I feel your pain! I went through something similar about 6 months ago when my account got locked right before a holiday weekend. What worked for me was a combination of strategies - I called the regular TWC line AND the account lockout line (800-215-4812) at the same time using two phones, then hung up on whichever one didn't connect first. Also discovered that sometimes their chat feature on the website still works even when your account is locked - you can't see your info but you can ask questions about general account issues. The wait times are brutal but at least you're not burning through your phone battery hitting redial all day! Another thing to try is calling your local state representative's office - they sometimes have a direct line to TWC for constituent services and can help escalate urgent cases. I know it sounds like overkill but when you're dealing with bills and rent, you have to use every tool available. Hang in there!

This is such valuable information! I'm a newcomer to dealing with TWC issues but I'm already bookmarking this thread. It's amazing how many different solutions people have found - from the Claimyr service to calling local workforce offices to the two-phone strategy. What really strikes me is how common this problem seems to be, yet TWC doesn't seem to have streamlined solutions or clear guidance on their website about what to do when your account gets locked. It sounds like most of the time it's identity verification issues, address mismatches, or fraud prevention flags that could probably be resolved much more efficiently. For anyone new to this like me, it seems like the key takeaways are: 1) Keep detailed documentation of everything, 2) Try multiple contact methods (phone, local offices, even social media), 3) Call right at 8 AM sharp, and 4) Don't give up! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community knowledge is incredibly helpful when the official system fails us.

One more thing about your situation - timing matters. TWC looks at your base period (first 4 of the last 5 completed calendar quarters before filing). If your Oklahoma employment falls within this period, those wages can be included. Make sure when you file that you understand exactly which quarters will be considered for your base period. Also, prepare for your claim to take longer to process than normal. Interstate claims typically take 4-6 weeks instead of the usual 2-3 weeks because of the communication between state agencies. If you need immediate assistance while waiting, consider applying for SNAP benefits or contacting local assistance programs.

Just wanted to add something that might help - I went through a very similar situation last year (worked in Louisiana, then moved to Texas for my husband's job). The good news is that following a spouse for employment IS considered good cause in Texas under certain circumstances. You'll want to emphasize that the move was necessary for your family's financial well-being when you explain your situation. One tip that saved me a lot of headache: when you fill out the online application, there's a section that asks about "other states where you worked" - make sure you check YES and list Oklahoma. This triggers the system to automatically request your wage records from Oklahoma. If you miss this step, you'll have to call later to add it, which is a nightmare. Also, keep detailed notes of everything - dates you filed, confirmation numbers, any correspondence. Interstate claims can get messy and having good records helps a lot if you need to appeal or follow up. Good luck!

I work for a legal aid organization and see cases like this regularly. The workforce registration requirement is poorly communicated by TWC, and you're not alone in this situation. A few additional tips for your appeal: - Request copies of ALL communications TWC claims they sent you about workforce registration - Document exactly when and how you were (or weren't) informed about this requirement during your initial application - If you can show you never received proper notice, that strengthens your good cause argument significantly Also consider contacting Texas Legal Aid (texaslegalaid.org) or your local legal aid office - many offer free assistance with TWC appeals and overpayment issues. They know exactly how to frame these appeals for the best chance of success. The fact that you found work and stopped claiming benefits shows good faith - emphasize that in your appeal. You weren't trying to game the system, you just weren't properly informed about ongoing requirements after you stopped needing benefits.

I went through something similar last year and managed to get part of my overpayment waived. Here's what worked for me: 1. Be very detailed in your hardship waiver application - don't just say you're struggling financially, show exactly how losing this money affects your ability to pay for basic necessities like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. 2. When you submit your Request to Reopen Appeal, focus heavily on the fact that TWC failed in their duty to properly inform you. The law requires them to provide clear, understandable notices about ongoing requirements. 3. Keep detailed records of every interaction with TWC from now on - dates, times, who you spoke with, what was discussed. The workforce registration trap gets SO many people because TWC doesn't explain it clearly upfront and then acts like it's obvious. You have a legitimate case here, especially since you found work and stopped claiming benefits in good faith. Don't let them intimidate you into thinking this is your fault - their communication system is broken and you're paying the price for their failure. Stay persistent and don't give up. The system is designed to wear people down, but you have rights and options.

I just want to add that you should also save any performance reviews, emails, or other documentation that shows your work was previously satisfactory before this hostile treatment started. This helps establish a pattern that they suddenly changed how they were treating you, which supports the constructive discharge argument. Also, if you have any coworkers who witnessed the harassment or sudden change in treatment, ask them if they'd be willing to provide a written statement - sometimes having third-party witnesses can make all the difference in these cases. The fact that your boss already typed up a resignation letter for you is honestly pretty shocking and shows clear intent to push you out rather than follow proper termination procedures.

I went through a very similar situation in 2021 and want to stress how important it is to act quickly once you make your decision. If you do end up having to resign (whether you sign their letter or write your own), file your unemployment claim the same day or the next business day at the latest. The longer you wait, the more it looks like you had other options or weren't truly forced out. When I filed my claim, I made sure to use phrases like "hostile work environment," "impossible working conditions," and "no reasonable alternative but to resign" in my explanation. I also attached a timeline document with specific dates and incidents that led to my resignation. TWC approved my claim on the first review, but I know others who had to appeal - either way, the key is having your documentation ready and being very clear that you were constructively discharged rather than voluntarily quitting. One last tip: if your employer contests your claim (which they probably will), don't panic. The initial determination isn't final, and you have the right to appeal and present your evidence to a hearing officer. Stay organized with all your documentation and remember that TWC sees these cases regularly - they know the difference between someone who quit because they didn't like their job and someone who was pushed out by an employer trying to avoid paying unemployment.

As a newcomer to this community, I have to say this thread has been incredibly eye-opening! Sofia, I'm so glad to see your update about getting approved for the Skills Development program - what a relief that must be after all that stress about your benefits running out. Reading through everyone's experiences here has taught me so much about how the Texas unemployment system actually works. I had no idea about things like continuing to file payment requests even with a $0 balance, or that training programs could potentially extend benefits. The Claimyr service recommendation seems like a real lifesaver too - I can't imagine trying to get through to TWC without some kind of help given what everyone's said about busy phone lines. This community really shows the power of people sharing their knowledge and supporting each other through difficult times. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their experiences and advice - this thread will definitely be a valuable resource for anyone facing similar situations!

As someone who's completely new to this community, I just wanted to say how incredibly helpful and informative this entire thread has been! Sofia, congratulations on getting approved for the Skills Development program - what an amazing turn of events after such a stressful situation. Reading through everyone's responses has been like getting a crash course in how the Texas unemployment system actually works. I had no idea about so many of these details - like the distinction between benefit years and benefit amounts, the importance of continuing to file payment requests even with a $0 balance, or that training programs could potentially extend benefits. The recommendation about Claimyr seems like it could be a real game-changer for actually reaching TWC representatives. This community really demonstrates how powerful it can be when people share their knowledge and experiences to help others navigate complex systems during difficult times. Thank you to everyone who contributed their insights - this thread will definitely serve as an invaluable resource for anyone else facing similar challenges with benefit exhaustion in Texas!