No payment yet, and it's been 8 business days now. My account status finally changed from disqualified to eligible yesterday, so I'm hoping that means it's moving through their system. I'll give it until the end of next week before I start calling. Thanks for checking in!

That's a great sign that your status changed to eligible! In my experience, once the system updates the eligibility status, payments usually follow within 3-5 business days. The fact that it took 8 days to update suggests their system is just slow right now, but you're definitely moving in the right direction. Keep an eye on your payment method (direct deposit or debit card) over the next few days. And definitely keep doing those payment requests - you're so close to getting what you're owed!

One more important thing I forgot to mention: You only have 14 days to file that appeal paperwork, but gathering evidence can take longer. Make sure you file the appeal form BEFORE the deadline, even if you don't have all your evidence yet. You can submit additional evidence later as you gather it. On the appeal form, clearly state that you're requesting a subpoena for specific work emails and call recording system logs. Also mention that you were denied access to crucial evidence that would prove your case. The Commission Appeals are more thorough than the first-level appeal hearings. They'll review the complete record from the first hearing plus any new evidence you provide. This is your chance to fix what went wrong in the first hearing.

I went through something very similar about 6 months ago - employer claimed "performance issues" but it was really system problems that weren't my fault. Here's what worked for me: 1. File your appeal IMMEDIATELY - don't wait. You can add evidence later but missing that 14-day deadline kills your case completely. 2. In your appeal, specifically request subpoenas for: - All emails between you and supervisors about the recording issues - Call system error logs for the time period in question - Any IT tickets or work orders about recording system problems 3. Get a lawyer if you can afford it. I know it seems expensive, but when you're looking at paying back $8,200, even spending $800-1000 on legal help is worth it. They know exactly what to request and how to present it. 4. Start gathering ANY evidence you might have - text messages, personal emails, screenshots, anything that shows you reported these technical issues. The good news is that second-level appeals are much more thorough. The Commission actually reviews everything instead of just rushing through like the phone hearings. You have a real shot at winning this if you can prove the technical issues were legitimate and that you tried to address them properly. Don't give up - the system isn't fair but it's not impossible to beat with the right preparation!

I went through something similar earlier this year! TWC will absolutely backpay you for those weeks you were legitimately unemployed, even though you're working now. The key is making sure you complete payment requests for ALL those weeks - don't skip any just because your claim was pending. A few tips from my experience: - Keep detailed records of your work search activities for each week (sounds like you already did this, which is great!) - When you do your payment requests, be completely accurate about your new job start date - If you missed any payment request weeks due to confusion, you can request backdated opportunities through TWC The whole process was frustrating for me too, but I eventually got every penny I was owed for the weeks I was unemployed. Don't give up - you earned those benefits during the time you were out of work and actively searching!

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! Filed my claim 5 weeks ago and it's still pending with no updates. Just got a job offer yesterday and wondering the same thing about backpay. Reading through all these responses is really helpful - sounds like the key is to keep doing payment requests for those unemployment weeks even after starting work, and being totally honest about start dates. Has anyone had success with the TWC online chat feature mentioned earlier, or is calling really the only way to get through? I'm dreading spending hours on hold but if that's what it takes to get those weeks sorted out... @Andre Dupont - congrats on the new job! Hope you get all your backpay sorted out soon.

This is a question I see all the time as a workforce specialist. To be 100% clear: unemployment benefits are not intended to bridge the gap between your start date and first paycheck. They're designed to support you while you're not earning wages, and legally, you begin earning wages on your first day of work (even if you haven't been paid yet). Here's what you need to know: 1. Report your return to work on your payment request 2. Benefits will stop as of your start date 3. You can receive benefits for partial weeks before your start date 4. Some utility companies and landlords will work with you if you explain the situation and show them your job offer letter Congratulations on your new job!

I went through this exact same situation last year! It's definitely frustrating, but I found a few things that helped me get through those 3 weeks: 1) Contact your utility companies and explain the situation - many have hardship programs or will defer payment, 2) Food banks can really help stretch your budget during this time, 3) Some credit unions offer small emergency loans if you're a member, 4) Ask family/friends if they need any odd jobs done for cash. Also, keep all your job offer paperwork - some assistance programs will accept that as proof of upcoming income. The gap sucks but you'll get through it! Congrats on the new job!

Glad you got through @Sarah Jones! For anyone else still struggling with PIN resets, I found another trick that worked for me last year. If you have an old unemployment debit card from a previous claim (even if it's expired), the card number can sometimes help verify your identity when you call. The TWC agent was able to look up my account faster using that info. Also, keep trying the online PIN reset throughout the day - sometimes the system lets you through during off-peak hours when fewer people are trying to access it. Don't give up!

Just wanted to add that if you're still having issues with the PIN reset, there's another option that worked for my sister last month. She went to the local American Job Center (they're part of the workforce system) and they have direct access to help with TWC issues. The staff there was able to call TWC on her behalf and get her PIN reset while she waited. It took about an hour total but was way less stressful than trying to get through on your own. You can find locations at jobcenterlocator.org - just search for "American Job Center" in your area. They also help with resume writing and job search stuff if you need that too. Hope this helps someone!