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So glad you got it resolved! This is really helpful info for others dealing with the same issue. The program transition from DUA to regular UI for self-employed folks definitely seems to be causing a lot of confusion. I was wondering - when you switched programs, did you have to restart your claim completely or did they just update your existing one? And did the transition affect your payment amount at all? Thanks for sharing the update!
Great questions! From what the agent told me, they just updated my existing claim rather than making me restart completely. The payment amount stayed the same since it's still based on my self-employment income from when I originally applied. The main difference is that future payment requests will now go through the regular UI system instead of the DUA portal. She said this should actually make things smoother going forward since the regular UI system is more stable. Hope that helps!
This is super helpful information! I'm in a similar situation where I'm self-employed and have been wondering about the DUA vs regular UI thing. I applied for DUA back when it was available but haven't had any payment issues yet. Should I be proactive and call TWC to see if I need to be switched over to the regular UI program, or should I just wait until they contact me? I don't want to create problems where there aren't any, but I also don't want to be caught off guard like you were. Also, does anyone know if there's a deadline for this program transition?
I'd recommend being proactive and calling to check your status, especially since you haven't had any issues yet. From what I experienced, TWC seems to be doing this transition somewhat randomly - some people get flagged during payment requests like I did, while others might not know until much later. The agent I spoke with mentioned they're trying to complete all transitions by the end of Q2 2025, so there is a timeline. Better to find out now while you have time to prepare any additional documentation they might need rather than being caught off guard during a payment request when you really need the money!
Quick update question - has your payment status changed in the system yet? Sometimes the TWC portal will show a payment date before you actually receive the money, which can help you plan. Also, make sure your direct deposit information is correct in the system - I've seen cases where people won appeals but had outdated banking info.
Hey Javier! Congrats on winning your appeal - that's such a huge relief after 3 months of fighting! I went through something similar last fall and totally understand the anxiety of waiting for the money to actually show up. In my case, once I saw "Payment Processing" in the portal (which sounds like where you're at now), it took exactly 2 business days for the direct deposit to hit my account. That status change is actually a really good sign - it means they've moved your claim from the appeals queue into the regular payment processing system. Since you mentioned this is happening mid-week, I'd expect to see the money by Friday or Monday at the latest. Keep checking that portal each morning like others suggested - TWC updates overnight and you'll likely see it change to "Paid" with a deposit date before the money actually arrives. Fingers crossed it comes through quickly for you!
Thanks Axel! That's exactly what I needed to hear. Knowing that "Payment Processing" is actually a good milestone makes me feel way better about the timeline. Friday would be perfect timing for rent, so I'm really hoping it follows the same 2-day pattern you experienced. It's reassuring to hear from someone who went through the exact same status progression. I'll definitely keep checking the portal each morning - thanks for the encouragement!
I feel ya, OP. The unemployment system is a total mess rn. I missed a call too and it took me WEEKS to get through to someone again. My advice? Start calling first thing in the morning when they open. Keep hitting redial like your life depends on it (cuz let's be real, it kinda does 😅).
Yep, I tried everything. Auto-dialers, calling right at opening, even tried faxing them (lol remember faxes?). Nothing worked until I finally got lucky one morning.
Hey Omar, I feel your panic! Same thing happened to me last month and I was absolutely losing it. Here's what worked for me: I called back immediately and kept trying every 15-30 minutes. It took about 2 days of persistent calling, but I finally got through. When I explained I had missed their call, the rep was actually pretty understanding and said it happens all the time. The key is to be polite and explain your situation clearly when you do get someone on the line. Also, make sure to check if they left a voicemail with any specific instructions or reference numbers. You've got this! Don't give up - the squeaky wheel gets the grease with these systems. 🤞
Update: I finally got through to TWC today! The agent confirmed what everyone here said - there aren't any automatic extensions right now. But she was actually really helpful and went through some options with me: 1. She explained how to apply for SNAP benefits to help with groceries while job searching 2. Connected me with Workforce Solutions for their healthcare specialization program 3. Suggested I look into the Self-Employment Assistance program since I have some skills that could work freelance I have an appointment with a career counselor next week, and they're going to help me explore training options that might come with a stipend. Still worried about paying rent next month, but at least I have some direction now. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
That's such great news! I'm so glad you got through and found some helpful resources. The Self-Employment Assistance program sounds really interesting - I had no idea that existed. Would love to hear how your appointment with the career counselor goes next week. Fingers crossed the training programs work out and come with stipends to help bridge the gap. You're being so proactive about this whole situation, which gives me hope for my own similar circumstances. Thanks for updating us!
I'm really glad you were able to get through to TWC and found some helpful resources! Your update gives me hope since I'm in a similar situation - my benefits are ending in about 6 weeks and I've been dreading making that call. The Self-Employment Assistance program sounds particularly interesting since I've been considering freelance work in my field but wasn't sure if that would affect my unemployment status. Could you share any details about what the Self-Employment Assistance program involves? Is it something you can do while still collecting benefits or is it a replacement for benefits? Also, did they mention anything about the healthcare specialization program at Workforce Solutions - like how long it takes or what certifications they offer? Thanks for taking the time to update everyone. It's so helpful to hear from someone who actually made it through the process successfully!
Connor O'Neill
Just to follow up - once you do receive your Reliance card, be sure to activate it immediately by calling the number on the sticker. Also, create an online account at usbankreliacard.com to monitor your balance and transactions. You can set up alerts for deposits and withdrawals, which is really helpful. Many people don't realize you can also use this card at most ATMs, though some charge fees. U.S. Bank ATMs are free, and you get one free withdrawal per deposit period at other ATMs (after that, there's a $2 fee). Has your card arrived yet? It's been a few days since your original post.
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Zainab Ibrahim
•It actually came in yesterday's mail! You were right about it being in a plain envelope - I almost missed it. Thanks for the tips about setting up the online account. I just activated the card and will set up the alerts right away. Such a relief to finally have access to the funds!
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Dallas Villalobos
Glad to hear your card finally arrived! For future reference, if anyone else is dealing with this issue, you can also contact TWC directly at 800-939-6631 to verify that your payment method change was processed correctly. Sometimes there can be delays on their end that aren't immediately visible in your online account. Also, if you ever need to switch back to direct deposit later, make sure to do it right after you certify for benefits - not in the middle of a payment cycle. This helps avoid processing delays and ensures smoother transitions between payment methods. The whole system could definitely be more user-friendly, but at least once you get the card set up, future payments should be much faster!
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Zainab Ahmed
•This is really helpful advice! I wish I had known about calling that number when I was waiting for my card. The timing tip about switching payment methods is especially good to know - I definitely made my change at a random time without thinking about the payment cycle. Hopefully this thread will help other people avoid the stress I went through waiting for that card to show up!
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