I'm a former TWC claims specialist and wanted to add one more resource that might help bridge the gap while you're waiting on other assistance programs. Check with your local United Way chapter - many have emergency rent/utility assistance funds with much faster processing times than state programs (sometimes within 48-72 hours). You can find your local chapter at unitedway.org. Also, since you mentioned credit cards and mounting bills, contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC.org) for free debt counseling. They can help negotiate payment plans and temporary hardships with creditors, which might give you breathing room while the other assistance programs process. One thing I learned working at TWC is that many people don't realize food pantries often have baby supplies beyond just food - diapers, formula, even sometimes baby clothes. This can free up money in your budget for utilities and rent. You're handling an incredibly difficult situation with such determination. The gap in coverage between having a job (but no pay) and being unemployed is a real problem in our system that affects thousands of Texas families. Keep pushing forward with those applications - help is out there, it's just unfortunately scattered across different agencies and programs.

I just wanted to say how impressed I am by your persistence in finding resources despite facing such an overwhelming situation with a newborn. Reading through all the advice you've received, it's clear you're being incredibly proactive in pursuing every option available. One additional resource that might help is checking with your county's health department - many have maternal health programs that include emergency assistance for new mothers that aren't well-publicized. They sometimes have different eligibility requirements than the state programs and can move faster. Also, if you're comfortable with it, consider creating a GoFundMe or similar crowdfunding campaign. Many people are willing to help new parents in crisis situations, and it can provide some immediate relief while you're waiting for the official assistance programs to process. The legal advice about your disability denial is spot-on - definitely pursue that angle since proper disclosure of benefit limitations is required. That could be your best path to getting the financial support you deserve. You're doing everything right in an impossible situation. This system that leaves new mothers without support is absolutely broken, but your determination to find solutions for your family is inspiring. Hang in there - you've got this! 💙

Has anyone had any luck getting an installment plan from TWC that doesn't completely drain your bank account every month? They want me to pay $275/month which I CANNOT afford right now with inflation and everything else going up!

I went through this exact situation last year and it was a nightmare to figure out! Here's what I learned after consulting with a CPA who specializes in these cases: You absolutely DO need to report the full $4,600 from the 1099-G as income - there's no way around that since TWC already reported it to the IRS. But you have options for getting relief on the repayments. Since you started repaying in 2024 (the same year you received the benefits), you can actually deduct the amount you repaid IN 2024 from your taxable income. So if you paid back $540 in 2024 ($180 x 3 months), you can reduce your reportable unemployment income to $4,060 for tax year 2024. For the payments you'll make in 2025, you'll handle those on your 2025 tax return. Since your total repayment will be over $3,000, definitely look into the Section 1341 credit calculation - it could save you more money than just taking the itemized deduction. Keep EVERY receipt and confirmation of your payments to TWC. The IRS may want to see proof of the repayments if they have questions. Also, consider hiring a tax professional for this year since the calculations can get tricky with partial repayments across multiple tax years. Don't stress too much - the tax code does have provisions for exactly this situation, even though TWC doesn't make it clear!

Been following this thread and wanted to share what worked for me when I was in a similar situation last year. If you're really struggling with bills while waiting for the card, you might want to contact your creditors/landlord to explain the situation - many are understanding about unemployment payment delays, especially if you can show proof of approval. Also, once you do get your ReliaCard, be aware that there are some fees associated with it (ATM withdrawals, etc.) so read the fee schedule carefully. You can avoid most fees by using in-network ATMs or getting cash back at grocery stores. The whole TWC system definitely needs improvement, but you're almost through the worst part. That first payment confirmation means everything is moving in the right direction!

