TWC has mostly cleared their COVID-related backlog. Current processing times are closer to normal, but they still have some staffing challenges that can cause delays. The regular unemployment system isn't experiencing the extreme delays we saw during the height of the pandemic anymore. However, they do still have periodic system maintenance and updates that can temporarily slow things down.

ok good to know thx

had to do id.me back in february. took like 20 mins tops. claim went thru fine after that. just make sure u got ur drivers license and social security card handy. they gonna make u take pics of em.

Thanks everyone for the responses! I feel much better knowing this is a normal part of the process. I'll try to complete the ID.me verification tonight and hopefully my claim will move forward. Will update if I run into any issues!

Just a heads-up: the appeal hearing will likely be conducted by phone. Make sure your phone is fully charged, you're in a quiet place, and you have ALL your documents organized in front of you. Take notes during the hearing, especially if the employer makes new claims that weren't in the original determination. Also, statements from your colleagues who were laid off at the same time would be EXTREMELY valuable evidence. Get those in writing, signed, and dated if possible.

Absolutely request your personnel file! Texas Labor Code §103.002 gives you the right to access your personnel file. Send a formal written request (email with read receipt is fine) stating you need it for your TWC appeal. They must comply within a reasonable time. This will either: 1) Show you had no misconduct documentation, which helps your case, or 2) Reveal what they're claiming against you so you can prepare a response. Win-win!

I HATE the new TWC system so much!!! It's been nothing but problems since they "upgraded" it in January. My brother-in-law works in IT and says they obviously didn't test it properly before launch. I've been locked out 3 times in 2 months for no reason at all. And then they have the nerve to blame US when their crappy system fails! Last time I called, I waited 3.5 HOURS only to have the call dropped right when someone finally answered. The whole thing is designed to frustrate people so they'll give up on claiming benefits. Stay strong and keep fighting!

Just wanted to update everyone - I finally got through to TWC this morning using the Claimyr service that was recommended. They fixed my account in about 5 minutes! The rep said there's been a widespread issue with the work search log page causing security flags on accounts. Apparently when the page times out or gives errors, some security algorithm flags it as suspicious activity. I was able to submit my work search logs and complete my payment request. They also put a note on my account about the technical issue so I won't be penalized for the delay. Thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone!

The Texas unemployment system is DESIGNED to deny benefits whenever possible. They use these complicated base period calculations specifically to disqualify people who need help. I've been dealing with TWC for years and seen all their tricks. FILE AN APPEAL IMMEDIATELY! You only have 14 days from the determination letter. Even if you think you won't win, file anyway. Sometimes they reverse decisions just because you challenge them. And request a wage investigation at the same time. DON'T GIVE UP!

UPDATE: I called TWC using that Claimyr service (it actually worked!), and the agent confirmed I only had wages reported in 2 quarters of my base period. BUT she said I might qualify for an alternate base period since I had a gap due to my previous unemployment claim ending right before starting this job. She's sending me a form to fill out for a wage investigation. I have all my pay stubs so I can prove my earnings. The agent said my case is actually pretty common and that I should keep filing payment requests while this is being investigated. There's hope! Thank you all for your help and advice. I'll update when I hear more.

I handled several DUA appeals after the March floods. This is what's likely happening: TWC uses an automated system to check addresses against FEMA's disaster declaration database. Common errors include: - Address format mismatches (St. vs Street, directions like N/S/E/W in wrong field) - ZIP code boundary issues (some ZIP codes cross county lines) - Business vs residential address confusion - Data entry errors by TWC staff The good news: This type of denial has a very high reversal rate on appeal because it's objectively verifiable. While waiting for your appeal, I recommend: 1. Contact your state representative's office - they can often expedite TWC issues 2. Submit a TWC password reset request through the portal - this often triggers a call back from TWC within 48 hours (unusual trick but works) 3. Prepare a simple one-page document with your address highlighted on a FEMA disaster map Be persistent. DUA benefits are federally funded but state-administered, so TWC has to follow specific verification protocols.

Just wanted to follow up - did anyone get this resolved? I'm now assisting another client with the exact same issue and would love to know what ultimately worked. The TWC appeal process timeframes seem to be all over the place lately.

To address your overpayment concern specifically: 1. Request a detailed statement of the alleged overpayment. You're entitled to know exactly what they think you were paid and when. 2. Gather your 2022 employment records - pay stubs, W-2, or tax returns - showing you were employed during May-June 2022. 3. Submit a written statement through your TWC correspondence portal explaining the error, with your evidence attached. 4. When you finally reach a representative, ask them to check if your SSN was possibly confused with someone else's claim. This happens more than they like to admit. In the meantime, continue filing your payment requests on schedule. Even with these issues, you need to maintain your claim.

update?? did u get this fixed? im dealing with something similar now 😩

wait i thought id.me was a scam???? my friend got an email about it and thought it was phishing

Update: I completed the ID.me verification last night - it was actually pretty straightforward. Now I'm going to try contacting TWC about filing an interstate claim. Thanks everyone for the help and explaining this process to me!

One more important thing - when your account does update, double-check the payment amount carefully. Sometimes when backpay is processed after an appeal, they might miss a week or calculate the amount incorrectly. If you notice any discrepancies, contact TWC immediately. It's much easier to fix payment issues before they're finalized than trying to correct them afterward.

let us know what happens! im curious if it comes thru fast or slow for u

Update: I finally got through to TWC this morning! The agent confirmed that DUA benefits from the May disaster are indeed ending on November 16th for everyone. However, she reviewed my case and said I might qualify for regular unemployment now because I had enough wages in my base period from before the disaster. She helped me start a new application for regular UI. Just wanted to update everyone in case you're in the same boat!

I used Claimyr after trying the regular line for two days with no luck. Got connected to a TWC agent in about 15 minutes! So worth it. Now I just need to wait for my new determination letter to see if I qualify for regular UI.