I'm in almost the exact same boat! Just completed my ID.me verification two days ago after weeks of technical issues and I'm anxiously waiting to see what happens with my backpay. Reading through everyone's experiences here is both reassuring and nerve-wracking - sounds like most people eventually get their money but the timeline is all over the place. I've already taken screenshots of my payment history like someone suggested, and I'm checking my TWC account obsessively. The uncertainty is killing me because I have rent due next week! Has anyone noticed if there's a pattern to which day of the week these backpayments typically hit? Trying to figure out if there's any rhyme or reason to their processing schedule.

I just went through this exact same process last month! After my ID.me verification finally went through, it took about 5 business days for my account status to update from "held" to "processed" for all those backed up weeks. Then I got all my backpay in one lump sum on my next regular payment date - it was actually a bigger deposit than I expected because I had forgotten exactly how many weeks were on hold. One thing that really helped my peace of mind was logging into the TWC portal and checking the "Payment Request" section daily to watch the status changes. You'll see them flip from "held" to "processed" one by one as their system catches up. Also definitely keep an eye on your correspondence inbox like others mentioned - they send detailed payment breakdowns that show exactly which weeks you're getting paid for. The waiting is absolutely brutal when you have bills due, but from everything I've seen in this group, people do get their money once the ID.me clears. Hang in there! 💪

I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - the stress of getting hit with an unexpected overpayment demand is absolutely awful, especially when it's from years ago. What's really striking me from reading through all these responses is how many people are experiencing the exact same issue: TWC claiming overpayments from 2021-2022 but failing to automatically deduct them from benefits received in 2023-2024. This pattern suggests there's definitely something wrong with their system rather than individual errors. A couple of things I'd add to the excellent advice already given: - When you call or file your appeal, ask specifically if there were any known system issues or glitches affecting automatic offset processing for claims from that time period. Based on what others are saying, it sounds like there might be documented problems. - Keep detailed notes of every interaction you have with TWC - dates, times, names of representatives, and exactly what they tell you. Their information isn't always consistent between different staff members. - Don't let the 14-day deadline panic you into making hasty decisions. File the appeal to preserve your rights, but you can continue gathering documentation and evidence after that. The fact that you received benefits recently and they didn't take this alleged debt out automatically is honestly the strongest piece of evidence you have that something is wrong on their end. Their own system should have caught this if it was legitimate. Stay strong and fight it - you're definitely not alone in this!

Reading through all these responses is both terrifying and reassuring - terrifying because it seems like TWC has major systemic issues, but reassuring to know I'm not going crazy and that this is actually worth fighting! I'm in a very similar situation - just got hit with a $3,200 overpayment notice from 2022, but I collected benefits for about 10 weeks in late 2023/early 2024. Like everyone else here, they should have automatically deducted this if it was legitimate, but they didn't take a penny. The pattern that's emerging from this thread is really telling. It sounds like there's definitely something broken in their offset system for claims from that 2021-2022 timeframe. I'm going to file my appeal tomorrow using the language suggestions from the legal aid worker about specifically questioning why the debt wasn't recovered through automatic offset. Has anyone here had success getting TWC to admit there were system issues during that period? It seems like that could be key evidence for all of us dealing with this. Also, for those who successfully appealed - how long did the process take from filing to resolution? Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences. This thread is honestly a lifeline right now because I was ready to just panic and pay it to make it go away. Now I feel like I actually have a fighting chance!

