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Am I the only one wondering how they can just spring this on you after 14 YEARS??? I mean I get bills from 2 years ago and I'm like "too late buddy" lol. But seriously, check if they sent notices to your MyTWC correspondence inbox over the years. Sometimes they claim they "notified" you by putting it in your online account even if you weren't actively using it after your previous claim ended.
THIS. They put "notices" in your account but don't email or call to tell you there's a notice! How convenient for them that you never saw it! Then they hit you with the full amount + 14 years of interest when you file a new claim. It's a completely ridiculous system designed to benefit TWC, not workers. You literally have to log in regularly for YEARS after your claim ends just to check if they've decided you owe them money. Who does that???
Just to follow up on what others have said with some clarification about your options: 1. Request a payment plan (aim for 25% recoupment instead of 100%) 2. File an appeal within 14 days of notification (focus on lack of notice and non-fault overpayment) 3. Submit Form EO-48 for waiver consideration 4. Request Statement of Overpayment Account to verify amount The good news is that even though this is frustrating, you do have multiple options to pursue simultaneously. The most immediate relief will likely come from the payment plan, which can often be arranged quickly. The appeal and waiver process take longer but could potentially resolve the entire debt. Also, if you're struggling financially while this gets resolved, remember to check eligibility for other assistance programs like SNAP (food stamps) or emergency housing assistance through your county.
Just wanted to add: it's very important to keep requesting payments on your assigned biweekly schedule even while waiting for the ID.me verification to clear. Many people make the mistake of thinking they should wait until verification is complete, but this can cause gaps in your claim. For anyone reading this in the future, always continue requesting payments according to your schedule regardless of pending issues. For the original poster: if it's been more than 10 business days since your ID.me verification completed, you should definitely try to reach a TWC agent. They may need to manually update something in your claim.
UPDATE: Finally got through to TWC this morning using the Claimyr service someone recommended here (worth every penny!). Turns out there was a secondary review flag on my account that had nothing to do with ID.me. The agent was able to clear it immediately and said my payments should process within 48 hours. Just wanted to update in case anyone else faces similar issues. Don't wait as long as I did to get help!
Just to add some clarity - the EM22 error is actually a protective feature in the TWC system, not a bug. It flags applications that need human review to ensure you get the correct benefit amount and proper processing. While frustrating, it's better than having the system potentially miscalculate your benefits or wrongly deny your claim. For the quickest resolution, have these ready when you do reach an agent: 1. Complete work history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers) 2. Start/end dates for all employment 3. Reason for separation from each employer 4. Any severance or vacation payout information This will help the agent process your application efficiently once you connect.
Just checking back - were you able to get through to TWC? If not, you might also try contacting your state representative's office. They sometimes have dedicated caseworkers who can help constituents with TWC issues. It's not an immediate fix, but it's another option if you're still stuck.
Update: I tried the early morning call approach but still couldn't get through. I ended up using that Claimyr service that someone mentioned above and got connected to TWC in about 30 minutes! The agent said the EM22 error was happening because I had a 3-week gap between jobs that the system couldn't process correctly. She finished my application over the phone and I got my confirmation number. Thanks everyone for the help!
Just as an update for everyone - I checked the TWC Twitter account and they posted about scheduled maintenance to their payment systems yesterday. They mentioned there might be a 24-48 hour delay in payment processing this week. That's probably what's causing this for many of us.
UPDATE: Just checked again and now my payment is showing as pending! Looks like it was just delayed by a day. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions. For anyone else experiencing this, it seems like there's just a system delay this week.
I'm going through this nightmare rn too! Did u try calling right at 7am when they open? That's what the lady at the workforce center told me but even then I still got disconnected three times this morning before I gave up. This whole system feels designed to make us give up on benefits we deserve. So frustrating. Let me know if anything works for you!
UPDATE: I filed my appeal online and uploaded all my documentation! Also, I tried calling the main number at 800-939-6631 like suggested above and finally got through after a 2.5 hour wait. The agent confirmed they received my appeal and said it would take approximately 3-4 weeks to process. She also submitted notes to my file clarifying that I was laid off due to restructuring, not voluntary quit. Fingers crossed this gets resolved! Thanks everyone for your help.
