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Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else who might be searching this thread later - I got my expedited ReliaCard last week via UPS and it DID require a signature, but the driver waited about 30 seconds and then just left it anyway (which technically they're not supposed to do). So even if signature is "required," you might still get it if you're not home. Also, pro tip: you can create a free UPS My Choice or FedEx Delivery Manager account and sometimes see tracking info even if TWC didn't give you the number directly - just use your address and phone number to search for incoming packages. Saved me a lot of anxiety!
That's a great tip about creating the delivery manager accounts! I wish I had known about that when I was frantically waiting for mine. The tracking visibility would have saved me so much stress. It's also good to know that even with signature requirements, drivers sometimes use their discretion - though I guess that's a bit of a gamble if you really need to be sure it gets delivered. Thanks for sharing your experience!
This entire thread is so helpful! I'm in a similar situation where I'm waiting for my expedited ReliaCard and the inconsistency in delivery methods had me confused. Reading everyone's experiences, it seems like the key takeaways are: 1) It could be FedEx, UPS, or even USPS depending on your location, 2) Signature requirements vary wildly, 3) Check ALL mail including plain envelopes, and 4) Set up those delivery manager accounts to potentially track packages even without a tracking number. For future folks dealing with this stress - sounds like expedited usually does work within 1-2 days, just be prepared for any delivery scenario. Also definitely setting up direct deposit immediately after getting the card seems like the smartest move to avoid this whole ordeal again!
This is exactly the kind of comprehensive summary this thread needed! As someone new to the Texas unemployment system, I was getting overwhelmed by all the conflicting information online about ReliaCard delivery. Your breakdown makes it so much clearer - basically expect anything and be prepared for everything, haha. The direct deposit tip seems crucial too. I'm curious though - does anyone know if there are any fees associated with the ReliaCard that make direct deposit even more worthwhile? I keep hearing mixed things about ATM fees and such.
Thanks for sharing your timeline - this is really helpful! I'm currently stuck in the same "in review" status for 2.5 weeks now. Your post made me realize I should probably reach out to my former employer's HR department. I was laid off from a marketing agency and just assumed they would handle everything automatically. Question: when you called your ex-manager, did you mention it was urgent or affecting your benefits? I'm worried about coming across as pushy since I'm no longer an employee, but I really need to get this resolved. Also, did TWC give you any reference number or case ID that you shared with your employer to help them locate the SIDES request?
I was in a very similar situation! When I contacted my ex-manager, I kept it professional and factual - I said something like "Hi [name], I'm having an issue with my unemployment claim where TWC is waiting for employer verification, and I wanted to check if HR received their request." I didn't need to be pushy because once they understood the situation, they were actually pretty helpful. TWC did give me a confirmation number when I called, which I included in my email to HR along with screenshots of my portal showing the "in review" status. That really helped them track down the request on their end. Don't worry about being pushy - most employers understand that unemployment verification is part of the normal process when someone gets laid off. Good luck!
This is such valuable information - thank you for sharing your detailed timeline! I'm currently in week 3 of "in review" status and hadn't thought to contact my former employer directly. Your experience with HR not even knowing about the TWC request is eye-opening. I just assumed everything was automated and they would handle it on their end. I'm going to reach out to my former manager tomorrow morning. Quick question: when you sent those screenshots to HR, did you black out any sensitive information, or did you share them as-is? I want to make sure I'm providing helpful documentation without oversharing personal details from my TWC account.
I'm so sorry you're going through this stress - the uncertainty is awful when you're already dealing with job loss. Based on what others have shared here, it sounds like you've gotten good advice about exploring SNAP, TANF, and other assistance programs while continuing your job search. One thing I'd add is to check with local churches, community organizations, and food banks in your area - many have emergency assistance funds for rent/utilities that can help bridge the gap while you're waiting for other programs to kick in. Also, don't forget about gig work or temporary employment agencies as a short-term income source. It's not ideal, but even a few hundred dollars from DoorDash or temp work can help with immediate expenses. You're not alone in this situation and you're being smart by asking for help and exploring all your options. Hang in there!
Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and comprehensive response! I really appreciate you taking the time to offer practical suggestions beyond just the official programs. I hadn't thought about reaching out to local churches or community organizations - that's a great idea. I've been hesitant about gig work because I was worried it might affect any future unemployment eligibility, but at this point I need to focus on immediate survival. Going to sign up for some delivery apps this weekend and start reaching out to temp agencies on Monday. It helps so much to know I'm not the only one who's been caught off guard by how the system works. This community has been incredibly helpful!
Hey Demi, I just went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and I totally understand the panic you're feeling. The reality is harsh but everyone here is giving you solid advice. One thing I'd add is to make sure you apply for emergency rental assistance through your city/county ASAP - many areas still have COVID relief funds available for rent help and they can sometimes cover 2-3 months while you get back on your feet. Also, if you have any old 401k or retirement accounts from previous jobs, you might be able to do a hardship withdrawal to cover immediate expenses (though there are tax implications). The TWC system really does suck at explaining what happens when benefits run out - you're definitely not alone in being blindsided by this. Keep your head up and cast a wide net with job applications. Even getting a temporary job while you keep looking for something in your field can help bridge the gap.