I'm going through something very similar right now! Got suspended three weeks ago after my supervisor claimed I was "insubordinate" during a meeting where I simply asked questions about a new policy. No witnesses, no documentation, just their word against mine. I filed for TWC benefits the same day I was suspended and just got approved yesterday! The key things that helped me: 1. Applied immediately - don't wait to see what happens 2. When filling out the application, I selected "suspended without pay" and kept my explanation factual and brief 3. During the fact-finding interview, I let TWC know I had been a good employee for 4+ years with no prior issues 4. I had saved emails showing my positive performance reviews and lack of any previous disciplinary action Your employer will have to prove you committed misconduct, not just make accusations. TWC told me that "he said/she said" situations usually favor the employee when there's no concrete evidence of wrongdoing. The whole process was stressful but I'm so glad I didn't wait. My first payment should come through next week. Stay strong and document everything!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this! Being suspended based on false accusations is incredibly frustrating and scary, especially when you have bills to pay. The good news is that yes, you absolutely can and should apply for TWC benefits right away. Being suspended without pay qualifies as a type of unemployment in Texas. When you file, select "suspended without pay" as your reason and keep your explanation simple and factual - just state when you were suspended, that it's without pay, and that it's pending an investigation. A few important things to remember: - TWC makes their own determination about your eligibility - they don't just take your employer's word for it - The burden of proof is on your employer to show you committed misconduct, not on you to prove innocence - Even if your employer contests your claim, you'll get a chance to tell your side during a fact-finding interview - Keep requesting payments every two weeks even if your case is under review Document everything from this point forward - dates, conversations, any emails or communications about the suspension. Your clean 3-year employment record with no prior issues will definitely work in your favor. Don't let them pressure you into quitting! If they decide to terminate you, make them do it officially. You've got this - the system isn't perfect but it does protect workers in situations like yours. Keep us updated on how your application goes!

Based on everything you've shared, this sounds like a standard earnings verification hold. The good news is that if you're still eligible for partial benefits after they account for your part-time earnings, you'll receive back payments for any weeks that were delayed. In the meantime, continue to request payments on your regular schedule (every two weeks) and keep documenting your work search activities. If you don't see resolution within two weeks, getting through to a representative should be your priority. The earnings verification process typically shouldn't take more than 10-14 days.

I had almost the exact same experience! Filed in September, got my first two payments, then radio silence. Turns out TWC flagged my account for "identity verification" even though I'd already provided all my documents during the initial application. The worst part? They never sent me any notification about it - I only found out by digging through every section of their website. Check under "Correspondence" and "Account Maintenance" sections too, not just your inbox. Sometimes they hide important notices in weird places. Also try logging out completely and logging back in - their system is so buggy that sometimes pending issues don't show up until you refresh your session. If you find an identity verification hold (which is super common for new claimants), you'll need to upload documents again even if you already did during your initial claim. It's frustrating but usually resolves within a week once you resubmit everything.

Just wanted to add another perspective as someone who went through this exact situation with Walmart in 2023. I was cut from 32 hours to 10 hours and successfully got partial unemployment benefits. A few additional tips: 1. Apply ASAP - there's a waiting week in Texas, so the sooner you file, the sooner benefits start 2. Keep detailed records of your schedule changes and any requests for more hours 3. Don't let Walmart intimidate you - they cut hours all the time and know employees file for partial unemployment 4. The online application is actually pretty straightforward, much easier than dealing with their broken phone system I ended up getting about $240/week in partial benefits while working my reduced hours. It made a huge difference in covering my bills while I searched for a better job. The whole process took about 3 weeks from application to first payment. You've got this - don't let them force you into poverty because of their "business needs"!

I went through this exact situation last year when I was working at a grocery chain. Hours got slashed from 35 to 9 per week and I was panicking about rent. Here's what I learned: 1. Apply immediately online at ui.texasworkforce.org - don't wait or overthink it 2. You absolutely qualify for partial unemployment with a 70% hour reduction 3. When they ask why you're filing, select "reduction in hours" not "quit" or "fired" 4. Be completely honest about your current wages when doing weekly payment requests 5. Keep working those 8 hours - quitting will hurt your case The hardest part was the ID.me verification (took 3 attempts) and waiting for the determination letter. But once approved, I got $285/week in partial benefits which was a lifesaver. TWC understands that employers like Walmart do this to avoid paying benefits or severance. One more thing - start your job search immediately because you'll need to report 3 work search contacts per week. Use indeed.com, company websites, even walking into places counts. Document everything in case they audit you later. Don't let Walmart's "business needs" put you in financial crisis. The system exists for exactly this situation!