One important clarification: While your first payment might be delayed if your work search log isn't complete, TWC won't automatically deny your entire claim. They may contact you for additional information or issue a determination that you can appeal. Regarding documentation, TWC typically doesn't require you to submit proof of work search activities with each payment request, but they can audit you at any time, so keep records of everything for at least a year. Emails confirming job applications, screenshots of completed applications, notes from networking calls - all of these are good to maintain. Moving forward, I recommend setting a calendar reminder each week to complete your 3 required work search activities. This simple habit will help ensure you remain eligible for benefits throughout your claim period.

For activities like researching companies or updating your resume, you should include: 1. The date of the activity 2. Which companies you researched (list at least 3-4) 3. What specific positions or departments you were exploring 4. Any follow-up actions you took (bookmarked job postings, made notes on requirements) For resume updates, note: 1. Date of update 2. What sections you modified 3. What skills or experiences you added This level of detail shows TWC that these were meaningful job search activities, not just casual browsing. Good luck with your claim!

Im going thru something sorta similar. If i were u I would log into your TWC account and submit a message through the contact system asking specifically about your situation. Sometimes its easier than calling. And make sure to keep checking back for messages cuz they dont always email u when they respond. At least then youd have an official answer specific to ur claim without sitting on hold for hours.

After reading through all the comments, I agree with the consensus that you probably won't get the waiting week paid. But for future reference (or anyone else reading this thread), here's the official TWC rule about waiting week payments: "The waiting week is the first week of your claim. You must request payment for this week, but you won't get paid for it until: - You return to full-time work, or - You exhaust all of your benefits, or - You have received 3 times your weekly benefit amount in benefits" Since you were disqualified and never received benefits equaling 3x your weekly amount, the waiting week remains unpaid. The system is designed this way to prevent people from filing for very short periods of unemployment.

Also, be prepared for their work search requirements! You have to apply for at least 3 jobs every week and keep detailed records. I almost lost my benefits because I didn't realize how specific they wanted the information to be. They want company name, position, date applied, contact person, etc. for each application.

To answer your follow-up question about documentation: When you apply, you'll need to provide your Alien Registration Number or whatever identification number is on your work authorization document. TWC will verify your work authorization status through the SAVE system (Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements). As for work search requirements that someone mentioned - you'll need to keep track of your work search activities in your TWC account online. You'll report these activities when you request payment every two weeks. And regarding the wait time - unfortunately, 3-5 weeks for first payment is pretty standard these days, especially for cases that might need additional verification like non-citizen status. You should apply immediately to start the clock.

That's definitely outside the normal timeframe. You should contact TWC directly at this point. Did you get a confirmation number when you submitted it?

UPDATE: Just checked this morning and it's showing up now! Took about 36 hours total. Thanks everyone for calming me down and helping me understand how the system works.

I just went through this exact situation last month! Here's what worked for me: 1. I couldn't attend my RESEA due to a family emergency 2. Called the number on the letter 15+ times with no answer 3. Went to the TWC website and found my assigned workforce center's direct email 4. Sent an email explaining my situation with detailed documentation 5. Still got a temporary suspension notice a week later 6. Finally got through to TWC using the Tele-Serv number (not the one on the RESEA letter) 7. Explained everything, they reinstated my benefits and rescheduled The key was having documentation of both the emergency AND my attempts to contact them beforehand. Take screenshots of weather alerts, flood warnings, and document every call attempt with timestamps. Even if you miss it, with proper documentation they should restore your benefits retroactively.

hey did u figure this out? my RESEA is next week and now im worried about missing it

I work in hospitality too and it's been brutal this year. Have you tried looking at healthcare jobs? Sounds weird but a lot of us from hotels have been able to transfer our customer service skills to medical office jobs. They're desperate for people and many places will train you. Just a thought!

One last suggestion - check back with TWC in late July. Benefit availability sometimes changes with the start of new fiscal quarters, and occasionally new programs become available. If you continue making payment requests as another commenter suggested, you'll remain active in their system and be notified if anything changes. Also, TWC does periodically review the economic conditions in the state to determine if the Extended Benefits (EB) program should be triggered. While it's not currently active, that status can change if unemployment rates hit certain thresholds. It's rare outside of major economic downturns, but worth keeping an eye on.

One more thing to remember - when you apply, make sure to indicate that you are still employed but with reduced hours. There's a specific question about this in the application. If you say you're totally unemployed when you're actually still working reduced hours, it could cause problems with your claim later. Be prepared to provide documentation showing your previous full-time schedule compared to your current reduced hours. Paystubs showing the difference in hours/earnings can be helpful.

I've helped several clients with partial unemployment claims. Here's what you need to know about the earnings deduction: For each payment request period, TWC will deduct a portion of your earned wages from your weekly benefit amount (WBA). The formula they use is that you can earn up to 25% of your WBA with no deduction. After that, they deduct dollar for dollar. For example, if your WBA is $400 and you earn $150 in a week, only $50 would be deducted (since you can earn $100 with no deduction). You'd receive $350 in benefits for that week. This is why accurate reporting of your hours and wages each payment period is crucial.

anybody else notice how TWC always messes up the simplest things?? took them 3 months to fix my last name after i got married lol

Update: I finally got everything sorted out! Called ReliaCard directly like several of you suggested and updated my address with them. They said they'd send out a new card to my current address and cancel the one that might be going to my old address. I also called TWC (took forever to get through) and made sure they updated both my claim profile AND payment delivery profile like @user6 suggested. The agent confirmed both were now showing my current address. Thanks everyone for all your help! Hopefully my card will arrive within 7-10 business days like they promised.

Quick update on my earlier comment - the specific problem is that ID.me sends a token to TWC's system after verification, but sometimes that token expires or doesn't get properly recorded. Once you get through to someone at TWC, ask them specifically to check your 'identity verification token status' - that's the exact terminology they use internally. That will help them find and fix the issue faster.

My wife had a similar thing happen and what worked for her was sending a message through the TWC portal using very specific wording. She titled it "ID.me Verification Confirmation Not Received by TWC" and included her ID.me confirmation number and the exact date/time she completed it. Got a response in 3 days and they fixed it. Worth a try while you're also attempting to call.

i worked for twc before and heres what happens: the computer system automatically takes money from benefits even if youve paid already. its a separate system from the payment portal. once u get thru to someone they have to manually mark it as refund eligible in the system. make sure u get confirmation number or name of person who helps u!

UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC after using that Claimyr service someone suggested. The agent confirmed they collected twice and submitted a refund request for me. She said it will take 4-6 weeks to process and will come as a paper check, not direct deposit. She gave me a confirmation number and the name of the person handling it. Thanks everyone for your help!