Off topic but whatever happend to that TWC online chat feature they were supposed to roll out? Would be so much easier than these phone calls that never go through. Every time I check the website it still says "coming soon" but it's been that way for ages. Anyone actually seen it working?

Just checking in - were you able to submit your payment request and explain the job refusal situation? Hope it went smoothly.

Yes, a tax return or other official document with your SSN will usually work as a substitute. Bring whatever you have that shows your SSN.

I'm in a similar situation - my benefits ran out about 3 weeks ago and I've been scrambling to figure out what's next. Reading through this thread has been really helpful, especially the info about Workforce Solutions and SNAP. I had no idea about the WIOA program or that they could help with training funding. One thing I'll add - if you're behind on rent, also check with 211 (dial 2-1-1) for local rental assistance programs. They connected me with a nonprofit that helped cover one month of rent while I get back on my feet. Every little bit helps when you're in survival mode. Good luck tomorrow at the Workforce office! Please do update us - I'm planning to visit mine next week and would love to hear how it goes.

I went through this exact same ID.me verification nightmare back in November and it was absolutely infuriating! The good news is it's definitely fixable, but TWC makes you jump through ridiculous hoops to resolve THEIR system error. Here's what worked for me: I immediately filed an appeal online to protect the 14-day deadline (this is crucial - don't skip this step!), then I used that Claimyr service someone mentioned to actually get through to a human. It took about 45 minutes of waiting but I finally got connected to a claims specialist who could see that ID.me had verified me but their system never received the token. She fixed it manually in about 5 minutes and all my back payments processed within a week. The key things to remember: keep requesting payments every two weeks even while denied (you'll lose those weeks forever if you don't), document absolutely everything with screenshots, and when you do get through ask specifically about your "identity verification token status" - that's the exact term they use internally. Also bring all your documents if you go to a workforce center in person. This system is completely broken but don't let them wear you down - you WILL get your benefits once you get past their technical incompetence!

I'm dealing with the exact same ID.me verification issue right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I completed my ID.me verification three weeks ago and got the confirmation email, but TWC is saying I never verified. After reading everyone's experiences, I'm realizing this is a widespread system problem, not something we're doing wrong. I'm going to follow the multi-step approach that several people have outlined: file an appeal immediately to protect the 14-day deadline, use the Claimyr service to get through by phone, send a portal message with the specific "ID.me Verification Confirmation Not Received by TWC" title, and keep requesting payments every two weeks even while denied. The "identity verification token status" terminology that Jamal mentioned is gold - I'll definitely use that exact phrase when I get through to someone. It's frustrating that we have to become experts in navigating TWC's broken systems, but this community has provided more useful guidance than anything on their official website. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences - knowing there's a clear path to resolution makes this so much less stressful!

When I got laid off back in May, trying to get through to TWC was a NIGHTMARE. I needed to ask a question about my work search requirements and spent 3 weeks trying to get someone on the phone. Busy signals, disconnects, hold for hours then cut off... I was about to lose my mind! Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got a callback from TWC in under an hour. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Seriously saved my sanity during an already stressful time.

make sure ur applying to jobs now!! dont wait til ur last day. the more applications u send the better chance u have of not needing unemploymnet at all. also the job search requirment is no joke - my friend got audited and had to pay back $4000 because she didnt keep good records!!!!

I just checked my old emails and found that my claim from this February took exactly 33 days from filing to approval. The agent I spoke with when I called using Claimyr explained that first-time claims just take longer because they have to verify everything from scratch. After the initial approval, everything went smoothly with my biweekly payment requests. Hang in there!

I totally understand your stress - I went through something similar earlier this year. Filed in January and didn't get approved until mid-February, so about 6 weeks total. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you're worried about bills. One thing that helped me manage the anxiety was setting up payment plans with my utilities and explaining the situation to my landlord. Most companies are understanding about unemployment delays right now since it's so common. The fact that the agent gave you a specific timeframe ("about a week") rather than a vague "keep waiting" response is actually really encouraging. In my experience, they only give those kinds of estimates when they can see your claim moving through the final stages in their system. Keep doing everything you're supposed to do - the payment requests, work search activities, checking your correspondence inbox - and try to hang in there just a little longer. The backpay when it finally comes through will help catch you up on everything.