Thanks Sean, this is really helpful! I hadn't even thought about emergency rental assistance - I'm going to look into what's available in my county tomorrow. The 401k idea is something to consider too, though I'm hoping I can avoid that if possible since I know there are penalties. It's reassuring to hear from someone who went through the same thing recently. Did you end up finding work pretty quickly after your benefits ran out? I'm trying to stay optimistic but the job market still feels pretty tough in my area.
Giovanni, I completely understand your anxiety about the timing with rent due! I went through this exact situation about 2 months ago and it was so stressful waiting for that first payment. From my experience, once TWC starts bank verification, you're typically looking at 3-5 business days total before the deposit hits your account. Since you submitted your info on Friday, I'd expect to see something by Wednesday or Thursday of this week. One thing that really saved me stress was setting up text alerts with my bank for any incoming deposits - that way I knew the moment it came through instead of constantly checking my balance. Also, definitely call TWC's automated line early in the morning (around 7-8 AM) as it sometimes gives more detailed status updates than later in the day. The good news is once you get that first payment, future ones process much faster! You're almost there - hang in there!
Thank you so much for the encouraging words and timeline! Wednesday or Thursday would be absolutely perfect for me. I love the idea of setting up text alerts with my bank - I've been driving myself crazy checking my account balance multiple times a day. That would definitely help with the anxiety. I'll also try calling the automated line early in the morning tomorrow - I usually call later in the day so maybe I'll get better info if I call first thing. It's so reassuring to hear that future payments process faster once this first hurdle is cleared. Really appreciate you sharing your experience and the practical tips!
Giovanni, I totally get the stress you're feeling right now! I went through this exact same situation about 3 months ago and the waiting period for that first payment is absolutely nerve-wracking when you've got bills due. From my experience, once TWC begins bank verification, you're usually looking at about 4-6 business days total before the money actually appears in your account. Since you entered your info on Friday, I'd expect to see something by Wednesday or Thursday this week. One thing that really helped me was downloading my bank's mobile app and turning on push notifications for deposits - that way I got an instant alert when the payment came through instead of obsessively checking my balance all day. Also, make sure you're logging into your TWC account online daily to check for any messages in your correspondence inbox. If there's any issue with your banking details, they'll usually notify you there first. The waiting is definitely the hardest part, but you're so close now! Keep your head up and remember that once this first payment processes, all your future payments will be much quicker.
Cole, thank you so much for the detailed timeline and advice! Wednesday or Thursday would be absolutely perfect timing for me. I really like the idea of setting up push notifications through my bank's mobile app - I've been checking my account balance obsessively throughout the day which is probably just making my anxiety worse. Getting an instant notification when the deposit hits would be so much better for my peace of mind. I've been checking my TWC correspondence inbox religiously but thankfully haven't seen any error messages yet, just the usual automated stuff. It's incredibly reassuring to hear from someone who went through this exact situation just a few months ago. The waiting really is the hardest part, especially when you're watching your savings dwindle while waiting! But knowing that future payments will be quicker once I get over this initial hurdle definitely helps me stay positive. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience and all the practical tips!
Aaliyah Reed
Just wanted to add something important that helped me in a similar situation - if your employer is claiming they fired you for "company violations," make sure to request copies of any disciplinary actions, write-ups, or performance improvement plans they claim led to your termination. In my case, the employer couldn't produce any documentation of misconduct because there wasn't any - they were just making stuff up after the fact. When I asked for my complete personnel file, it was mostly positive performance reviews and no disciplinary actions. This really helped show TWC that their firing claim was fabricated. Also, Texas law requires employers to provide your personnel file within a reasonable time after you request it in writing, so don't let them drag their feet on this. The contrast between their verbal claims to TWC and the actual documented record in your file could be the smoking gun you need.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•This is excellent advice! I hadn't thought about requesting my complete personnel file to contrast with their claims. That's brilliant - if they're saying I was fired for violations but can't produce any documentation of misconduct or disciplinary actions, that would definitely expose their lie. I'm going to send a written request to HR first thing Monday morning. Should I request it via email so I have proof of when I asked, or does it need to be a formal letter? Also, do they typically charge a fee for providing the personnel file in Texas?
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StarSurfer
Email request is fine and actually better since you'll have a timestamp and delivery confirmation. In Texas, employers can charge reasonable copying costs (usually around $0.10-0.25 per page) but many provide electronic copies for free. Make sure to specifically request "all documents in my personnel file including performance reviews, disciplinary actions, commendations, and any notes or communications regarding my employment or separation." Also ask for any documentation related to the alleged "company violations" they told TWC about. Give them 10 business days to respond and follow up if they don't. If they delay or refuse, mention that in your TWC appeal - it makes their claim look even more suspicious.
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Sean Kelly
•This is really solid advice about the personnel file request! I'm definitely going to follow this approach. One thing I'm wondering - should I also request any internal communications or emails between managers/HR about me during the period after I made my whistleblowing report? I'm thinking if they have internal messages discussing how to handle my situation or get rid of me, that could be smoking gun evidence. Though I'm not sure if they'd actually turn those over or if they're considered part of the "personnel file." Has anyone successfully gotten internal communications through a personnel file request?
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