


Ask the community...
Yes, a tax return or other official document with your SSN will usually work as a substitute. Bring whatever you have that shows your SSN.
I'm in a similar situation - my benefits ran out about 3 weeks ago and I've been scrambling to figure out what's next. Reading through this thread has been really helpful, especially the info about Workforce Solutions and SNAP. I had no idea about the WIOA program or that they could help with training funding. One thing I'll add - if you're behind on rent, also check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rental assistance programs. They connected me with a nonprofit that helped cover one month of rent while I get back on my feet. Every little bit helps when you're in survival mode. Good luck tomorrow at the Workforce office! Please do update us - I'm planning to visit mine next week and would love to hear how it goes.
Thanks for mentioning 211! I didn't know about that resource and will definitely call them today about rental assistance. It's reassuring to know there are people in the same boat who are finding ways to make it work. I'll absolutely update after my Workforce visit tomorrow - hopefully between that, SNAP, and maybe some rental help, I can buy myself enough time to find something. This community has been a lifesaver today.
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - my claim has been "under review" for 6 weeks with no clear explanation from TWC. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope that there are actually ways to escalate beyond the regular customer service maze. I'm definitely going to try the state rep route first since multiple people have had success there, and that State Auditor's Office complaint option sounds really promising too. It's frustrating that we have to jump through all these hoops just to get the benefits we're entitled to, but at least there seem to be ways to get actual results. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - it's reassuring to know I'm not alone in this struggle and that there are people who've actually gotten their issues resolved.
@Molly Hansen I totally feel your frustration - 6 weeks under "review is" absolutely ridiculous! The fact that we have to become amateur investigators just to figure out how to get our own benefits is insane. But you re'right that it s'reassuring to see so many people sharing actual solutions that worked for them. I m'in a similar boat and planning to hit both the state rep and SAO complaint routes this week. Maybe we should check back in a few days and see how our escalation attempts go? It would be helpful to compare notes on what works best. Hang in there - it sounds like persistence really does pay off even though it shouldn t'have to come to this!
Just wanted to add another resource that helped me when I was in a similar situation - the Texas Workforce Commission has an Appeals Department that handles cases where claims get stuck in the system for extended periods. You can reach them at 512-463-2807. While it's technically for appeals, they sometimes can help with claims that are just sitting in limbo without any clear reason. Also, when you do contact your state representative, ask specifically to speak with their "constituent services" staff - they're the ones who handle TWC issues and know exactly who to contact at the agency. Don't just send a general email to the rep's office. One more thing - if you're a veteran, there's a special TWC Veterans Program that has dedicated staff who can sometimes cut through the red tape faster. Worth mentioning if it applies to you. Good luck getting this resolved!
@Paolo Marino This is super helpful additional info! I didn t'know about the Appeals Department potentially helping with stuck claims - that s'definitely worth trying alongside the other escalation routes people have mentioned. And the tip about specifically asking for constituent "services when" contacting state reps is really valuable - I probably would have just sent a general inquiry otherwise. It s'amazing how many different channels there are once you know where to look. Thanks for adding these extra resources to the thread!
I've been through 3 TWC appeal hearings over the years (won 2, lost 1). Here's something nobody mentioned yet - if you get disconnected during the hearing for ANY reason, call back IMMEDIATELY. Don't wait for them to call you back. I lost my second hearing because my phone died and I waited 10 minutes thinking they'd call me back. They didn't. Also, if your former employer doesn't show up to the hearing (which happens sometimes), you'll basically win by default. But don't count on that - always be prepared as if they'll be there. One thing that really helped me was practicing out loud beforehand. I literally stood in front of a mirror and practiced explaining what happened in 2-3 sentences. When you're nervous it's easy to ramble, but the hearing officer appreciates concise answers. Good luck tomorrow! The fact that you have emails about restructuring puts you in a much better position than most people. You've got this!
