Quick update on this topic - I just checked the TWC website and found their official policy on DUA backdating. The key things you need to know: 1. The normal filing deadline is 30 days from the announcement of DUA availability 2. Late applications can be accepted if you can show "good cause" for filing late 3. For the May 2025 storms, the filing deadline was extended until August 31, 2025 (this was a special extension) Since you filed in July, you're actually within the extended deadline period! This means you shouldn't even need a "good cause" explanation. Your claim should be backdated to when the disaster actually affected your employment in May. I recommend printing this information from the TWC website and including it with your backdating request. Sometimes the agents aren't aware of special extensions for specific disasters.

I finally got through to TWC after trying for 3 weeks straight (busy signals, disconnects, the whole mess). I used Claimyr.com to get connected - took about 15 minutes instead of days of calling. The agent I spoke with confirmed that for DUA claims, they CAN backdate to when the disaster affected your employment, regardless of when you filed, as long as you filed within the disaster-specific deadline (which was extended for the May storms). Definitely worth checking out their service if you're still having trouble getting through. They have a demo video at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh so you can see how it works. Good luck with your backdating! Based on what the agent told me, you should be eligible since you filed in July.

Anyone else notice how these "mandatory" trainings always seem to happen right after you get approved? It's like they're testing to see if they can disqualify you right away. My theory is they have some kind of quota system where they try to kick a certain percentage of people off benefits each month. Stay strong and don't let them intimidate you!

I wanted to share the official TWC policy on this matter to help clarify: While TWC can require participation in reemployment activities, they must follow their own "Reasonable Accommodation" guidelines for claimants with legitimate barriers. Temporary childcare issues with insufficient notice often qualify for accommodation. However, it's critical to understand that the burden is on YOU to properly request this accommodation BEFORE the scheduled activity. A retroactive request after missing the training is much less likely to be approved. Also important: While dealing with this issue, continue meeting ALL other UI requirements including: - Completing your payment requests on time - Performing and documenting your minimum 3 work search activities each week - Remaining available for suitable work - Responding to any TWC correspondence within required timeframes I've seen many claimants navigate this successfully by being proactive and thorough in their documentation.

I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) last month when I had a similar issue with my TWC claim, and they got me through to a live person pretty quickly. Worth checking out if you're still struggling to reach someone. The agent I talked to explained that in Texas, you need to report self-employment on your initial claim because it affects your base period calculations. The good news is that they can add it retroactively.

Just to clarify some confusion I'm seeing in the comments: TWC treats self-employment differently than regular W-2 employment when calculating your initial benefit amount. Self-employment income typically doesn't count toward your base period wages that determine your weekly benefit amount (WBA), but you still must report any current self-employment earnings during your payment requests. However, it's crucial to disclose all types of work on your initial application for accuracy. Then during each payment request, report all earnings before taxes for that week. If your weekly DoorDash earnings are less than your WBA, you'll receive partial benefits equal to your WBA minus a portion of your earnings.

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.

btw make sure she knows that once she gets in she needs to do at least 3 work search activities each week and report them or they'll stop her benefits. they never told me this and i lost a week of payments

UPDATE: My mom was able to visit the Workforce Solutions office in Houston this morning. They verified her identity and helped her set up her account with a PIN right there! She's now submitted her initial claim. Thanks everyone for all your help and suggestions!

When I got laid off back in May, trying to get through to TWC was a NIGHTMARE. I needed to ask a question about my work search requirements and spent 3 weeks trying to get someone on the phone. Busy signals, disconnects, hold for hours then cut off... I was about to lose my mind! Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got a callback from TWC in under an hour. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Seriously saved my sanity during an already stressful time.

make sure ur applying to jobs now!! dont wait til ur last day. the more applications u send the better chance u have of not needing unemploymnet at all. also the job search requirment is no joke - my friend got audited and had to pay back $4000 because she didnt keep good records!!!!

Yes, if your appeal is successful, you'll need to submit payment requests for those missed weeks. TWC will usually provide instructions on how to do this once your appeal is approved. Keep track of everything in the meantime!

i had a situation kinda similar but with uber eats money and they ended up accepting it during appeal but it took foreverrrrr like almost 3 months from start to finish just be prepared for the wait

maybe ask ur new boss for an advance?? some companies do that for new employees

This is a question I see all the time as a workforce specialist. To be 100% clear: unemployment benefits are not intended to bridge the gap between your start date and first paycheck. They're designed to support you while you're not earning wages, and legally, you begin earning wages on your first day of work (even if you haven't been paid yet). Here's what you need to know: 1. Report your return to work on your payment request 2. Benefits will stop as of your start date 3. You can receive benefits for partial weeks before your start date 4. Some utility companies and landlords will work with you if you explain the situation and show them your job offer letter Congratulations on your new job!

Keep that recall letter safe! You don't need to upload it initially, but TWC may request documentation if they need to verify your recall status. Having that letter ready will make the process much smoother if they do request it. Once your new claim is processed, you'll get a determination letter that will specify your exact work search requirements based on your recall status. This might be reduced from the standard 3 activities per week, but continue doing the full amount until you receive official notification of a reduction. Also, make sure you're documenting all work search activities in detail - employer name, contact method, position applied for, etc. TWC has been conducting more work search audits lately.

Thanks everybody for all this helpful info! I'm going to: 1. Reapply today and make sure I list the return date in March 2. Keep my employer's recall letter ready if they request it 3. Start doing my 3 weekly work searches right away until told otherwise 4. Request payments on schedule even while waiting for the new determination It sounds like I should expect 3-5 weeks of processing time, which is going to be tight financially but at least I know to plan for it. I'll update here if I run into any other issues or once my claim gets approved with the new benefit amount. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly!