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If I could give 10 stars I would If I could give 10 stars I would Such an amazing service so needed during the times when EDD almost never picks up Claimyr gets me on the phone with EDD every time without fail faster. A much needed service without Claimyr I would have never received the payment I needed to support me during my postpartum recovery. Thank you so much Claimyr!
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An incredibly helpful service! Got me connected to a CA EDD agent without major hassle (outside of EDD's agents dropping calls – which Claimyr has free protection for). If you need to file a new claim and can't do it online, pay the $ to Claimyr to get the process started. Absolutely worth it!
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Used this service a couple times now. Before I'd call 200 times in less than a weak frustrated as can be. But using claimyr with a couple hours of waiting i was on the line with an representative or on hold. Dropped a couple times but each reconnected not long after and was mission accomplished, thanks to Claimyr.
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I've been through 3 TWC appeal hearings over the years (won 2, lost 1). Here's something nobody mentioned yet - if you get disconnected during the hearing for ANY reason, call back IMMEDIATELY. Don't wait for them to call you back. I lost my second hearing because my phone died and I waited 10 minutes thinking they'd call me back. They didn't. Also, if your former employer doesn't show up to the hearing (which happens sometimes), you'll basically win by default. But don't count on that - always be prepared as if they'll be there. One thing that really helped me was practicing out loud beforehand. I literally stood in front of a mirror and practiced explaining what happened in 2-3 sentences. When you're nervous it's easy to ramble, but the hearing officer appreciates concise answers. Good luck tomorrow! The fact that you have emails about restructuring puts you in a much better position than most people. You've got this!
Thank you so much for the tip about calling back immediately if disconnected! I hadn't thought about that but it makes total sense - I'll keep the hearing number handy just in case. The practicing out loud idea is really smart too. I've been reading through all my notes but actually saying it out loud would probably help me sound more confident and organized. I'm definitely feeling more prepared after everyone's advice here. It's crazy how employers can just lie like this but at least there's a process to fight back!
I went through this same situation 6 months ago and totally understand your nerves! Here's what actually happened in my hearing: The whole thing lasted about 45 minutes. It was me, the hearing officer, and two people from my old company (HR rep and a manager). They'll start by confirming everyone's identity and swearing you in. The hearing officer will ask your employer to explain why they believe you quit, then give you time to respond. Don't interrupt them even if they're saying things that aren't true - you'll get your turn. When it's your time, stick to the facts and timeline. What really helped me win was having specific dates and details. Like "On March 15th, my manager told me the department was being eliminated due to restructuring" rather than just saying "they laid me off." The more specific you can be, the better. Also, if you applied for unemployment immediately after being let go, make sure to mention that. The hearing officer asked me directly why I would file for unemployment right away if I had voluntarily quit - it was a great point that helped my case. One last thing - after the hearing ends, they'll tell you a decision will be mailed within 10 business days. Don't stress if you don't hear anything right away. You're going to do great! Having those restructuring emails puts you in a really strong position. Just breathe and tell your story clearly.
This is exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you for breaking down what actually happens during the hearing. The 45-minute timeline helps me know what to expect, and you're absolutely right about being specific with dates - I've been writing down everything chronologically with exact dates from my emails. The point about filing for unemployment immediately is brilliant - I literally filed the same day I was let go because I knew I needed benefits. That definitely doesn't sound like someone who quit voluntarily! I'm still nervous but feeling much more prepared thanks to everyone's advice here. Really appreciate you sharing your experience and the encouragement!
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I'm going through this exact same nightmare! Been trying to reach TWC for 12 days now about my pending claim and it feels completely hopeless. Reading through all these strategies has been a lifesaver though - this community is providing better help than TWC's actual support system! I just tried that callback number (512-463-2697) at 2:30pm today and I'm waiting for them to call me back. Fingers crossed it works like it did for so many others here! I also submitted a request through my state representative's constituent services page this morning after reading about the success people have had with that approach. The correspondence inbox tip was huge - I found THREE missed requests sitting there from the past month with absolutely zero email notifications! How is their system this broken?? I've now uploaded ID verification docs, wage statements, and responded to an employer dispute I had no idea existed. It's insane that claims get stuck for weeks because of "notifications" that never actually notify anyone. I'm also setting up Claimyr as backup because honestly, at this point I'd pay anything to just talk to a human being. The stress of not knowing what's wrong with my claim is worse than whatever their service costs. Thank you everyone for sharing real solutions instead of just venting. The multi-strategy approach seems to be the key based on all the success stories here. I'll definitely update if I break through - hopefully I can add another success story to help the next person dealing with this broken system!
