is anybody else frustrated that we even NEED to contact our senators just to get basic unemployment benefits????!! the system is completely broken!!

Just to follow up - I checked the TWC website and they posted an update about Hurricane Delores DUA claims yesterday. They acknowledged a "processing delay" affecting certain ZIP codes in the Corpus Christi area and said they're expediting reviews. You might be caught in this backlog. Did you receive a specific denial reason in your determination letter? If it mentions "insufficient documentation" that's usually fixable by submitting the correct paperwork through the appeal process. If it says "not affected by disaster" that's a different issue that might need the senator's help to resolve.

Make sure you're doing your work search activities EVERY WEEK while you wait. I know people who got their first payment and then got disqualified later because they weren't keeping up with the work search requirements. Texas requires at least 3 work search activities EACH WEEK, and TWC can ask for proof anytime. Don't mess that up or you'll have to start the whole nightmare process over again!!

Definitely doing that! Been applying to at least 4-5 jobs every week and keeping a detailed log with all the info. Not taking any chances with that part.

I had a similar situation last month. My first check took exactly 8 business days to arrive in my mailbox. I requested payment on a Tuesday and received it the following Friday. Make sure you're completing your work search activities while you wait (3 per week in Texas) and documenting them correctly! I almost messed that up and could have lost benefits. Also, if you need to track the status of your payment, you can call the TWC Tele-Serv system at 800-558-8321 and use option 2, then 1 to check if your payment has been processed.

My first check arrived in exactly 12 days after requesting. But the second one came in just 5 days for some reason. The TWC system is just weird like that sometimes.

Update us if you get through! I'm having similar problems with my claim and can't get a human on the phone either. The whole system is designed to make us give up I swear.

UPDATE: I finally got through! Turns out both things people suggested were issues - my phone WAS blocking unknown callers AND I needed to be more specific about my problem. I called at 7:01am today, told them I had an "identity verification issue preventing payment processing" and got connected to a real person after only 20 minutes on hold! They fixed everything and my payment should process in 2-3 business days. Thanks everyone for the help!

Anyone else notice that the unemployment website is always "under maintenance" when you need it most? 🙄

Heads up, there's a new policy change coming next month that might affect your claim. Make sure to check the official website for updates!

Have you considered looking into public transportation options in your area? Even if you don't use them regularly, having a bus pass or something similar might help your case.

Ugh, bureaucracy at its finest 🙄 Hang in there OP, we're all in the same boat

This whole unemployment system is a joke. I've been trying to fix an issue for MONTHS. Good luck, OP. You're gonna need it.

Pro tip: if you can't get thru on the main line, try calling your local workforce center. They sometimes have direct lines to TWC and can help with basic account stuff.

Has anyone had any luck contacting their state representative about TWC issues? I've heard sometimes they can help push things through.

Guys, I know it's frustrating, but please remember the TWC staff are probably overwhelmed too. My cousin works there and says they're understaffed and dealing with way more claims than usual. Doesn't excuse the bad service, but maybe explains it a bit.

Pro tip: document EVERYTHING. Every call, every letter, every online interaction. You never know what might be important later.

Anybody else think its ridiculous we gotta jump through all these hoops just to get what we're entitled to? The system is rigged against us, I swear.

I heard they just updated the system last week. Might be some bugs they're still working out. Keep an eye on the unemployment office's social media for any announcements about website issues.

Pro tip: Take screenshots of the error messages. If you end up having to call (which you probably will), having those can help the rep understand what's going on faster.