Update us when you get through! And remember, whatever you do, don't stop requesting payments during your regular request period, even while waiting for adjudication. I've seen too many people lose weeks of benefits because they thought they shouldn't request payment until their issue was resolved.

FINALLY GOT THROUGH!!! Using that Claimyr service actually worked - I spoke with an agent this morning who fixed the issue in about 10 minutes. Turns out they were missing a document from my former employer that I had no idea about. The agent said all my appeals were consolidated and she removed the extras from my file. My claim status just changed to 'processed' and payment should arrive in 2-3 business days. What a relief!

Has anyone else noticed how IMPOSSIBLE it is to actually talk to a human at TWC?? I spent TWO WEEKS trying to reach someone about my identity verification issue. The phone system is a complete joke - either busy signals or it hangs up on you after waiting for an hour! The whole system is designed to frustrate people so they'll give up. It's criminal how they treat people who are already stressed about losing their jobs.

UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC this morning! The agent was actually super helpful and explained that I was right to be concerned. She's converting my claim to an interstate claim with Massachusetts as the liable state. She said I'll get a new determination letter in about 10 days, and that I should keep requesting payments through the TWC system in the meantime. Apparently Massachusetts will calculate my benefit amount based on my wages there, but I'll use the Texas system to request payments and do work searches. Thanks everyone for your help!

Glad Claimyr worked for you too! It really is a game-changer when you're stuck in that TWC phone loop. And thanks for posting the full resolution - that info about employer disputes is really helpful to know.

Great news! It's always helpful to hear what the actual issue was. This could help others who are experiencing the same problem.

When I was on unemployment last year my first couple payments took 2-3 days, but then randomly started showing up next-day. I never figured out why the timing changed. The TWC system is honestly kind of mysterious sometimes lol. One thing I learned: if your payment is delayed more than 3 business days, you should definitely call TWC because it might mean there's a problem with your claim they didn't notify you about. I once had a payment delayed because they randomly selected me for work search verification but the letter got lost in the mail!

wait i just realized something - r u talking about direct deposit to ur bank or loading on the actual twc debit card? cuz those r different. the debit card is always slower than direct deposit to ur regular bank

my roomate got hers in like 4 days but i waited almost 3 weeks??? so weird and random

Just to follow up - once you do receive your Reliance card, be sure to activate it immediately by calling the number on the sticker. Also, create an online account at usbankreliacard.com to monitor your balance and transactions. You can set up alerts for deposits and withdrawals, which is really helpful. Many people don't realize you can also use this card at most ATMs, though some charge fees. U.S. Bank ATMs are free, and you get one free withdrawal per deposit period at other ATMs (after that, there's a $2 fee). Has your card arrived yet? It's been a few days since your original post.

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.

wait do we still hav to do 3 work searches every week or can we do 6 every 2 weeks now?

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the help! I found the notice in my correspondence inbox that explained the transition to biweekly payments. It was sent weeks ago but I never saw it. Mystery solved! Just sharing in case someone else has the same confusion in the future.

Quick update on my situation - I did end up getting through by using Claimyr. The agent was able to see that my previous employer hadn't responded to TWC's request for information about my separation (totally their fault, not mine). Got it cleared up and my payment was approved about 3 days later. Just letting you know in case you're still having trouble.

GUYS IT WORKED!! I finally got through to TWC! I ended up using that Claimyr service and got connected to an agent in about 30 minutes. Turns out my previous employer was disputing my claim saying I quit (which is completely false - they literally closed the restaurant with no notice). The TWC agent was able to update my file with my side of the story and said they'll be doing a follow-up with the employer. She said I should keep requesting payments and once they verify my information I should get backpay for all the weeks since I filed. What a relief! Thanks to everyone for your suggestions!

Update: I finally found the option to request previous weeks! It was hidden under a submenu I hadn't noticed before. I've submitted requests for all the back weeks now. The system says I should receive payment within 2-3 business days. I'll post again once it comes through to let everyone know if it was all at once or split up. Thanks everyone for your help!

Final update: The back pay came through today! It was deposited as one lump sum payment for all weeks, exactly as most of you said. It took exactly 3 business days after I submitted all the payment requests. Such a relief to finally have this money after months of struggling. Thanks again to everyone who helped me figure this out!

One thing I wish someone had told me: set up direct deposit right away when you file! It's much faster than waiting for the debit card they mail out. Also, make sure you request your payment on your designated filing day (based on the last digit of your SSN). If you miss it, you can file on Wednesday or Thursday, but missing your payment request can delay things even more.

Thank you all so much for the responses! I feel much more prepared now. I'm going to file my initial claim tonight and set up direct deposit right away. I'll also start tracking my expenses and cutting back where I can. Good to know about the work search requirements too - I'll start keeping detailed records of all applications. One last question - once I'm approved, do I need to do anything special for tax purposes? Do they withhold taxes from unemployment benefits?