Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this process about 3 months ago. The anxiety while waiting is absolutely brutal - I remember refreshing that portal constantly! For what it's worth, TWC definitely uses your last work day (7/17) not your filing date. My timeline was pretty typical - filed on a Wednesday, got approved exactly 19 days later. The key things that helped me: 1) Keep doing those bi-weekly payment requests religiously even while under review, 2) Start your work search activities immediately (3 per week), and 3) keep detailed records of everything. I used a simple Google doc to track all my job applications with dates, company names, and confirmation emails. When I finally got approved, the backpay came through pretty quickly and covered from my last work day minus that waiting week everyone mentioned. Hang in there - 9 days in you're still well within the normal timeframe. The system works, it's just painfully slow!

Hey ApolloJackson! I just went through this exact situation about a month ago - also got laid off unexpectedly from my job and had to navigate the TWC system for the first time. Everyone here has given you really solid advice about the timing (they'll definitely use 7/17 as your effective date, not when you filed). One thing I wanted to add that helped me during the waiting period: if you have any items around your place you could sell quickly (old electronics, furniture you don't absolutely need, clothes, etc.), Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp can be surprisingly fast for getting some cash in hand. I sold an old laptop and some gaming equipment within a few days and it covered my grocery budget while waiting for approval. Not ideal obviously, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to bridge the gap. Also, many local libraries have job search resources and sometimes even job fairs or networking events that count toward your work search requirements. Kill two birds with one stone - job searching AND getting out of the house so you're not refreshing that portal every 5 minutes (trust me, I was there too!). The waiting is absolutely terrible but hang in there - almost everyone I know who filed eventually got approved, it's just a matter of time. You've got this!

So glad to hear you got approved! That's a huge relief. Just wanted to share my recent experience - I got approved two weeks ago and here's what actually happened with timing: My direct deposit hit exactly 3 business days after approval (Tuesday approval, Friday payment). The expedited ReliaCard arrived in 3 business days too, which was faster than expected. One thing that helped me was setting up text alerts through the TWC website so I got notifications when payments were processed. Also, make sure you have the ReliaCard app ready to go once your card arrives - you can check balances and even transfer money to your bank account from there. The whole process is stressful but you're through the hardest part now!

Wow, what a rollercoaster of emotions reading through your updates! I'm so happy you got approved - that must have been such a huge weight off your shoulders. I went through something similar last year and the anxiety while waiting for that determination call was brutal. Just wanted to add one more tip that saved me some stress: once you get your first payment (whether through direct deposit or the card), take a screenshot of your payment history in the TWC portal. Sometimes there are small discrepancies in amounts due to tax withholdings or other deductions, and having that record helped me understand exactly what I was getting paid each week. Also, since you mentioned being an accountant - you might already know this, but don't forget that unemployment benefits are taxable income. You can have federal taxes withheld automatically (10%) through your TWC account settings if you want to avoid a big tax bill next year. I learned that one the hard way! Sounds like you've got everything handled perfectly though. Hope that first payment hits your account soon!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - denied for "misconduct" (complete nonsense) and have been waiting 3 months for my appeal hearing. Reading through all these comments is both helpful and terrifying! I DID continue requesting payments because my friend warned me about this, but I had no idea it was such a common trap that TWC doesn't explain properly. For anyone else reading this - PLEASE learn from Ethan's situation. The moment you file an appeal, keep requesting payments every two weeks no matter what. The system is already stacked against us, don't give them another reason to deny you money you're legally entitled to. @Ethan - definitely try that Claimyr service someone mentioned if you can't get through the regular way. Also, when you do talk to TWC, be polite but persistent. Sometimes the first agent will say nothing can be done, but if you call back and get a different person, they might be more helpful. Good luck with your appeal!

Just wanted to add another perspective here - I work as a paralegal at a firm that handles employment law, and we see TWC cases like this ALL the time. The requirement to continue requesting payments during appeals is one of the most poorly communicated aspects of the entire system, and it catches SO many people off guard. A few additional tips for everyone dealing with this: 1. If you do get through to TWC about backdated requests, ask to speak with a supervisor if the first agent says it's impossible. Different agents have different levels of authority and knowledge. 2. Document EVERYTHING - dates/times of calls, agent names if they give them, reference numbers, what was discussed. This creates a paper trail if you need to escalate. 3. Consider contacting your state representative's office if TWC won't work with you on the backdated requests. They often have direct contacts at TWC and can help cut through bureaucratic roadblocks. The whole system really is designed to discourage people from pursuing what they're entitled to. Don't let them wear you down - you have rights, and if you were wrongfully terminated, you deserve those benefits for every eligible week.

Just went through this in February when my benefits ran out. Here's my experience - after my final payment request, I tried using the online portal to request the waiting week but there was no option for it. I called the TWC number for FOUR DAYS straight and couldn't get through - constant busy signals or disconnects. Finally used Claimyr.com which got me connected to a TWC agent in about 2 hours. The agent processed my waiting week payment request and I received the money (just one week's worth, so $377 in your case) about 3 days later. Totally worth it rather than spending days trying to get through on my own.

THE TWC SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE PEOPLE MISS OUT ON BENEFITS!!!! They don't tell you clearly about the waiting week payment process because they hope you'll forget about it! Then they keep YOUR MONEY that you're entitled to! I missed out on my waiting week because nobody told me I had to specifically request it after benefits exhaustion. CALL THEM IMMEDIATELY after your final payment!!!!

I've been following this thread closely as I'm preparing to start my own backdating process next week. The collective wisdom here is incredible! I'm taking notes on all the strategies mentioned - online portal first, callback service as backup, having all documentation organized, taking screenshots, and keeping detailed interaction logs. My situation involves a delayed start due to caring for an elderly parent during a health crisis, and I have medical records and caregiver documentation to support my case. It's so reassuring to see that people with legitimate reasons and proper documentation are getting approved, even though the process can be lengthy. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly - this thread should honestly be pinned as a resource guide! I'll definitely come back to update once I've made progress with my claim. 💪

I'm just starting my backdating journey and this thread has been a lifesaver! Reading everyone's detailed experiences gives me so much hope that this is actually possible. I love how supportive this community is - from @Omar Zaki's timeline approach to @Paolo Conti's callback service tip to @Kayla Jacobson's online portal success story. I'm going to try the online route first with all my documentation ready (I was hospitalized and couldn't file initially). If that doesn't work, the callback service sounds way better than sitting on hold for hours. Thanks to everyone who took the time to share their strategies - you're helping so many people navigate this stressful process! I'll definitely update with my results. 🙏