Wow, this thread has become the ultimate TWC login troubleshooting bible! I'm dealing with similar issues right now and just tried about 5 different suggestions from here. The combination of clearing cache + waiting the full hour + disabling browser extensions finally got me through! I think the key insight from everyone's experiences is that it's usually not just ONE thing causing the problem - it's often multiple factors working together. The TWC system seems incredibly fragile and sensitive to even minor issues. For anyone still struggling, I'd recommend working through these solutions systematically rather than trying random fixes. Also keeping notes on what worked so you don't have to rediscover the solution next time this inevitably happens again. Thanks to everyone who shared their hard-won knowledge - you've probably saved hundreds of people from missing their payment deadlines!

I'm going through this exact same login nightmare right now! Been locked out for 2 days and my payment request is due soon. I've tried clearing cache, different browsers, and waiting between attempts but still getting the "password and username do not match" error. Reading through all these solutions is giving me hope though - I had no idea about things like the email domain changes, browser extensions interfering, or the timing issues with off-peak hours. Going to work through these suggestions systematically starting with disabling my ad blocker and password manager, then trying the mobile app if the website still doesn't cooperate. It's so frustrating that accessing our own benefits requires this level of technical troubleshooting, but I'm grateful for this community sharing all these hard-learned solutions. Will definitely try the Tele-Serv backup number too if I can't get the online system working in time. Thanks everyone for creating this comprehensive troubleshooting guide!

I've been on unemployment for about 8 months now and went through an audit around month 5. One tip I'd add is to keep a simple spreadsheet or document on your phone/computer where you log each work search activity immediately after doing it. I found that trying to recreate my activities from memory weeks later was really difficult. Also, don't forget that networking activities count too! I attended a few virtual networking events through my local library and workforce center, and those counted as valid work search activities. LinkedIn networking (reaching out to people in your field, joining professional groups) can also count if you document it properly with screenshots of your messages or connection requests. The key is really just being consistent and thorough with your documentation. I know it feels like extra work when you're already stressed about finding a job, but it's so worth it for peace of mind. Good luck with your job search!

As someone who's been through multiple TWC audits, I want to emphasize how important it is to diversify your work search activities. While job applications are the most obvious choice, don't overlook other qualifying activities that might be easier to document: - Attending virtual job fairs (many are hosted weekly and you get confirmation emails) - Completing skills assessments or career tests through WorkInTexas.com - Attending free webinars about interviewing, resume writing, or industry trends - Visiting local workforce development centers for career counseling - Taking online courses related to your field (some count as reemployment activities) I keep a simple Google Doc that I update in real-time from my phone whenever I complete an activity. Include the date, time, activity type, company/organization name, and any confirmation numbers or contact information. Screenshots are your friend - I screenshot everything from application confirmations to webinar attendance certificates. One more tip: if you're doing in-person applications or networking, take a photo of the business storefront or get a business card. It adds credibility to your documentation and shows you were actually there. TWC auditors appreciate that level of detail.

I was in the same exact situation about 6 months ago - couldn't log in, payments were stuck, and I was getting zero communication from TWC about what was wrong. After reading through all these responses, I can confirm that the early morning calling strategy really works! I called at 7:58am (2 minutes before they officially opened) and got through in about 45 minutes instead of the usual 2-3 hour wait. Turns out my account had been flagged for "unusual activity" because I had logged in from a coffee shop's WiFi, and they needed me to verify my identity over the phone. The rep was able to unlock my account and release my held payments all in one call. My advice: call early, have all your documents ready (ID, SS card, recent pay stubs), and be patient but persistent. Also, that technical support number someone mentioned (800-558-8321) is legit - I wish I had known about it sooner! Don't lose hope, this can definitely be fixed once you get the right person on the phone.

