Are you 100% sure you're using the right email address for your ID.me account? I thought I was using the right one but turned out I had created my account with my old work email that I rarely check anymore. Might be worth considering if you have multiple email addresses. Also, ID.me has a recovery option using your phone number if you've previously linked one to your account. Look for the "more options" link on the login screen. Sometimes that's easier than dealing with emails.

Just checking in - were you able to get this resolved? I'm curious which solution ended up working for you.

heya i work 2 part time jobs and still get unemployment sometimes. just make sure ur reporting both jobs when u do ur payment request thing. also they only care about what u made that week not how many jobs u have

Since no one has mentioned it yet - make sure you're using WorkInTexas.com for at least some of your work searches. TWC prefers this, and it automatically documents your work search activities. Also, any week you earn more than your WBA, you won't receive benefits, but you still need to request payment and report your work searches to keep your claim active. If you don't request payment for three weeks in a row, your claim becomes inactive and you'll need to reapply.

@mia98 Based on what the TWC agent told me, they're experiencing extremely high call volume due to the website being down. Everyone who would normally handle things online is now trying to call. The agent mentioned they're bringing in additional staff but it might take until tomorrow for the website to be fully operational again.

Yes, work search reporting deadlines will also be extended. When the system comes back online, you'll have at least 3 business days to submit any work search activities that were due during the outage. This is standard procedure during system outages. One tip: prepare your work search information on paper or in a document so you're ready to enter it quickly when the system is back up. And as always, make sure you're completing at least 3 qualified work search activities each week regardless of the system status.

Just following up - did your payment requests go through? Was there any update on the verification status?

Yes! Wanted to update everyone. My payment request went through normally yesterday even though the ID verification is still showing as

I tried using the chat feature on the TWC website instead of calling, but it was completely useless. The automated system couldn't understand my question about DUA after benefits exhaustion, and I never got connected to a real person. Has anyone had success using the chat? Also wondering about the ID.me verification - was it straightforward or did you have issues? When I did mine for my original claim last year, it took 3 attempts because of camera problems.

Just to clarify for everyone - there's an important distinction between regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits exhaustion and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). When your regular UI benefits exhaust, you typically don't automatically qualify for DUA unless you're in an area affected by a federally declared disaster AND your continued unemployment is directly related to that disaster. The OP may have qualified because they were in an affected area and could demonstrate their continued unemployment was disaster-related. For most people whose benefits have exhausted, Extended Benefits or other UI extensions would be more appropriate than DUA (when available). If you need to contact TWC about your specific situation, persistence is key. If you're struggling to get through on the phone, consider scheduling an in-person appointment at your local Workforce Solutions office. They can sometimes help facilitate communication with TWC.

When I had this happen the TWC person told me 5-7 days but it was more like 12!!! The system is SO BROKEN. I got my employer to give me an advance on my last check just to cover rent. Never again will I change payment methods mid-claim!

u can also call ur post office and ask if theres any mail comin to ur address from twc. sometimes they can tell u if its in the sorting facility

One tip that might help: double-check if your ID.me verification actually completed but just didn't update in the TWC portal. This happens sometimes. Go directly to ID.me and log in, then check your verification status there. If it shows as verified on ID.me's side, you can try the "reverify" option in your TWC account which sometimes syncs them up correctly. Also, verification timing often depends on the type of documents you submitted. Driver's license + passport typically processes faster than other document combinations.

UPDATE: Just wanted to let everyone know that I tried the reverify option after checking ID.me directly (thanks @helpful_person!) and it worked! My account is now showing as verified in the TWC portal too. Going to request my payments right away. Thanks everyone for your help!

Just to clarify some information here - ID.me verification can be completed on either a computer or smartphone. The smartphone is required for the selfie verification part, but you can start the process on a computer and then use the ID.me mobile app when prompted for the face verification. Also important: once verified, continue submitting your payment requests on schedule even if your claim still shows as pending. Missed payment requests can't be made up later, regardless of verification delays.

Glad to hear your verification went smoothly! Yes, definitely keep requesting payments on your regular schedule. The system will catch up and process them once everything is verified on their end. If your account is still showing pending after 5 business days, that's when you might need to contact TWC directly.

This entire system is DESIGNED TO FAIL US when we need it most!!! They make it impossible to reach anyone then act like it's OUR fault when we can't jump through their ridiculous hoops. I waited 14 weeks last year only to be denied for some technicality they never even told me about until it was too late to appeal. The whole thing is a SCAM to avoid paying benefits we EARNED through our work!!!

Given your urgent situation, here's a comprehensive approach: 1. For your pending TWC claim: Continue pursuing this for the backpay you're entitled to. As others mentioned, using Claimyr or contacting your state representative are your best options for expediting this. 2. For your immediate internet need: Contact your new employer immediately and explain the disaster situation. Most companies have protocols for this and may be able to provide alternatives for your first few days. 3. For utilities: Call 211 as suggested for emergency utility assistance. Also reach out to local churches and community action agencies - many have funds specifically for helping with utility restoration after disasters. 4. Document everything: Keep records of all your attempts to contact TWC, your conversations with your employer, and the impact of the disaster. This documentation can help if you need to file appeals or request special consideration. Your case actually has multiple priority factors (disaster impact, imminent employment, and extended wait time) that should qualify you for expedited processing if you can reach the right person at TWC.

how far along r u with the divorce? my friend had to file for emergeny custody stuff at same time as the restraining order. twc didnt care about that part but just thought id mention it if u havent already done that part

Based on what you've shared, you have a very strong case for unemployment benefits under the family violence exception. Make sure you: 1. File as soon as your contract ends in June 2. Have all documentation ready to upload 3. Check your TWC correspondence inbox daily after filing 4. Complete your payment requests every two weeks even if your claim is under review 5. Keep detailed records of all your job search activities If you receive a determination letter approving benefits, great! If you receive a denial, file an appeal immediately (within 14 days) and clearly state that your separation was due to documented family violence as protected under Texas Labor Code 207.046.