You're taking all the right steps with that multi-strategy approach! I just went through this same ordeal a couple weeks ago and the combination method really is the key to breaking through TWC's impossible phone system. That callback number (512-463-2697) worked for me on my second attempt - called on a Wednesday around 3pm and got a callback in about 90 minutes. The fact that you found THREE missed requests with zero notifications is unfortunately so typical of their broken system. I had a similar experience - found wage verification and employer dispute documents I never knew about. Make sure to keep screenshots of your uploads just in case they claim they didn't receive them later. Claimyr is absolutely worth it as backup - after wasting weeks on failed calls, paying their fee was honestly the best decision I made. Sometimes you have to spend a little to save your sanity and get actual results. Your state rep request should help too - mine got a response from TWC within 48 hours when I'd been getting nowhere on my own for weeks. Having multiple approaches working simultaneously really increases your chances of breaking through. Hang in there and definitely update us when you get through - this community needs more success stories to help others dealing with this nightmare! The system is broken but persistence with the right strategies does eventually work.
I'm in the exact same boat right now - been trying to reach TWC for 6 days straight and getting absolutely nowhere! This thread is honestly the most helpful resource I've found anywhere. The combination approach everyone's talking about makes so much sense - I've been wasting time trying just one method at a time. I'm definitely going to try that callback number (512-463-2697) this afternoon during the 2-4pm window that multiple people have had success with. Also submitting my state rep request today after reading all these success stories. Just checked my correspondence inbox after seeing everyone mention finding hidden requests - sure enough, there's an ID verification request from 2 weeks ago that I somehow never got notified about! Uploading those documents now. It's absolutely ridiculous how broken their notification system is. At this point I'm willing to try Claimyr too if the callback system doesn't work. After reading everyone's experiences, it sounds like the small fee is totally worth it compared to the endless hours of failed calling attempts. Thanks everyone for sharing what actually works instead of just complaining - this community is more helpful than TWC's entire customer service department! I'll definitely update with results once I try the multi-strategy approach.
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I just went through this exact situation a few months ago and it's so frustrating! I was laid off on a Monday but didn't file until almost 3 weeks later because I was confident I'd find something quickly (spoiler alert: I didn't). Here's what I learned from my experience: TWC is extremely strict about their backdating policies post-COVID. The agent I finally spoke with explained that they can only backdate if you have "good cause" - things like natural disasters, medical emergencies, or documented technical issues with their system. Simply not knowing to file immediately or hoping to find work quickly unfortunately doesn't qualify. HOWEVER - and this is important - I've seen some people in this community get lucky with particularly understanding agents who bent the rules slightly. It seems to depend a lot on who you get on the phone and how you present your case. Document everything you did during those two weeks (job applications, networking, etc.) and call them ASAP to at least try. Even if they can't backdate, don't make my other mistake - make sure you're requesting payment every two weeks going forward! I almost lost additional weeks because I thought I had to wait for full approval first. The TWC system definitely seems designed to trip people up at every turn.
Thanks for sharing your experience - it's both helpful and frustrating to hear how inconsistent TWC can be with these situations! You're absolutely right about documenting everything during the gap period. I'm gathering all my job search activity from those two weeks before I call. Your point about requesting payment every two weeks going forward is so important - I almost made that mistake too! I was waiting for my claim to be "approved" before doing anything else. The TWC website really doesn't make it clear that you need to keep certifying while waiting. It's like they want people to miss out on benefits they're entitled to. Did you end up getting any backdating at all, or were you completely out of luck for those three weeks? I'm trying to manage my expectations but still want to give it a shot with all the documentation I can gather.
I'm going through this exact same situation right now! Lost my job on January 15th but didn't file until February 3rd because I was sure I'd land something within a week or two (how naive of me). Reading through all these responses is both helpful and disheartening - sounds like I'm probably out of luck for those missing weeks, but I'm definitely going to try calling with documentation of my job search activities. I applied to probably 15-20 positions during that gap and attended a virtual job fair, so hopefully that shows I was actively seeking work. One question for those who successfully got through to TWC - what's the best time of day to call? I've been trying for three days straight and can't get past the busy signal. Are mornings better, or should I try later in the day? This whole system is so frustrating! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - at least now I know what to expect and won't make the same mistakes going forward.
