Anyone else notice their payment amount was slightly different this week? I finally got mine today and it was $12 less than usual. No explanation why.

Just a heads up to everyone - my payment finally hit my account this morning. It looks like they're working through the backlog. Hopefully everyone else will receive theirs soon too!

I worked for a different state agency's call center (not TWC) and can tell you something most people don't realize - call volumes are actually HIGHEST first thing in the morning. Everyone thinks calling right when they open is the trick, but that's when they get flooded. Try calling between 2:30-3:30pm on Wednesday or Thursday. Those were consistently our lowest volume times. Can't guarantee it's the same for TWC, but worth a shot!

UPDATE: I just wanted to follow up and let everyone know I finally got my issue resolved. I tried calling the alternate number (800-215-4812) suggested above at 2:45pm on Wednesday, and after about a 25-minute wait, actually got through to a person! The representative was able to verify my work search activities and remove the hold on my payment. For anyone else struggling with this, don't give up - try different approaches until something works. And DOCUMENT EVERYTHING - I had all my work search details written down which made the call go much faster once I got through.

Just want to add one more thing - when you do get through to someone (whether by calling directly or using a service), ask them to check if both your work registration AND your work search activities are properly recorded in the system. Sometimes one issue can mask another, and you want to make sure everything is properly documented so you don't face further delays.

UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC today! I used the Claimyr service after struggling for days to get through on my own. The agent confirmed they received both of my mailed registration forms, but they hadn't been processed yet. She was able to verify my work registration on the spot and said my claim should update to eligible within 48 hours. She also confirmed I'll get backpay for the missed weeks as long as I've been doing my regular payment requests (which I have). Such a relief! Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

make sure ur checking ur spam folder for emails from TWC too! i missed a request for additional info and it delayed my claim by like 2 weeks 🤦‍♀️

Just wanted to update that based on recent reports from other claimants, TWC seems to be experiencing higher than normal processing times for regular unemployment claims right now. I've heard from several people who waited 4-5 weeks for approval in July and August. If you're approaching week 4 with no changes, that's when I'd recommend trying to reach someone by phone or through your state representative.

Everybody talking about ID.me but NOBODY mentioning that their whole verification system is CONSTANTLY glitching! I had to try TWELVE TIMES to get my verification to go through last time. Their facial recognition software kept rejecting my perfectly good photo and then they locked me out of my account! Had to call their tech support which is ANOTHER nightmare! The whole unemployment system is digital garbage held together with duct tape. Our tax dollars at work, folks!

I was in your exact situation back in November. The payments just stopped with no explanation. Turns out they were doing a quarterly review of my claim (they do this routinely) and something flagged their system. I don't even know what it was, but once I finally got someone on the phone they fixed it right away. I wasted about 3 weeks trying to call them myself before I finally got through. So annoying but hang in there!

To address your original question directly - no, you can't request a new first-level appeal hearing simply because the employer didn't show up. However, you CAN appeal the decision once you receive it if it's not in your favor. Based on what you've shared about your case (termination for performance without documented warnings), you actually have a strong case. If the employer truly provided no evidence of warnings or a progressive discipline policy, and you have positive recent performance reviews, the Commission Appeals should look favorably on your case. Meanwhile, continue requesting payment (if you're able to in your portal) while your appeal is pending. If you win your appeal, you'll receive back payments for eligible weeks.

My sister works in HR and she says employers often don't bother showing up to these hearings if they already submitted documentation they think is strong enough. It's not about them not caring, they just don't want to waste time if they think they'll win anyway. Doesn't make it right though!

congrats!! now u just have to deal with the annoying work search requirements lol. make sure u do at least 3 per week or they'll cut u off

So happy for you! The waiting game is the worst part!

I spent DAYS trying to reach TWC about a similar question and kept getting busy signals or disconnected. Then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual TWC rep in about 20 minutes. They have a demo video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Totally worth it to get my benefits question resolved instead of stressing for weeks.

When I was on unemploymnt last yr they would always pay me on Tuesdays after i did my request on Sunday. sometimes it took til Wednesday if there was a holiday. Hope that helps!

After reading through all the comments, I want to add a few more points: 1. If you do decide to quit, be very specific in your TWC application about the hostile work environment and retaliation. Use the phrase "constructive discharge" - it's when an employer deliberately creates intolerable working conditions forcing an employee to resign. 2. Texas law protects workers who report sexual assault from retaliation. Cutting hours after your report could qualify as retaliation. 3. When documenting, include dates, times, what was said/done, and who witnessed it. 4. If you're able to speak with a TWC representative directly about your situation before filing, that can be helpful. The standard phone lines are usually jammed, which is why someone mentioned Claimyr - it can be worth it for complex cases like yours.

So sorry you're going through this! One thing nobody mentioned - if you do need to quit, try to line up another job first if possible. Even with a valid "good cause" quit, TWC benefits can take 4-6 weeks to start if everything goes smoothly, and MUCH longer if your employer contests it (which they probably will). My determination letter took 8 weeks, and then I had to appeal which took another month. I almost lost my apartment waiting for benefits to start. Just something to prepare for financially if you can.

My brother had this issue. He just skipped that field entirely and his claim still went through fine. TWC called him later to verify identity using his SSN instead. The website is outdated garbage tbh

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what ended up working. I found the dropdown for "Other state-issued ID" and entered my Oklahoma license. Submitted the claim and got an email confirmation right away. The TWC status page shows my claim is now pending with a message saying it's being processed as an interstate claim. Thank you all for the help!