One more important tip: during your appeal hearing, focus ONLY on the natural disaster aspects. Don't get drawn into arguments about other attendance issues even if your employer brings them up. The hearing officer only cares about the specific reason for your termination as it relates to the determination letter. Also, request a copy of your TWC claim file before the hearing so you can see exactly what your employer told TWC. Sometimes employers will change their story or add details that weren't part of the original termination reason.
Update: I submitted my appeal yesterday with all the documentation suggested here. I included 12 photos of flooding, screenshots of my texts to my supervisor, local news reports about the storm, and the county disaster declaration. Now just waiting for my hearing date. Thanks everyone for your help - I'll update when I hear something!
The WHOLE TWC system is designed to confuse people!!!! I bet they INTENTIONALLY make the questions vague so people will answer wrong and then they can deny benefits and save money!!! I had to appeal TWICE because of their stupid unclear questions about work searches and availability. The system is BROKEN!!!!
While the questions can be confusing, I don't think it's intentionally designed to trick people. The system is handling millions of claims with varying situations. If you're ever unsure about how to answer a question, you can always call to get clarification before submitting your payment request. It's better to delay your request by a day to get accurate information than to rush through and potentially create problems later.
Another important point nobody's mentioned: If you do quit and file for unemployment, you should immediately begin fulfilling the work search requirements while your claim is being processed. Even if your claim is initially denied, if you win on appeal, you'll only get benefits for weeks where you completed the required work search activities (currently 3 per week in Texas). Also, be prepared for your employer to potentially fight your claim. They have a financial incentive to do so since approved claims can increase their UI tax rate. This is why documentation is absolutely critical.
UPDATE: So I followed everyone's advice and sent a formal email to HR outlining the situation, specifically using the wording about "substantial change in hiring agreement" and explaining my medical needs. To my surprise, they responded within 2 days! Apparently there was some miscommunication between departments. They're now saying I can be enrolled in benefits next month (still later than promised, but better than waiting a full year). I'm still considering my options since I've lost trust in this company, but I wanted to thank everyone for the advice. I'll keep all this documentation either way. If I do end up needing to quit and file for unemployment, I'll definitely use the Claimyr service to get through to someone at TWC based on the recommendations here.
That's a positive development! Having this response from them actually strengthens your position either way. If you stay, you get benefits sooner than their revised timeline. If you still decide to leave, you now have written acknowledgment that they failed to provide what was initially promised. One additional suggestion: If you do decide to stay, get the new benefits timeline in writing from HR, and follow up immediately if they miss that deadline too.
One more thing I forgot to mention - even though unemployment likely isn't an option, definitely look into the Family and Medical Leave Protections through the Texas Workforce Commission. There's a special unit that deals with these situations and might be able to direct you to appropriate resources. Their main line is often busy, but if you call right when they open at 8:00 AM, you might have better luck getting through to someone who can help.
I just wanted to follow up - did you have any luck with the suggestions here? The TANF option seems like it might be your best bet in the immediate term. Sending positive thoughts to you and your little one.
Hiroshi Nakamura
i had something like thsi happen but it was different error code. try calling realy early like 7:01 am when they first open thats how i got thru
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Isabella Costa
•Early morning didnt work for me, I had to call right at 1:00pm after lunch. Seems like they all go to lunch at the same time lol
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Yara Assad
UPDATE: Problem solved! It was actually a combination of issues. I followed the advice about the work search documentation fields AND used Tele-Serv. The phone system worked when the website wouldn't. For anyone else with this error, make sure you complete ALL fields in the work search section and try the phone if website still gives errors. Thanks everyone for your help!
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Javier Morales
•Great! Glad you got it resolved. For future reference, always keep a backup plan for your payment requests. I usually set a reminder 2-3 days before the deadline so I have time to troubleshoot if something goes wrong.
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