Thank you so much for the tip about calling back immediately if disconnected! I hadn't thought about that but it makes total sense - I'll keep the hearing number handy just in case. The practicing out loud idea is really smart too. I've been reading through all my notes but actually saying it out loud would probably help me sound more confident and organized. I'm definitely feeling more prepared after everyone's advice here. It's crazy how employers can just lie like this but at least there's a process to fight back!
I went through this same situation 6 months ago and totally understand your nerves! Here's what actually happened in my hearing: The whole thing lasted about 45 minutes. It was me, the hearing officer, and two people from my old company (HR rep and a manager). They'll start by confirming everyone's identity and swearing you in. The hearing officer will ask your employer to explain why they believe you quit, then give you time to respond. Don't interrupt them even if they're saying things that aren't true - you'll get your turn. When it's your time, stick to the facts and timeline. What really helped me win was having specific dates and details. Like "On March 15th, my manager told me the department was being eliminated due to restructuring" rather than just saying "they laid me off." The more specific you can be, the better. Also, if you applied for unemployment immediately after being let go, make sure to mention that. The hearing officer asked me directly why I would file for unemployment right away if I had voluntarily quit - it was a great point that helped my case. One last thing - after the hearing ends, they'll tell you a decision will be mailed within 10 business days. Don't stress if you don't hear anything right away. You're going to do great! Having those restructuring emails puts you in a really strong position. Just breathe and tell your story clearly.
When I got laid off back in May, trying to get through to TWC was a NIGHTMARE. I needed to ask a question about my work search requirements and spent 3 weeks trying to get someone on the phone. Busy signals, disconnects, hold for hours then cut off... I was about to lose my mind! Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got a callback from TWC in under an hour. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Seriously saved my sanity during an already stressful time.
Thanks for the tip! I'm worried about getting stuck in phone limbo too. Did you have any issues with your claim being delayed because of the advance layoff notice?
No problems at all with the advance notice. My situation was actually similar - I had about 3 weeks' notice before my actual layoff date. The TWC agent I spoke with (after using Claimyr) confirmed that advance notice is completely normal and doesn't affect eligibility at all.
make sure ur applying to jobs now!! dont wait til ur last day. the more applications u send the better chance u have of not needing unemploymnet at all. also the job search requirment is no joke - my friend got audited and had to pay back $4000 because she didnt keep good records!!!!
Andre Laurent
I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Filed my payment request Tuesday as usual, TWC system says it was processed Wednesday, but my account is still empty as of Monday morning. This thread has been super helpful - sounds like there are definitely some system delays happening lately. I'm going to give it until Tuesday before calling TWC, since it seems like manual reviews for part-time earnings can take 3-5 days like Noah mentioned. Really hoping it shows up soon because rent is due Thursday!
0 coins
Anna Xian
•@Andre Laurent - hang in there! Based on what everyone s'shared here, it sounds like Tuesday should be your cutoff for waiting. If nothing shows up by then, definitely use that Claimyr service that Katherine mentioned to get through to TWC faster. The phone system has been impossible lately. Also double-check your bank account info on the TWC website just to be safe. Fingers crossed your payment comes through tomorrow!
0 coins
Emma Johnson
I'm experiencing this exact issue right now too! Filed Tuesday, system shows payment processed Wednesday, but it's now Monday and still nothing in my account. This thread has been incredibly reassuring - it's clear this is happening to a lot of people lately. I didn't report any part-time work this week either, so it seems like TWC is just having general system delays. Going to wait until Wednesday before calling since everyone's saying 3-5 business days seems to be the new normal. Really hope they get these payment processing issues sorted out soon!
0 coins
Jackson Carter
•@Emma Johnson - you re'definitely not alone! I just went through this same thing last week. My payment was delayed 4 days with no explanation, then just randomly appeared in my account Monday morning. Since you didn t'report any part-time work, it s'probably just the general system slowdowns that everyone s'been experiencing. The waiting is so stressful though, especially when you have bills coming up! Hopefully yours shows up by Wednesday like you re'planning to wait for. Keep us posted on how it goes!
0 coins