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.

I went through this exact same frustration when I first started collecting unemployment! The Work in Texas website is honestly pretty outdated and doesn't have great job listings for most fields. Here's what I learned after talking to a TWC representative: you can absolutely use job applications from LinkedIn, Indeed, company websites, and anywhere else for your work search log. TWC doesn't require you to only use Work in Texas - that's just one tool they provide. For documentation, I keep a simple spreadsheet with: - Date of application - Company name - Job title - Where I applied (LinkedIn, Indeed, company website, etc.) - Any confirmation emails or reference numbers I've been doing this for several months now and have never had any issues with my benefit payments being approved. The key is just keeping detailed records in case they ever ask for verification. Also, remember that your 3 weekly work search activities don't all have to be job applications! You can also count things like updating your resume, attending networking events (virtual ones count too!), registering with staffing agencies, or even taking online skills courses related to your field. Don't stress about this too much - you're definitely not doing anything wrong by looking beyond Work in Texas. Most people I know use other job sites for the majority of their applications because the job quality is just so much better elsewhere!

I'm so glad you posted this question because I was literally having the same panic about Work in Texas last week! I'm 26 and was getting so discouraged seeing jobs that wanted 8+ years of experience for "entry-level" positions paying $30k. After reading through TWC's actual guidelines and talking to other people on unemployment, I learned that Work in Texas is just ONE option, not a requirement. I've been using LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter for about 6 weeks now and my benefits have been approved every time without any questions. My advice: start a simple tracking system immediately. I use a Google Doc with columns for date, company, position, application method, and any confirmation numbers. Takes 2 minutes per application and gives you solid documentation if TWC ever asks. Also don't forget that work search activities can include more than just applications! I've counted things like: - Updating my LinkedIn profile - Attending virtual industry meetups - Registering with new recruiters - Taking relevant online courses The 3 weekly activities become way more manageable when you realize how many different things qualify. You're definitely on the right track by asking these questions now rather than stressing about it for months like I did!

Another tip regarding your first payment - if you've selected direct deposit, make sure your banking information is entered correctly. If there's any error, it will default to a TWC debit card which can take an additional 7-10 days to arrive by mail. Double-check your direct deposit details in your TWC account to avoid delays with that first lump sum payment.

Just wanted to add from my recent experience - when you do get that first big payment, don't forget that taxes aren't automatically withheld unless you specifically request it during your application. I learned this the hard way when I got a big tax bill the following year. You can choose to have 10% federal tax withheld from each payment, or handle it yourself, but definitely plan for it either way. The last thing you want is to spend that whole first payment and then owe the IRS later!

I'm on day 13 business days waiting for my ReliaCard and getting pretty anxious at this point! This thread has been so helpful though - knowing that others have waited 14-17 business days and still received their cards gives me hope. I called that US Bank number (1-855-282-6161) yesterday and they confirmed it was mailed to the correct address 5 days ago, so hopefully it arrives soon. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, especially when you can see the payment sitting there but can't access it. Planning to give it until day 17 before requesting a replacement, and I'm absolutely setting up direct deposit the moment this card arrives! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - it really helps to know this timeline is normal even though it feels like forever.

I'm currently on day 11 business days waiting for my ReliaCard and this thread has been a total lifesaver! Like everyone else, I was initially counting weekends and panicking that I was way overdue. The business days clarification changed everything - suddenly I realized I'm still in the normal range. I called that US Bank number (1-855-282-6161) this morning and they confirmed my card was mailed 3 days ago to the correct address, which gives me so much peace of mind. It's incredible how stressful this waiting period is when you can see "payment issued" but can't actually access the funds. Reading everyone's timelines here (especially knowing people got theirs anywhere from 10-17 business days) has really helped manage my expectations. I'm definitely setting up direct deposit the second this card arrives - never going through this anxiety again! Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and all the helpful phone numbers and tips. This community support makes such a difference when dealing with these frustrating government processes.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - what an absolutely stressful situation! Unfortunately, you're not alone in this nightmare. TWC has been sending out these overpayment notices to thousands of people who received COVID benefits in 2021, often with very little explanation. The most critical thing right now is to file your appeal within 14 days of the date on the determination letter - this deadline is non-negotiable and you lose your rights if you miss it. Start gathering every piece of documentation you have from 2021: your husband's layoff notice from the hotel, his employment history, any correspondence with TWC, payment request confirmations, and especially try to find the original eligibility determination letter TWC sent approving his benefits. In your appeal, specifically request a detailed explanation of exactly which eligibility criteria they now claim he didn't meet, and argue that he followed all the rules that were in place during the pandemic (not current rules applied retroactively). Also request a "waiver of overpayment recovery" based on equity and good conscience - TWC can waive repayment if it wasn't your fault and would cause extraordinary hardship. Many people in this community have successfully fought similar cases, especially when they can prove they acted in good faith under the pandemic rules. Don't let them intimidate you into accepting this without a fight - your husband deserved those benefits during an unprecedented crisis. Keep us posted on how it goes!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare - it's absolutely infuriating that TWC is targeting people who legitimately needed help during the worst economic crisis in decades! I've been following these overpayment cases closely in this community, and unfortunately your situation is becoming all too common. The silver lining is that many people ARE successfully fighting these demands, especially when they can prove they followed all the pandemic-era rules that were actually in place at the time. The 14-day appeal deadline everyone is mentioning is absolutely critical - make sure you don't miss it! While you're gathering documentation, also look for any emails or letters from TWC from 2021 that confirmed your husband's eligibility. The fact that he worked at the same hotel for 6 years before being laid off due to the tourism collapse should work strongly in your favor - that's exactly the kind of legitimate pandemic job loss these benefits were designed for. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here: when you file your appeal, consider also requesting all records TWC has regarding your husband's claim. Sometimes they're basing these overpayment decisions on incomplete or incorrect information in their system. The burden should be on them to prove he wasn't eligible, not on you to prove he was - especially since they already made that determination years ago when they approved and paid the benefits. Stay strong and don't let them bully you into accepting this without a fight. Your husband deserved those benefits during an unprecedented crisis, and this community is here to support you through the appeal process!