Just to update you on current timelines - I had another client with a disaster appeal from the January flooding get their hearing date yesterday. They filed their appeal on February 10th, so that's about 38 days to get the hearing scheduled. The actual hearing is set for April 2nd (so another two weeks out). This seems to be the current timeline for most disaster-related appeals right now.

I'm in a similar situation with a disaster claim from the same flooding in January. Filed my appeal on Feb 15th and still waiting. One thing that's helped me stay sane is setting up a simple spreadsheet to track all my attempts to contact TWC - date, time, who I spoke with (if anyone), what they said. Also screenshot your online account weekly showing the "Appeal Pending" status. I learned this from my previous regular UI claim - having documentation helps a lot if you need to escalate later. Hang in there, it sounds like we should both hear something soon based on what others are saying about the 35-45 day timeline.

I received DUA after the 2021 freeze in Texas. Some advice from my experience: 1. Keep detailed records of all communications 2. Don't miss any payment request deadlines 3. Continue your work search activities (3 per week for Texas) 4. Check both your email and TWC correspondence inbox regularly Mine took 27 days for approval, which seems to be about average. And yes, they do backdate payments to when you became unemployed due to the disaster, not when you applied or were approved.

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.

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!

UPDATE: Just got the determination letter in my correspondence inbox today! I'm officially approved. Thanks everyone for your help and advice. For anyone in a similar situation - yes, when the status changes from "under review" to showing a benefit amount, it most likely means approval, but wait for the official letter to be 100% certain.

That's awesome news, Diego! Thanks for coming back with the update - it really helps others who might be in the same situation. Your timeline (3 business days from benefit amount showing to official letter) is super helpful info. Enjoy that peace of mind and congrats on getting approved!