I worked in payroll for years and can confirm what everyone's saying - you're supposed to report based on when you WORKED those hours, not when they pay you. Your employer will be reporting your wages to TWC quarterly, and those reports show when the work was performed, not when it was paid out. If your reports don't match theirs, that's when problems happen.

I went through this exact situation when I started my retail job last fall! The 2-week pay hold had me so confused too. Like everyone else is saying, you definitely report wages for the week you actually worked, not when you get paid. What helped me was keeping a simple log of my hours each day so I could calculate my gross wages accurately. Since you're at a warehouse, they probably have you clock in/out, so ask your supervisor or HR for a copy of your timesheet at the end of each week. That way you'll have the exact hours to multiply by your hourly rate. Also heads up - once you start working full-time hours, you'll probably stop being eligible for benefits anyway since you'll likely earn over the weekly benefit amount limit. But it's still super important to report everything correctly to avoid any issues down the road!

One more critical tip - if you filed in September and went back to work in December but just discovered this in January, make sure TWC understands this timeline clearly. They have strict time limits for reporting fraud (usually 30 days from discovery, not from when it happened). Emphasize that you just discovered the issue in January when you tried to resolve the missing card issue. If anyone at TWC tries to say you're outside the reporting window, ask to speak to a supervisor and cite Texas Administrative Code, Title 40, Part 20, which allows extensions for good cause (not receiving proper notification would qualify). Your persistence will pay off eventually, but unfortunately these cases do take time to resolve.

I'm so sorry this happened to you! This is actually becoming a huge problem with TWC lately. I went through something similar last year where someone changed my banking info after I'd already received a few payments. A few things that really helped me get through the process faster: 1. When you call that fraud hotline number someone mentioned (512-463-2832), ask them to email you a case reference number immediately. Having that number makes follow-up calls way easier. 2. Don't just rely on their online portal - the fraud department often doesn't update it regularly. Call every 2 weeks for status updates and document who you spoke with. 3. If you have any old screenshots or emails from when you originally applied showing you selected the debit card option, gather those now. They helped prove my case. 4. Consider reaching out to your state representative's office if this drags on past 8-10 weeks. They have a constituent services team that can sometimes light a fire under TWC to move faster. The whole thing took about 9 weeks for me, but I did get every penny back plus they issued it on a new debit card. Stay persistent - the squeaky wheel gets the grease with TWC unfortunately!

Have you tried looking into Disaster Unemployment Assistance? Sometimes they have special programs if your area was affected by something like floods or other disasters. Just another option to consider if it applies to your situation.

Update: I finally got through to TWC today! The agent confirmed what everyone here said - there aren't any automatic extensions right now. But she was actually really helpful and went through some options with me: 1. She explained how to apply for SNAP benefits to help with groceries while job searching 2. Connected me with Workforce Solutions for their healthcare specialization program 3. Suggested I look into the Self-Employment Assistance program since I have some skills that could work freelance I have an appointment with a career counselor next week, and they're going to help me explore training options that might come with a stipend. Still worried about paying rent next month, but at least I have some direction now. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!

One thing I learned going through my appeal that might help you: get the TUCA handbook online. It's the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act handbook that the hearing officers use. Look up the sections on misconduct and especially search for precedent cases related to attendance issues and family emergencies. I actually cited a previous case during my hearing where someone had childcare issues and still qualified for benefits, and the hearing officer seemed impressed that I'd done my homework. You can find the handbook on the TWC website under the Appeals section. During your hearing, focus on explaining that your tardiness was: 1) Limited (only 3 times) 2) For a good cause (childcare emergency) 3) Communicated to your employer This approach is often more effective than spending money on an attorney. Just be organized and professional during the hearing.

I'm in a similar situation right now - got denied for "misconduct" after being terminated for attendance issues related to my kid getting sick multiple times. Just wanted to add that you should also request a copy of your personnel file from your employer if you haven't already. Sometimes there are notes or documentation in there that can actually help your case, like if they noted that you called in or explained your situation. Also, don't let them intimidate you during the hearing. My friend went through this last year and said her former manager tried to make it sound way worse than it was, but the hearing officer saw right through it. Stick to the facts and timeline of what actually happened. One more tip - if you qualify for legal aid services, definitely reach out to them even if you decide to represent yourself. They can at least review your case and give you advice on what to focus on during the hearing. Texas Legal Services has a hotline specifically for unemployment issues.

Yes! Wanted to update everyone. My payment request went through normally yesterday even though the ID verification is still showing as

That's great news that your payment went through! Thanks for updating everyone - it really helps to know the outcome. This is exactly what most people experience with these routine ID verifications. The system is designed to keep payments flowing while they do their security checks in the background. Hopefully your verification clears soon and you won't have to deal with this again!