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I just received an email from TWC saying I need to verify my identity through ID.me for my unemployment benefits to continue. The email says I'm supposed to use an access code when completing the verification, but I can't find this code anywhere when I log into my TWC account! I've checked all the messages, notifications, and even looked through my claim information. Nothing shows an access code. Has anyone else dealt with this? I'm worried my benefits will get cut off if I don't complete this verification soon. The email looks legitimate (came from a .gov address) but I'm stuck without this code they're asking for.
ok so nobody is mentioning the obvious but USPS is super slow right now!! my friend waited 2 weeks for her check last month so dont panic if it takes longer than what people are saying here
Update: As of 2025, TWC has actually improved their check processing system. Most checks are now delivered within 3-5 business days for all areas of Texas. If you're in Houston, you should definitely receive it by this Friday at the latest. If you're still having issues with your TWC account access after the ID.me verification, I'd recommend addressing that immediately so you can set up direct deposit again. Many people have experienced similar issues where their payment information gets removed after identity verification. You'll need to log in, go to Payment Option, and re-enter your bank details. This will prevent any future delays with paper checks.
Thank you for the update! That's reassuring to hear they've improved their timeline. I'll definitely get my direct deposit set up again as soon as I can access my account. I've been trying every day but keep getting an error after the ID.me verification redirects me back to TWC. Hoping that resolves itself soon.
My friend said they got back pay for all the weeks they were waiting but I never did. Anybody know if thats a thing?
Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I found my determination letter and now understand why I'm not receiving payments yet. I'll keep submitting my payment requests every two weeks and doing my work searches until the disqualification period ends. At least now I know what's going on instead of being in the dark! One last question - will TWC send me any kind of notification when my payments are about to start, or do I just need to watch my bank account?
They won't send a special notification that your disqualification period is ending. You'll just start seeing payments after you submit your payment request following the end date on your determination letter. If you've set up direct deposit, you'll typically see the funds 2-3 business days after your payment request is processed.
has anyone checked if theres a way to see if ur claim has issues? mine was stuck for weeks and later found out they needed wage verification that they never asked for!!
Yes, you can sometimes see this information by logging into your TWC account and checking the claim status section. Look for any items marked "pending" or "needs attention." However, the system isn't always clear about what's causing delays. That's why speaking with an agent directly is often the only way to get clarity on specific issues with your claim.
Update: Finally got through to TWC! Apparently my claim was flagged for "additional review" because I had worked for my last employer for less than 6 months. The agent said this is routine but they're behind on processing these reviews. She put a note on my account to expedite it. Thanks everyone for your advice - especially about being persistent with calling. Will update when I get my determination letter!
No, you cannot receive both types of benefits simultaneously. If you qualify for regular UI, you'll be required to claim those benefits instead of DUA. DUA is specifically for people who don't qualify for regular unemployment but were affected by a declared disaster. If you apply for both, you'll likely cause delays and confusion in your claim processing as the system will flag the duplicate applications.
The whole system is RIGGED against self-employed people!!! We pay taxes but get NONE of the safety nets that regular employees get. It's total BS especially when the economy tanks and clients stop hiring freelancers first!!! 😡😡😡
It's not exactly "rigged" - it's just that unemployment insurance is funded by employer contributions based on W-2 wages. Self-employed people don't pay into the unemployment insurance system through their self-employment taxes, so they don't qualify for benefits from a system they haven't contributed to. During COVID, there were special federal programs that covered self-employed workers, but those ended years ago.
Thanks everyone for the responses. Sounds like I probably won't qualify for regular unemployment since my W-2 work was too long ago. I'm going to try calling TWC using that Claimyr service to see if there are any other programs I might qualify for, and also check out Workforce Solutions for retraining options. Might be time to go back to traditional employment for a while until things stabilize. Really appreciate all the advice!
Good plan. Also, if you do get back into W-2 employment, even part-time, make sure you work long enough to establish a new base period before you might need benefits in the future. And keep track of your self-employment records anyway - you never know when another emergency program might be created that would count that income. Best of luck!
My sister had this happen and it turned out she accidentally clicked something wrong on her work search log and didn't notice. Make sure you didn't accidentally say you refused work or something weird like that. Just a thought!
UPDATE: My payment just processed! It's now showing as "paid" on the portal with today's date. Should be in my account tomorrow morning. Looks like it was just delayed by a day. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance!
Great news that he was able to confirm it's in process! Unfortunately, the 2-3 week additional timeline is pretty standard. The good side is that once it's in the payment queue, it's basically guaranteed to process - it's just a matter of when. Make sure he keeps submitting those payment requests every two weeks without fail.
Make sure u dont just ghost ur unemployment! My sister did that when she got hired and TWC flagged her account for fraud review! Always report ur work on ur last payment request. But after that u can just stop requesting payments and ur good.
One more important thing - if for some reason your new job doesn't work out during the first few weeks, you may be able to reopen your existing claim without filing a whole new application. You'd just start requesting payments again (assuming you're still within your benefit year). Just make sure you accurately report any work and earnings during those weeks.
When you report part-time earnings, it often triggers a manual review of your payment request, especially if the amount varies significantly from previous reports. This can delay your payment by 3-5 business days. I worked for TWC for several years, and this was a common issue. The system initiates the payment (which is why the automated line says it was sent), but then it gets flagged for review before actually being released to your bank. If it's not in your account by Monday afternoon, you should definitely contact TWC directly. Also, check your payment details on the TWC website rather than just the Tele-Serv system. The website often shows more detailed status information that might explain the delay.
Oliver Brown
To answer your question about deadlines - TWC typically gives you 14 days from the date of the identity verification notice to complete the ID.me process. If you don't complete it within that timeframe, they may suspend your benefits until verification is complete. However, once verified, you should receive any missed payments retroactively. I'd recommend documenting all your attempts to complete the verification (screenshots of missing access code, dates of phone calls, etc.) in case you need to appeal any suspension of benefits. TWC does understand that technical issues happen, but having documentation always helps your case.
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Brielle Johnson
•Thank you! 14 days is good to know. I'm on day 2 now, so I still have time. I'll start keeping records of all my attempts to contact them and resolve this in case I need it later.
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Ayla Kumar
Just checking back in - did you ever get your access code to show up or find a solution? I'm having the exact same problem right now and feeling totally stuck.
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Brielle Johnson
•Yes! My access code finally appeared in my correspondence inbox after 4 days. No notification or anything, it just showed up. The ID.me verification itself wasn't too bad once I had the code - took about 20 minutes total with uploading documents and the video selfie. My benefits continued without interruption after that. Hang in there!
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