I'm in a similar situation - applied for DUA 8 days ago after my restaurant job ended due to flood damage. The waiting is so stressful when you're watching your bank account drain! Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like 3-4 weeks is normal right now. I'm going to start doing those payment requests even though I haven't been approved yet - didn't know that was something you could do. Emma, hang in there! At least you're only at 12 days, so hopefully you'll hear something in the next week or two. The fact that you already got denied for regular UI and have good documentation should work in your favor.

I went through the DUA process after Hurricane Harvey and wanted to share some encouragement. The waiting period is absolutely nerve-wracking, especially when your finances are tight, but it sounds like you've done everything right so far. Having your regular UI denial actually helps speed up the DUA process since they don't have to do that verification step. A few things that helped me get through the waiting period: - Set up automatic payment requests so you don't miss any weeks - Take screenshots of your portal every few days to document the status - Look into local food banks and emergency assistance programs while waiting - Keep a log of all your job search activities in case they audit later The good news is that once approved, the backpay usually comes within a week. TWC knows people are struggling after disasters, so they do try to process these as quickly as possible given the volume. You're at day 12, so you're likely in the final stretch. Stay strong!

Quick update on identity verification timing: TWC just announced they're experiencing a backlog in identity verification processing due to a recent system upgrade. Current processing time is approximately 14-18 business days. If you need immediate assistance, calling at 7:01am still provides the best chance of connecting with a representative who can check your verification status.

This is such a nightmare situation and unfortunately way too common with TWC! The contradictory letters are especially maddening - it's like their left hand doesn't know what their right hand is doing. A few things that might help while you're waiting: 1. Document EVERYTHING - screenshots of your account status, copies of both letters, confirmation of ID submission attempts. You'll need this paper trail if you have to escalate later. 2. If you haven't already, try submitting the identity verification again since you didn't get a confirmation email (as someone mentioned above). Their system fails silently all the time. 3. While waiting for the ID verification to process, make sure you're still certifying for benefits every two weeks even though you're not getting paid. Missing those certification dates can mess up your claim later. 4. Consider reaching out to your local state representative's office if this drags on past 2-3 weeks. They have direct lines to TWC that we don't, and they're surprisingly helpful with these kinds of bureaucratic nightmares. The phone system is absolutely broken by design. Don't take it personally - even people who work there complain about how impossible it is to get through. Hang in there, it will eventually get resolved, but I know that doesn't help with bills in the meantime. Keep us posted on how it goes!

FINALLY GOT THROUGH!!! Using that Claimyr service actually worked - I spoke with an agent this morning who fixed the issue in about 10 minutes. Turns out they were missing a document from my former employer that I had no idea about. The agent said all my appeals were consolidated and she removed the extras from my file. My claim status just changed to 'processed' and payment should arrive in 2-3 business days. What a relief!

Wow, what a rollercoaster but so glad you got it resolved! This thread is going to be super helpful for others dealing with the same nightmare. I've been struggling with TWC for 2 weeks myself and was about to give up. Definitely going to try the Claimyr service and contacting my state rep as backup options. It's crazy that such simple solutions exist but TWC doesn't make them obvious. Thanks for sharing your experience and keeping us updated!

Great news! It's always helpful to hear what the actual issue was. This could help others who are experiencing the same problem.

This is such valuable information - thank you for sharing the complete resolution! I'm dealing with something similar right now where my payment requests keep getting stuck. My employer also contested my separation reason even though I have documentation showing it was a reduction in force. It's really helpful to know that even after getting the determination letter, the system can still flag accounts for these employer disputes. I've been calling for two weeks with no luck, so I'm definitely going to look into Claimyr. Did the agent mention how long these flags typically stay on accounts if you don't get through to resolve them? I'm worried this could drag on for months if I can't get connected to someone.

UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC this morning! The agent was actually super helpful and explained that I was right to be concerned. She's converting my claim to an interstate claim with Massachusetts as the liable state. She said I'll get a new determination letter in about 10 days, and that I should keep requesting payments through the TWC system in the meantime. Apparently Massachusetts will calculate my benefit amount based on my wages there, but I'll use the Texas system to request payments and do work searches. Thanks everyone for your help!

Congrats on getting it sorted out! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - make sure you save all your documentation from this process. When I had my interstate claim, Massachusetts requested additional verification documents about 3 weeks after the initial transfer, so keep your employment records, pay stubs, and any correspondence from both states handy. Also, don't be surprised if your first payment takes a bit longer than usual since the states have to coordinate the benefit calculation. The wait is worth it though - you should definitely get the higher MA benefit amount!