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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.
Thanks for sharing your experience too! It really does help to know I'm not alone in this. 8 days vs 12 days - we're both in that anxious waiting period. I'm definitely going to start the payment requests today based on everyone's advice here. Good luck with your application! Hopefully we'll both hear back soon. The flood really messed up so many people's lives and jobs - at least TWC seems to understand that and has this DUA program, even if it takes forever to process.
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!
Thank you so much for this thoughtful advice, especially coming from someone who went through Harvey! I really appreciate the practical tips about screenshots and setting up automatic payment requests. I hadn't thought about documenting the portal status changes. The reminder about local food banks is helpful too - I've been too proud to look into that, but you're right that I should explore all options while waiting. It's reassuring to hear that the backpay comes quickly once approved. Day 12 does feel like forever when you're stressed about money, but hearing "final stretch" gives me hope. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!
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!
Absolutely! This whole thread has been a lifesaver - I was getting so frustrated with the system but seeing everyone's different strategies and Caleb's success story gives me hope. It's ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to talk to someone, but at least now I have a game plan. Going to try the early morning calls first, then Claimyr if that doesn't work, and the state rep option as my last resort. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences here!
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!
This is really encouraging to see! I'm currently in week 2 of waiting after my status changed from "under review" to showing a benefit amount. Reading through all these experiences really helped ease my anxiety about whether the system glitch stories were true. Sounds like most of the time when you see that benefit amount after being under review, you're good to go. Thanks for sharing the timeline too - I'll keep checking my correspondence inbox!
I'm going through the exact same thing right now! Filed my claim about 2 weeks ago after being let go (also "at will" termination), had my fact-finding interview last Friday, and just this morning my status changed from "under review" to showing a weekly benefit amount. Reading through all these responses is so helpful - especially seeing Diego's update that he got his official approval letter! The anxiety of not knowing for sure is real. I've been checking my correspondence inbox obsessively since seeing the benefit amount appear. Based on everyone's experiences here, it sounds like seeing that benefit amount after being "under review" is usually a good sign, but I'm definitely going to wait for that determination letter before getting too excited. Diego, thanks so much for coming back with your update - that 3-day timeline gives me hope I'll know for certain soon!
Same here! I just went through this exact timeline last week - "at will" termination, fact-finding interview, then status changed to showing benefit amount. Got my determination letter 4 days later confirming approval. The waiting is definitely nerve-wracking but it sounds like you're on the right track! Keep checking that correspondence inbox daily - mine showed up there before the mail. Good luck!
Dmitry Petrov
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.
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Giovanni Rossi
•Thank you so much for the update! That gives me a better idea of what to expect. Since I filed on February 12th, I might hear something in the next few days hopefully. Really appreciate the insight from someone who knows the current situation.
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Jessica Suarez
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.
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The Boss
•That's really smart about the spreadsheet tracking! I wish I had started doing that from the beginning. I've just been randomly calling and getting frustrated when I can't get through. Going to set up something similar to document everything going forward. It's reassuring to know someone else is in the same boat with the January flooding - hopefully we both get some good news soon!
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