I've had the most luck calling TWC right when they open at 8am on weekdays - seems like the lines are less jammed first thing in the morning. Also try calling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays if possible, Mondays and Fridays are usually the worst. Your job search documentation sounds solid with 15-20 applications plus the virtual job fair! That's exactly the kind of consistent activity they want to see. Make sure you have all the dates and company names organized before you call - the agent will likely ask for specific details. Don't give up after one try either - like others mentioned, different agents can give different answers. I know it's frustrating but it's worth the effort for potentially recovering even one week of benefits. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
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Thanks everyone for all this helpful information! I submitted my appeal today and uploaded all my evidence. I'm going to reach out to my coworker tonight about being a witness. Feeling a bit more confident now about the process, even though the waiting is going to be tough. I'll update this thread after my hearing to let everyone know how it went!
Good luck! The fact that you have text messages and a witness puts you in a strong position. Remember to keep requesting payments every two weeks while you wait, and make sure you're completing and documenting your work search activities too (minimum 3 per week in Texas). The last thing you want is to win your appeal but then have issues with work search compliance.
Just wanted to add one more thing that helped me during my appeal - if you have any email correspondence with HR or your supervisor about your termination, include those too. Even if they seem minor, they can help establish a timeline and show the employer's mindset. Also, during the hearing, speak slowly and clearly. The hearing officer is taking notes and sometimes asks you to repeat things. I was so nervous during mine that I talked way too fast at first. And don't be afraid to ask for clarification if you don't understand a question - it's better to ask than to give a confusing answer. One last tip: if your employer brings up past issues or tries to make it seem like this was part of a pattern, stick to the facts about this specific incident. They might try to muddy the waters by bringing up unrelated stuff from months ago. Your termination was about calling in sick with doctor's notes - that's your story and you should stick to it. You've got this! Having documentation is huge in these cases.
This is all such great advice! I'm definitely saving this thread for reference. One question - when you say "stick to the facts about this specific incident," should I avoid mentioning that I had a good attendance record before getting sick? I was thinking that might help show this wasn't a pattern of calling out, but I don't want to accidentally hurt my case by bringing up past performance stuff.
Kendrick Webb
Just wanted to add my experience to this incredibly helpful thread! I've been dealing with the exact same TWC phone nightmare for the past 8 days - constant busy signals, disconnects, and my claim stuck on "pending review" for nearly 3 weeks. Reading through everyone's stories has been both reassuring (I'm not alone!) and eye-opening about potential solutions. The employer contest pattern that keeps coming up is really concerning me too. I was "laid off due to restructuring" but now I'm wondering if my former company reported it differently to avoid unemployment costs, especially since I also haven't received any determination letters despite the lengthy review period. Based on all the consistent success stories from @Lilly Curtis, @Arnav Bengali, and others, I'm definitely going to try Claimyr this week. It's frustrating that we have to pay extra just to access our own benefits, but the alternative of staying stuck in phone system hell while bills pile up isn't sustainable. Also really grateful for the tip about continuing to submit payment requests during review - had no idea about the backpay possibility! This community has provided more practical help than any official TWC resource. Will report back with my Claimyr results to hopefully help others in the same situation!
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Sasha Reese
•@Kendrick Webb I m'so glad you found this thread helpful! I just joined this community today after dealing with the exact same TWC nightmare - it s'honestly shocking how many of us are stuck in this broken system right now. Your situation with the 8 days of phone hell and 3 weeks of pending "review sounds" almost identical to what so many others have described here. The employer contest issue is definitely something to prepare for based on all the patterns people have shared. It s'crazy how common it seems to be for companies to misreport layoffs to avoid unemployment costs. I d'definitely recommend having all your termination documentation ready just in case - seems like that s'been key for people who ve'gotten their issues resolved. I m'also planning to try Claimyr this week after seeing all the consistent success stories throughout this thread. The fact that people like @Lilly Curtis and @Arnav Bengali got connected so quickly and resolved everything in one call gives me hope that this ordeal might finally have an end in sight. Please do report back with your results - I m sure it'would help others who are still on the fence about trying it. Thanks for adding your voice to this thread and good luck with getting your claim resolved! This community has been such a lifeline during this stressful process.
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Elijah Brown
I just discovered this thread and I'm so relieved I'm not the only one dealing with this nightmare! Been calling TWC for 6 days straight with zero success - just busy signals or the system hanging up on me. My claim has been stuck on "pending review" for 2 weeks and I'm getting really anxious about my bills. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful. The pattern of employer contests that keeps coming up is making me wonder if that's what's happening with my claim too. I was laid off due to "company restructuring" but haven't received any determination letters despite the review period. Based on all the success stories from @Lilly Curtis, @Arnav Bengali and others, I'm definitely going to try Claimyr. It's frustrating that we have to pay just to access our own benefits, but it seems like the most reliable way to actually reach someone at TWC right now. Also going to make sure I keep submitting my payment requests based on the backpay advice shared here. Thank you to this community for providing real solutions when the official system has completely failed us!
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