Anyone else feel like we're living in a dystopian novel? Fighting to get basic support during a global crisis. What a time to be alive. 🙃

I've been following this thread and wow, the collective wisdom here is amazing! For what it's worth, I went through something similar last year. Here's what worked for me: I kept a detailed log of every call attempt (time, date, what happened) and when I finally got through, having that documentation really helped show I was serious about resolving the issue. Also, don't be afraid to escalate - ask to speak to a supervisor if the first rep can't help. Sometimes they have different tools or authority levels. The system is definitely broken, but persistence does pay off eventually. Hang in there, Zara! 🤞

This whole thread has been such a goldmine of information! I'm currently in week 2 of a part-time job (about 18 hours/week) while on partial unemployment, and I was already starting to wonder about the waiting week situation. My weekly benefit amount is $340, so I'd need to earn about $2,040 total to trigger that automatic payment. It's so reassuring to see that this is completely normal and that the system handles it automatically. I was already stressing about potentially having to navigate TWC's phone system to ask about it later. Reading everyone's experiences here has saved me so much anxiety! I'll just keep accurately reporting my hours and wages and let the system do its thing. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this community is amazing for helping us understand these confusing processes!

This thread is so incredibly helpful! I just started a part-time job last week (about 16 hours/week) while on unemployment and I had no idea about this waiting week situation. My weekly benefit amount is $310, so based on everyone's explanations, I'd need to earn about $1,860 total to trigger that automatic payment. It's such a relief to know this is normal and happens automatically! I was already dreading the thought of trying to figure out how to request it myself or having to call TWC's nightmare phone system. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been so educational - I feel like I actually understand how this all works now instead of just stumbling through it blind. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories, especially those who explained the 6x calculation so clearly. This community is amazing for helping navigate all the confusing aspects of the unemployment system!

This is exactly the kind of confusion that drives people crazy with TWC! The fact that you got approval letters but no clear instructions about ID.me verification shows how poorly they communicate these requirements. I went through something similar last year - got approved, waited weeks, then discovered the ID.me requirement buried in my account. The system really should send a clear notification or include verification instructions right in those determination letters. At least now that you've completed it, you should see payments within a week. Make sure to keep submitting your biweekly requests even while waiting for that first payment to process!

I just went through this exact same situation! Got my approval letters but waited 6 weeks with no payment until I found out about the ID.me requirement. Here's what helped me: Log into your TWC account and look for a small text that says "Payment pending identity verification" under your claim status - it's easy to miss! Once you find that, go directly to ID.me (not through TWC's website) and complete the verification using the same email as your TWC account. The whole process took me about 30 minutes, and my payments started flowing within 4 business days after verification was complete. Don't wait like I did - the verification won't happen automatically and they definitely don't make it obvious that it's required!

I'm in a very similar situation right now! Just got my first payment yesterday for week 2 of my claim (filed 3 weeks ago after being laid off from my hotel management position) but still no determination letter. I was literally about to post the exact same question you did! Reading through all these responses has been such a relief - it seems like this payment-before-letter timing is actually the norm right now with TWC being so backed up. The explanation about their payment system working separately from their mail processing makes perfect sense. Since we were both laid off (not fired for misconduct) and our employers didn't contest, it sounds like we're both in good shape. I've been keeping detailed work search logs and staying on top of my certifications, so I think I'll follow everyone's advice and stop stressing about spending the money. Thanks for asking this question - you definitely helped more people than just yourself by bringing up this concern that so many of us are dealing with right now!

I'm currently experiencing this exact same situation! Filed my claim about 2 weeks ago after being laid off from my marketing coordinator position, and just received my first payment today for week 2 but still no determination letter in sight. I was honestly starting to panic thinking TWC made some kind of system error and would come after me for the money later. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring - it sounds like this payment-before-letter scenario is actually pretty standard with how backed up TWC is right now. The explanation about their automated payment system working independently from their mail processing department really makes sense. Since I was laid off due to company restructuring (not terminated for cause) and my employer didn't dispute the claim, the fact that I received payment seems to be TWC's way of confirming my approval even though the paperwork is still working through their slower administrative channels. I've been diligently doing my 3 work searches per week and documenting everything, plus staying on top of my biweekly certifications. Based on everyone's timelines shared here, it sounds like I can expect my determination letter in the next 2-4 weeks. Thanks for posting this question - you've helped so many of us realize this timing issue is totally normal and we don't need to stress about it!

I'm in almost the exact same situation as you! Filed my claim last week and got the dreaded "call us" message. Reading through everyone's responses here has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the waiting week or that I could have taxes withheld automatically. The spreadsheet idea is genius and I'm definitely stealing that! One thing I learned from a friend who went through this is to also have your bank account info ready when you call, in case they want to set up direct deposit right away instead of waiting for the debit card to arrive in the mail. Apparently direct deposit is faster for getting payments. Good luck with your call on Tuesday - I'm planning to call Wednesday morning right at 8am like someone suggested. Fingers crossed we both get through quickly!

I just wanted to chime in as someone who's been helping people navigate TWC claims for a while - you're doing everything right by gathering information first! One thing I don't see mentioned yet is that after you make that call on Tuesday, you'll want to check your TWC account online regularly (every few days) because sometimes they'll update your claim status or request additional documents through the portal without sending you an email notification. Also, if you do land one of those promising interviews and get a job offer, you can work part-time (under 32 hours) and still receive partial unemployment benefits as long as you report the earnings correctly. This can be a great way to ease back into the workforce while still having some income security. The fact that you're being proactive about understanding the process puts you way ahead - most people just wing it and then get frustrated when things don't go smoothly!