Thanks everyone for the helpful info. I just checked my TWC account and found my determination letter - looks like my DUA runs until September 15th (exactly 26 weeks from when I applied). That gives me about 10 weeks to get my business back to at least partial capacity. Going to look into those SBA disaster loans too as a backup plan. Really appreciate all the advice!

Glad you found your end date! Just remember if anything changes with your income before September 15th, you need to report it on your payment requests. If you start making money from your business, even if it's not back to normal levels, you have to report it and TWC will adjust your benefit amount. A lot of people miss this part and end up with overpayment notices later.

hi there, just went thru something similar with my cousin who moved from oklahoma. what finally worked was having her create a new TWC account using her SSN only, then immediately requesting a PIN reset. for some reason this bypassed the DL verification for her and she got to the next step. not sure if it will work for everyone but worth a shot!

Just checking back - were you able to get through using any of these methods? The Tele-Serv option that @helpful_user1 mentioned is usually the most reliable in my experience. Also, worth noting that with her nursing background, she might qualify for certain priority processing since healthcare workers sometimes have different unemployment rules. Make sure to specifically mention she's a nurse when you do connect with someone.

dont forget u have to do 3 work search activities EVERY WEEK and record them!! they can audit u and ask for proof so keep track of everything. i just use a spreadsheet with dates and companies i applied to

Yes, activities like updating your resume, attending job fairs, and participating in job-related workshops can count toward your work search requirements. TWC has a list of qualifying activities on their website. However, most of your activities should be actual job applications. Also, an important tip: After you're approved, you'll need to request payment every two weeks. Set a reminder for yourself because if you miss a payment request period, you may not be able to claim those weeks later. And finally, while you're waiting for approval, start your work search activities right away. You'll need to report them for your waiting week and every week after, even before you're approved.

Yes, absolutely mention in your application that you can do desk work after the initial recovery period. This demonstrates that you're available for suitable work, which is a key requirement for UI benefits. When you refile, be very explicit about: 1. The exact reason for separation (laid off due to upcoming medical procedure) 2. Your work capabilities during recovery 3. The temporary nature of your medical restriction Regarding your work search: focus on applying for jobs that you could physically perform during recovery. Document these clearly on your payment request forms. This approach shows TWC you're making good faith efforts to find suitable employment despite temporary medical limitations.

Unfortunately, TWC generally won't backdate benefits to your original filing date if your application expired due to inactivity. Benefits will typically start from the week you submit your new application. However, if you can prove that system errors or inability to reach TWC prevented you from completing your original application, you can request backdate consideration. To do this, immediately after filing your new claim: 1. Send a detailed message through your TWC portal explaining the circumstances 2. Document all your previous attempts to contact TWC (dates, times) 3. Request that they consider backdating to your original filing date While this isn't guaranteed to work, some claimants have successfully had their claims backdated when they could demonstrate the delay wasn't their fault. Make sure to continue submitting payment requests for current weeks while this is being resolved.

One more thing! Make sure she requests payment on her designated filing day after applying! So many people file the initial claim and then don't realize they have to REQUEST PAYMENT every two weeks on a specific day of the week (based on the last digit of their SSN). Missing payment requests can mess up the whole claim!

To answer your earlier question - yes, payment requests are also done online through the same TWC account or through Tele-Serv (automated phone system). You'll need to help her request payment every two weeks, and she'll need to report any work and earnings during that period. For the Gmail account, make sure she can access it independently if possible. TWC sends important notices through email, and you don't want to miss a determination letter or appeal deadline because you weren't checking her email. Also, after the initial claim is processed (usually 2-3 weeks), she'll receive a Statement of Benefits in the mail that shows her weekly benefit amount (WBA). Check this carefully - if there are errors in her work history, this is when you'll see them reflected in a lower benefit amount.