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!

This is absolutely infuriating and unfortunately way too common these days! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now where my benefits went to some account I've never seen before. A few things that have helped me so far: - When you file that police report, make sure to specifically mention "identity theft" and "fraudulent bank account access" - the TWC fraud department needs those exact terms in the report - Save/screenshot EVERYTHING from your TWC portal before they potentially "fix" anything, because I've heard of cases where people lost their evidence when TWC updated their systems - If you have any friends or family who work in banking, ask them to help you trace those routing/account numbers. Sometimes you can at least figure out which bank the fraudulent account is with The 6-8 week timeline everyone's mentioning seems accurate based on what I'm hearing from the fraud department, but don't let them string you along past that. Start escalating if you hit 10 weeks with no resolution. Stay strong - this whole system is broken but people ARE getting their money back eventually. Document everything and keep pushing!

This whole thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation - got laid off in January but didn't file until February (kicking myself for waiting). My claim just got approved yesterday and I'm also looking at several weeks of back pay. Reading through everyone's experiences, it sounds like the key is making sure you submit those payment requests for all the prior weeks, which I honestly had no idea about. The TWC system definitely doesn't make it obvious that you need to do this step. Going to log in right now and look for that "Prior Claim Weeks" option. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences - it's so much better than trying to navigate this alone!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this process recently. Like others have mentioned, TWC does typically pay back weeks as a lump sum, but the key thing is making sure you've actually requested payment for each period. I made the mistake of assuming it would be automatic once my claim was approved - it's not! You have to go in and manually request each two-week period you're eligible for. Also, a heads up - when you get that lump sum payment, make sure to set aside money for taxes if you didn't have them withheld. I got hit with a surprise tax bill because I forgot that unemployment benefits are taxable income. The larger the back pay amount, the bigger potential tax impact. But overall, once you get through the payment request process correctly, TWC is usually pretty reliable about getting the money to you within a few business days. Sounds like you're on the right track now!

Congratulations on getting approved! That's such a relief after all the stress. Just wanted to add - keep screenshots or records of your direct deposit setup confirmation and the expedited card request. Sometimes there are glitches in their system and having that proof can save you headaches later. Also, even though you got approved, keep doing those work searches because they can audit your claim later. You're doing everything right though - sounds like you'll have your money soon!

That's awesome that you got approved so quickly! Just a heads up - I got approved on a Friday and my first payment hit my direct deposit account the following Tuesday morning, so it really is pretty fast once you're in the system. One thing I wish someone had told me: even though you set up direct deposit, sometimes the first payment can still take an extra day or two to process compared to later payments. Don't stress if it doesn't hit exactly when you expect it. Also, definitely keep doing those work searches even after you start getting paid - I know someone who got audited 6 months later and had to provide all their documentation. You sound super organized though, so I'm sure you'll be fine!

I went through this exact same anxiety when I first filed! The TWC system is honestly backwards - they'll show payment dates way before any official paperwork arrives. I had a payment date showing for almost 10 days before I got my eligibility letter, and the money hit my account right on schedule. The key thing is that you've already done your ID.me verification and completed your payment request with work search documentation. Those are the main hurdles. Their mail system is incredibly slow but their payment processing is usually reliable. I know it's nerve-wracking waiting, but based on everyone's experiences here (and my own), you should be good to go. Just keep doing your weekly payment requests and documenting those job searches. The peace of mind will come when you see that deposit hit your account!

I'm dealing with this exact situation right now too! Filed my claim about 10 days ago and have been stressing about the same thing - payment date showing but no eligibility letter yet. Reading through all these comments has been such a huge relief. It's crazy how TWC's system works completely backwards from what you'd expect, but it sounds like this is totally normal. I've been calling the TWC line every day with no luck getting through, so hearing that the payment date is usually reliable is exactly what I needed to know. Going to stop panicking and just wait for my deposit date. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - this community is invaluable for understanding how this confusing system actually works in practice!

I went through this exact situation 6 months ago with Express Employment. Here's what worked for me: I filed immediately after they told me "no assignments available" and was honest that I was still technically employed but with zero hours. The key is documenting EVERYTHING - I kept screenshots of all texts/emails from the agency saying no work was available. When they inevitably contested my claim (which they did after 10 days), I had solid proof they couldn't provide work. My advice: don't wait around hoping they'll call with something better. File now while you have clear documentation that no work is available. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove the timeline. Also, start your work search activities immediately - apply to direct-hire positions too, don't just rely on the temp agency. TWC wants to see you're actively seeking permanent employment, not just waiting around for temp assignments.

I'm in a very similar situation right now - my temp agency (Staffmark) told me last week that my assignment ended and they'd "keep me in mind for future opportunities." Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I'm definitely going to file this week based on everyone's advice. One question though - for those who successfully got benefits, how long did it typically take from filing to receiving your first payment? I know @Emma Garcia mentioned 3 weeks to process, but I'm wondering about the timeline from approval to actually getting paid. I'm trying to budget accordingly since my last paycheck was already pretty small due to reduced hours in my final week. Also, has anyone dealt with Staffmark specifically? I'm curious if they're one of the agencies that typically contests claims or if they're more reasonable about it.