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'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.

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. 🙏

I'm a benefits specialist and this situation is unfortunately more common than it should be. Based on what you've described, there are actually two separate issues at play: 1. **The benefit year continuation**: Since you filed in January 2024, you're still within that same 52-week benefit year until January 2025. Any new unemployment during this period continues the existing claim rather than starting fresh. 2. **The "exhausted" status after only 2 payments**: This is the red flag. If your Maximum Benefit Amount was $4,225 and you only used $2,600 previously, you should have remaining benefits available. The fact that it shows exhausted after just two payments suggests either a system error or there's an unreported issue (like an overpayment, disqualification, or wage dispute). My advice: Focus on getting through to TWC to resolve the "exhausted" issue first. Use the callback services others mentioned, or try calling right when they open at 8 AM. Once you get through, ask them to: - Review your payment history and explain any deductions - Verify your remaining benefit balance - Check if there are any holds or issues on your account Even though you can't get the higher wage calculation until your benefit year ends, you should still be able to access your remaining benefits from the original claim if the math is correct.

I went through something very similar last year and it's incredibly frustrating! The key thing that helped me was understanding that TWC literally cannot change your benefit calculation mid-year - it's locked in when your benefit year starts. BUT the "exhausted" message after only 2 payments when you should have remaining benefits is definitely suspicious. I had a similar glitch where TWC's system incorrectly applied an old overpayment to my new payments, making it look like I was exhausted when I wasn't. When you finally get through (and you WILL - keep trying at 8 AM sharp), ask them to pull up your "monetary determination" and walk through every single deduction. Sometimes they find employer wage reports were missing or there's a phantom overpayment in the system. Also, start documenting everything now - screenshot your account showing the exhausted status, keep records of your payment requests, and note down any error messages. If there is a system error, having documentation will help them fix it faster. Hang in there - the new claim you can file in January should properly reflect those higher tech wages and give you the benefit amount you actually deserve!

Just wanted to chime in with some additional encouragement - I work as a claims specialist (not for TWC but similar work) and what you're describing is totally normal and handled regularly. The key thing to remember is that unemployment benefits are designed to replace wages during periods of unemployment, so you're absolutely entitled to benefits for those 6 weeks you were out of work regardless of your current employment status. When you report your new job on your payment request, the system will simply stop future payments - it won't affect your appeal for past weeks. Make sure to attend your hearing with all your delivery protocol documentation and be upfront about finding work. Hearing officers appreciate honesty and it shows you're following the system correctly. Your warehouse job starting before the hearing date is actually perfect timing since you can focus on the appeal without worrying about current income. Good luck!

I'm currently dealing with a similar situation and this entire thread has been a lifesaver! I was terminated from my restaurant job 5 weeks ago (they claimed I violated food safety protocols but I have timestamped photos proving I followed everything correctly), filed for unemployment, got denied, and started the appeal process. Just got offered a part-time retail position that starts next week, but my appeal hearing isn't until June 3rd. Reading everyone's experiences here has really put my mind at ease about continuing with the appeal while starting the new job. The consensus seems clear: be transparent about the new employment, keep all documentation organized, and remember that the appeal covers the specific weeks you were unemployed. It's such a relief to know that finding work during appeals is actually viewed positively by hearing officers! Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - it's amazing how much stress this community can help alleviate when dealing with TWC's confusing system.