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who went through this exact same stress a few months ago! The waiting for that first ReliaCard is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially when you've got bills breathing down your neck. One thing I learned that might help - if your payment status shows "processed" and you're getting desperate about timing, some local food banks and community assistance programs can provide emergency help with utilities or rent while you're waiting for unemployment payments to arrive. I had to swallow my pride and ask for help, but it got me through that gap period. Also, when your card does arrive, I'd suggest immediately transferring most of the funds to your bank account if possible (there's usually a transfer option in the ReliaCard app) to avoid any potential card issues down the road. The ReliaCard system works, but having the money in your regular account just feels more secure. You're so close to getting this resolved - that confirmation from TWC that the card was mailed is huge! Hopefully it shows up in the next couple days and you can put this stress behind you.

I'm in a similar boat with a Covid overpayment notice, though mine is smaller at around $2,800. Reading through all these responses has been both terrifying and helpful at the same time! @NeonNomad - definitely don't ignore this. I made the mistake of putting off dealing with mine for a couple months and the stress just kept building. Finally called TWC last week using that Claimyr service someone mentioned and got through pretty quickly. The rep I spoke with was actually more understanding than I expected. She explained that they're seeing tons of these Covid-era overpayment cases and many are getting resolved through payment plans or waivers. She said the key is to be proactive and contact them before they escalate to collections. For what it's worth, my overpayment was also classified as non-fraud (just reporting confusion during the transition back to work), and they offered me a $35/month payment plan on the spot. Still not ideal, but way better than a lump sum or wage garnishment. The hardship waiver route sounds promising too based on what others are saying. I'm going to try that next since my financial situation has actually gotten worse since Covid, not better. Hang in there - sounds like there are definitely options if you act quickly!

I'm dealing with the exact same situation right now - got hit with a $3,400 Covid overpayment notice from TWC about two weeks ago. Like you, it was from reporting confusion when I went back to part-time work in 2021. The whole system was such a mess back then and I genuinely thought I was reporting everything correctly. After reading through all these responses, I called TWC yesterday using that Claimyr service and actually got through to someone. The rep told me that since mine is classified as non-fraud overpayment, I have several options including appealing, requesting a hardship waiver, or setting up a payment plan. She also mentioned something important - if you can show that the overpayment was due to TWC's own unclear instructions or system issues during Covid (which honestly, their reporting system was confusing as hell), that can help with appeals or waiver requests. I'm planning to file for both an appeal and a hardship waiver just to cover all my bases. The worst they can say is no, right? But definitely don't wait - I was stressed about this for weeks before finally taking action, and I wish I had called sooner. You're not alone in this! Seems like thousands of people are dealing with these Covid overpayment notices. The system failed us during the pandemic and now we're all paying for it.

Amy, I went through something very similar about 6 months ago when my employer cut my hours from full-time to part-time "temporarily" but it was clearly to push me out. Here's what worked for me: 1. In your appeal letter, use the exact phrase "constructive discharge" - TWC recognizes this as good cause 2. Create a timeline document with dates, what happened, and any witnesses 3. If you have any texts or emails from your boss about the hour cuts or workplace issues, include screenshots 4. Don't just say the environment was "hostile" - give specific examples with dates (like "On [date], manager told me I would be written up for any mistake") The hearing was actually less scary than I expected. The officer asked me to explain what happened, then asked my former employer questions. Having my timeline helped me stay organized and sound credible. You've got this! The fact that your hours were cut so drastically (70% reduction!) is strong evidence of constructive discharge.

I represented myself and it worked out fine! The TWC appeals process is designed for regular people to navigate without lawyers. The hearing officer will guide you through the process and ask specific questions - you don't need to know legal jargon beyond "constructive discharge." That said, if you're really nervous or your case has complex issues, some employment attorneys offer free consultations for unemployment appeals. But honestly, with the solid evidence you have (70% hour reduction + hostile work environment), plus all the great advice in this thread, you should be able to handle it yourself. One tip I forgot to mention: practice explaining your situation out loud before the hearing. Time yourself - you want to be concise but complete. The hearing officer has limited time and appreciates clear, organized presentations. Also, stay calm even if your former employer says things that aren't true - you'll get a chance to respond. Keep us updated on how it goes! This community is rooting for you.