I went through this exact same nightmare last month and it was so stressful! What finally worked for me was calling the TWC customer service line first thing in the morning (around 8:15am) and staying on hold for about 2 hours - I know it sucks but it was worth it. When I finally got through, the representative told me my account had been automatically flagged because I missed uploading a document by like ONE DAY past the deadline. She was able to unlock everything immediately and process my pending payments right there on the call. Make sure you have your Social Security card, driver's license, and any recent correspondence from TWC ready when you call. Also try logging in from a different browser or device first - sometimes it's just a weird technical glitch. The whole system is honestly broken but the people on the phone can usually help once you actually reach them. Hang in there and don't give up! 💪

I'm currently in almost the exact same situation! Filed my claim about 6 days ago after my position was eliminated due to budget cuts, and it's been stuck on "pending" status this whole time. I've been doing my payment requests through Tele-Serv like clockwork but was getting really anxious about whether those weeks would just vanish. This thread has been such a game-changer for my anxiety levels - I had absolutely no idea how the TWC backpay system actually worked and was imagining all sorts of nightmare scenarios. Reading so many detailed accounts from people who got their full backpay as lump sums once approved has been incredibly reassuring. Since my separation was also due to legitimate budget cuts with no misconduct involved, it sounds like I'm in the same category as most of you with straightforward approvals expected once the employer response period ends. I've already implemented the calendar reminder strategy after seeing how many people stressed the importance of never missing a payment request date. The financial pressure while waiting is definitely intense, especially when you're already dealing with the stress of unexpected job loss. But knowing that so many people have navigated this exact timeline successfully makes the uncertainty much more manageable. This community knowledge-sharing has been infinitely more helpful than anything I could find in the official TWC documentation - thank you all for taking the time to share your experiences!

I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Filed my claim about a week and a half ago after being laid off due to company restructuring, and seeing that "pending" status every single day has been nerve-wracking. I was really starting to worry that those first couple weeks of payment requests were just going into a black hole. This entire thread has been absolutely invaluable - I had zero understanding of how TWC's backpay system actually functions and was imagining all kinds of worst-case scenarios. Reading through so many detailed success stories from people who received their full backpay as lump sums once their claims were approved has completely changed my stress levels about this situation. Since my layoff was also due to legitimate business restructuring with no performance issues or misconduct, it sounds like I'm in the same straightforward approval category as most everyone here. I've now set up multiple calendar alerts for my payment request dates after seeing how many people emphasized that missing even one can complicate the backpay process. The financial anxiety while waiting is definitely real when you're already dealing with job loss stress, but seeing so many people successfully navigate this exact timeline gives me confidence that patience will be rewarded. This community sharing has been more informative than hours of searching through official TWC resources - thank you all for taking the time to document your experiences so thoroughly!

Just wanted to add something that hasn't been mentioned yet - if you're going to reference specific TWC policies or precedent cases during your hearing, make sure you bring printed copies for the hearing officer AND have the exact citation numbers ready. I've seen appeals get derailed because people mentioned legal precedents but couldn't provide the actual documents when asked. Also, regarding the COVID-era protections for agency errors - that was part of the federal waiver provisions, but Texas had additional state-level protections too. Look up Texas Government Code Section 2001.058 which deals with reliance on agency guidance. If you can show you reasonably relied on TWC's guidance and would be harmed by changing that guidance retroactively, this statute might apply to your situation. The key phrase to use is "detrimental reliance" - you changed your position (filed for benefits and reported income as instructed) based on their guidance, and now you'd be harmed if they change course. Document everything showing you followed their specific instructions and you should have a strong case!

I won a very similar severance overpayment appeal about 6 months ago, and reading your story brings back all those same feelings of panic and frustration! The fact that you called TWC beforehand and reported everything properly puts you in a really strong position. Here's what worked for me: I created a simple one-page summary showing the timeline - when I was laid off, when I called TWC, what they told me, when I filed, and how I consistently reported my severance on every payment request. The hearing officer could see at a glance that I acted in good faith throughout the entire process. Also, don't underestimate how powerful it is that you have those payment request confirmations showing you disclosed the severance. That's your smoking gun evidence that you weren't trying to hide anything. The hearing officer in my case said that kind of consistent disclosure pattern was exactly what they look for when determining whether someone was acting fraudulently or just following bad guidance. One last tip - when they ask you questions, keep referring back to the fact that you specifically called to ask how to handle the severance and followed their instructions exactly. Don't let them make it about whether you "should have known" the rules differently. This is about whether you reasonably relied on their guidance, and you clearly did. You've got a very winnable case here!