Update: I used Claimyr this morning and finally got through to TWC after trying for days on my own! The agent confirmed that there aren't any extensions available right now, but she did have some helpful suggestions: 1. She's sending me info about their Short-Term Training program that could help me add some certifications while I'm job hunting 2. She noted that since I won my appeal, I should make sure all my backpay is processed correctly before my benefits exhaust 3. She suggested connecting with the Workforce Solutions office specifically for their medical industry connections Not the miracle solution I was hoping for, but at least I have some direction now. Going to focus on ramping up my applications and looking at adjacent fields where my skills might transfer. Thanks everyone for the advice!

Great update @Nia Davis! I'm glad Claimyr worked for you and you finally got some real answers from TWC. That Short-Term Training program sounds like a solid option - especially if they can fast-track you through medical coding certification. One thing I'd add is to check if your local community college has any quick certification programs too. Sometimes they partner with TWC for funding. Also, since you mentioned the medical billing market is saturated, have you considered looking at related fields like insurance claims processing or healthcare administration? Your billing background would be a huge asset there and those roles often pay similar or better. Keep us posted on how that second interview goes next week - fingers crossed for you!

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!

I just want to echo what others have said - you're absolutely doing this right! I was in a nearly identical situation last year (lost my main manufacturing job but kept my part-time evening job at a restaurant). The key thing that helped me was understanding that Texas specifically designed their partial unemployment system for situations exactly like yours. What really put my mind at ease was realizing that TWC's system is actually pretty sophisticated - when you report your part-time earnings each week, their computer automatically calculates your partial benefit using the formula that @Manny Lark explained perfectly. If there was something fundamentally wrong with your eligibility, the system would have flagged it during your initial application process. I collected partial benefits for about 5 months while job searching, always reported my restaurant income accurately, and never had any issues. The peace of mind came from being completely transparent and keeping good records. You're not trying to hide anything or game the system - you're using it exactly as intended for someone who lost their primary job but still has some income. Keep doing what you're doing!

I just went through this exact same nightmare a couple of weeks ago! After reading through all these helpful suggestions, I wanted to add one more tip that worked for me. If you're still having trouble with the online reset, try using your phone's mobile browser instead of a computer - sometimes the mobile version of their site works better. Also, make sure you're connected to a stable internet connection (not public WiFi) as their system seems to time out easily on slower connections. The early morning timing everyone mentioned is absolutely crucial - I had success at around 5:45 AM on a weekday. One last thing: if you moved recently, double-check that you're using the address that was on file when you first applied, even if you've updated it since. The PIN reset system seems to cross-reference with your original application data. Don't lose hope - their system is ancient and frustrating, but persistence really does pay off! 🙏

I just dealt with this same issue last month and finally got it resolved! Here's what worked for me after trying everything: First, use incognito/private browsing mode and clear all your cache/cookies. Then try the online reset between 5-6 AM when their servers aren't overloaded - this timing really makes a huge difference! Make sure you're using your EXACT legal name as it appears on your original TWC documents (not nicknames) and the same email/phone you registered with initially. If you've moved, use your original address from when you first applied. Also disable any browser extensions temporarily as they can interfere with the site. I had to try this combo about 4 times over different days, but it eventually worked! The system is definitely frustrating but don't give up - persistence really does pay off. Once you get it reset, write it down in multiple safe places so you never have to go through this again! Good luck! 🍀

I've been on unemployment for about 7 months now and wanted to share my experience with Discover Bank since I haven't seen anyone mention them yet. My payments consistently post at 4:25am the morning after TWC shows them as processed - it's been that exact time for months now! But just like everyone else has mentioned, that first payment was a nightmare - took 6 full business days to appear and I was absolutely panicking by day 4. I kept thinking I'd made some mistake with my account info or that TWC had lost my application somehow. Called Discover twice thinking there was an issue on their end, but they assured me first-time government ACH transfers often take extra time for verification. What really helped me was realizing that TWC has to verify your identity, employment history, and bank account details before releasing that first payment. It's actually a good security measure, even though it's stressful when you're waiting for money to pay bills. After that initial verification though, the system becomes incredibly reliable - I can literally set my watch by when the money hits! For anyone waiting on their first payment, hang in there! The delay is completely normal and doesn't mean anything went wrong. Once you get past this hurdle, unemployment payments become as predictable as clockwork.

I'm also waiting on my first unemployment payment and this entire thread has been such a relief to find! I submitted my payment request on Monday, it shows as processed on Tuesday in my TWC account, and I'm with Wells Fargo. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like I should expect to see it sometime between tomorrow and Friday since this is my first payment. The anxiety is so real when you have bills coming up and you're counting on that money! But reading through everyone's bank-specific timings and hearing that 3-6 business days is totally normal for first payments has really helped calm my nerves. It's crazy how the system becomes so reliable after that initial verification hurdle - sounds like most people can predict almost to the minute when their payments will hit once they get past the first one. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences and timelines. This community support makes such a difference when you're navigating unemployment for the first time!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been lurking here for a while but finally going through my own appeal process. Reading through all these responses has been so reassuring - it's nice to know I'm not alone in feeling overwhelmed by all this! One thing I learned the hard way is to make copies of EVERYTHING before you submit it. I almost lost some important documents when I mailed them in. Now I have digital copies and physical backups of every single piece of paper related to my case. Also, if anyone is dealing with language barriers or has trouble expressing themselves clearly on the phone, TWC does offer interpreter services for the hearings. I found this info buried on their website but thought it might help someone here. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - this community is a lifesaver! 🙏

This thread is amazing! I'm just starting to consider filing an appeal and honestly felt pretty lost about the whole process. Reading through everyone's experiences has given me so much hope and practical guidance. I'm particularly grateful for the tips about practicing beforehand and keeping detailed timelines - those seem like game-changers that I never would have thought of on my own. The reminder about making copies of everything is also clutch! One question for the group: has anyone had experience appealing when you were terminated vs. when you quit? I'm wondering if the process or strategy differs significantly between the two situations. My case involves a termination that I believe was unfair, but I'm not sure if that changes how I should approach things. Thanks again to everyone for being so generous with sharing your knowledge and experiences. This community really makes a stressful situation feel much more manageable! 🤗