everyone - especially knowing that 10-17 business days is completely normal - has really helped manage my anxiety. I'm planning to wait until day 17 before considering a replacement, and I'm absolutely setting up direct deposit the second this card arrives so I never have to go through this stressful waiting period again. Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences, phone numbers, and tips - this community support makes such a difference when dealing with these frustrating government processes!
I'm on day 9 business days waiting for my ReliaCard and this thread has been such a lifesaver! I was definitely making the same mistake everyone else mentions about counting weekends - it's crazy how much that changes your stress level when you realize you're actually still in the normal timeframe. I've got that US Bank number (1-855-282-6161) saved to call tomorrow if my card doesn't show up. The whole situation is so frustrating seeing "payment issued" but not being able to access it when rent is due next week. But reading everyone's timelines here (10-17 business days seems to be the norm) gives me hope it'll arrive soon. Already planning to set up direct deposit immediately once I get the card - never doing this waiting game again! Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and all the helpful tips.
You're right at that sweet spot where calling US Bank tomorrow makes total sense! Day 9 business days is when a lot of people in this thread started checking status, and it really helps with the anxiety just knowing it's actually in the mail. I was in your exact same position a couple weeks ago - rent due, seeing "payment issued" but can't touch it, counting down the days. That US Bank number has been super helpful for everyone here. Based on all the timelines people shared, you should definitely have it within the next week or so. The direct deposit plan is spot on - I did the same thing immediately after getting my card and it's such a relief knowing you'll never have to deal with this waiting stress again!
I know this thread is already full of great advice, but I wanted to add one more option that saved me when I was in a similar situation. If you have a local credit union or community bank, some of them offer emergency cash advances or short-term loans specifically for people waiting on unemployment benefits. I was able to get a small advance from my credit union by showing them my TWC approval letter and explaining the ReliaCard delay. They gave me $500 to cover immediate expenses and I paid it back as soon as my benefits started coming through. Not all banks do this, but it's worth asking - especially smaller, community-focused institutions. They often have more flexibility than big banks for helping members in tough spots. Just another option to consider if the phone calls and expedited shipping don't work out fast enough!
That's a really smart suggestion about credit unions! I never would have thought to ask my bank about emergency advances for unemployment delays. It's such a practical solution, especially since you already had the TWC approval letter as proof. Community banks and credit unions really do seem more willing to work with people in these situations compared to big corporate banks. Thanks for sharing that option - it could be a lifesaver for someone who's tried all the phone number tricks and still can't get their card expedited in time for rent or other urgent bills!
This whole situation is unfortunately way too common with the ReliaCard system. I went through something similar last year and what finally worked for me was calling that direct ReliaCard number (1-855-282-6161) that @Yuki Tanaka mentioned, but I had to call multiple times throughout the day. The key is persistence - I called at 8am, 11am, 2pm, and finally got through around 4pm. When I explained my situation (3+ weeks waiting, rent due), the representative was actually really understanding and put me on a 2-day expedited shipping at no extra charge. Also, while you're waiting, definitely look into switching to direct deposit for future payments. The ReliaCard system has so many delays and issues that it's just not reliable for people who need their benefits on time. You can set this up through your TWC account once you get access, and it makes such a huge difference for consistency. Hope you get this sorted out soon - the waiting and uncertainty is so stressful when you're already dealing with unemployment!
Hugh Intensity
Just wanted to update everyone - I finally got through to TWC this morning using the Claimyr service that was recommended. They fixed my account in about 5 minutes! The rep said there's been a widespread issue with the work search log page causing security flags on accounts. Apparently when the page times out or gives errors, some security algorithm flags it as suspicious activity. I was able to submit my work search logs and complete my payment request. They also put a note on my account about the technical issue so I won't be penalized for the delay. Thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone!
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Romeo Quest
•Great to hear this was resolved! For others reading this thread later - if you experience similar issues, be sure to take screenshots of any error messages you receive. This can help document that the problem was on TWC's end rather than yours, which can be important if there are any disputes about timely filing.
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GalaxyGazer
•Wait, I'm confused - Hugh, weren't you the one asking for help in the original post? Your member ID is different from Everett who posted this. Did you have the same issue or are you updating on behalf of someone else?
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Aliyah Debovski
I'm dealing with something similar right now! My account got locked yesterday when I was trying to submit my work search activities. The website kept timing out and then suddenly I couldn't log in at all. It's so stressful when you're depending on these benefits and the system just fails like this. I'm going to try calling first thing in the morning like Romeo suggested, but if that doesn't work I'll definitely look into that Claimyr service. Thanks for sharing your experience everyone - it helps to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess!
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Alice Coleman
•@Aliyah Debovski I m'going through the exact same thing right now! Just got locked out this morning trying to submit my work search log. Reading through this thread has been really helpful - sounds like this is a widespread problem with their system update. I m'going to try calling right at 8am tomorrow like Romeo suggested, and if that doesn t'work I ll'definitely check out that Claimyr service that seemed to work for others. It s'so frustrating that we have to deal with their technical problems when we re'already stressed about finding work. Keep us posted on how it goes for you!
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