Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I'm currently on my first unemployment claim and honestly had no idea that TWC could require training with such short notice. The fact that @ea99f97eb184 was able to get a virtual option after properly requesting accommodations gives me hope that the system isn't completely inflexible. I'm definitely taking notes on using specific language like "reasonable accommodations" and being persistent if the first rep isn't helpful. It's unfortunate that you have to know these insider tricks to get fair treatment, but I'm so grateful this community exists to share these experiences. Definitely bookmarking this thread in case I run into similar issues down the road!

This entire thread is such a perfect example of why we need better transparency in TWC processes! I've been dealing with unemployment claims for over a decade (unfortunately had to navigate layoffs multiple times in my industry), and the inconsistency in how representatives handle identical situations is maddening. @ea99f97eb184 your experience perfectly illustrates how the first person you talk to can completely misinform you about your rights and options. The fact that you were told you have to be "free 100% of the time" is just wrong - that's not what the law says at all. What's really concerning is how many people probably just accept that first harsh response and either skip the training (losing benefits) or scramble to comply in ways that create real hardship. The accommodation process exists for exactly these situations, but TWC seems to train their front-line staff to discourage people from using it. For anyone reading this in the future: always ask about accommodations, always get a second opinion if the first rep seems unreasonable, and document everything in writing. The system works when you know how to work it, but it shouldn't be this hard to access basic protections that are already built into the program.

Smart move uploading those documents proactively! That's exactly what I would recommend. I went through something similar a few months ago - got the verification call even after completing ID.me, uploaded my documents just like you did, and never heard another word about it. One thing that helped ease my anxiety was setting up text notifications in my TWC portal so I'd get immediate alerts if they needed anything else. You can find that under account settings. That way you're not constantly checking your account wondering if something new came up. Sounds like you handled this perfectly though. The fact that you don't have any pending tasks in your portal and your payments are still processing is a really good sign that everything is fine with your claim.

I've been through this exact situation twice now with TWC! The first time I panicked just like you, but it turned out to be completely routine. They're doing these secondary verification calls on a lot of claims right now, even after ID.me verification is complete. The key phrase "we'll contact you if needed" is actually good news - it means they're not seeing any red flags that require immediate action. In my experience, about 80% of people who get this call never hear back about it. Since you've already uploaded your documents proactively, you're in great shape. Just keep an eye on your payment schedule and your TWC inbox. If your payments continue processing normally over the next week or two, you can pretty much consider this matter closed. The fact that they didn't ask for specific documents during the call suggests they're just doing their due diligence, not investigating a problem.

Mason, I went through something very similar when I first started working. The determination letter with insufficient wages is definitely a denial - I learned that the hard way. One thing that helped me was keeping track of my quarterly earnings after that so I'd know exactly when I could reapply. Also, while you're waiting to build up enough work quarters, don't forget to check if you qualify for SNAP (food stamps) or other local assistance programs. Many people don't realize these can bridge the gap while you're building eligibility for unemployment. Your local workforce center might have job training programs too that could help you find something more stable. Good luck with everything!

@Mason - I see you've gotten a lot of great advice here! Just wanted to add that when you do eventually reapply (once you have more quarters), make sure to apply during the correct filing week. TWC is very strict about when you can file - you can only file during your designated week based on the last digit of your SSN. Missing your filing week can delay everything even more. Also, keep all your pay stubs and employment records organized now so you'll have everything ready when you do qualify. The whole system is definitely confusing for newcomers to the workforce, but you're handling it well by asking questions and planning ahead!

I was in a very similar situation about 8 months ago - lost my main job at a distribution center but kept my weekend restaurant job. The anxiety you're feeling is totally normal! I was constantly worried about getting hit with an overpayment notice too. What really helped me was calling TWC early on to confirm I was doing everything right (took forever to get through, but worth it). The agent explained that as long as you're reporting your part-time income accurately and completely on every payment request, you're following the rules. They actually EXPECT people to have partial employment situations like this. One tip: keep a simple spreadsheet or notebook tracking your part-time hours and wages alongside what you report to TWC each week. It only takes 30 seconds but gives you peace of mind and documentation if needed. I never had any issues during my 4 months on partial benefits, and most people I know who were honest about their earnings didn't either. You're doing it right!

I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Just got laid off from my full-time warehouse job but I'm still working my weekend retail position. I was terrified to even file because I thought any employment would disqualify me completely. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - especially understanding how the partial benefit calculation works. I finally filed yesterday after putting it off for almost 3 weeks out of fear. Seeing that so many people have successfully navigated this situation while being honest about their part-time income gives me a lot more confidence. I'm definitely going to start keeping detailed records of everything I report like some of you suggested. Thanks for asking this question - it probably helped way more people than just you!

For future reference for anyone reading this thread: Payment requests made on a Sunday before a Monday holiday typically process 1-2 business days later than normal. TWC's processing system runs on business days, so a Monday holiday pushes everything back. Your payment request isn't lost - it's just in a queue waiting to be processed. Also, there's an important difference between seeing the payment in your TWC account and when it actually hits your bank account or debit card. The TWC system will show the payment as processed usually 1-2 days before you actually receive the funds. Direct deposit typically takes 2-3 business days after processing, while the TWC debit card is usually 1-2 business days.

This is really helpful to know! I'm new to the TWC system and filed my first claim last week. I was supposed to do my payment request this Sunday but now I'm wondering - should I expect delays every time there's a holiday? And is there a way to check ahead of time if TWC will have processing delays for upcoming holidays? I want to plan better so I don't panic like you all did this week!