After verifying ID.me for TWC account lockout - now what?
So my TWC unemployment account got locked last week saying there was 'suspicious activity' and potential identity theft. I freaked out but managed to complete the ID.me verification process yesterday (those selfie videos are so awkward!). But now I'm confused about what happens next? My account still shows as locked when I try to log in. Do I need to call TWC to tell them I completed the verification? Will they automatically unlock it? It's been 24 hours already and I'm supposed to request payment tomorrow! Anyone been through this recently?
19 comments
Ruby Knight
I went through this exact thing in February! After doing the ID.me verification, it took 3 full business days before my account unlocked automatically. The system doesn't update instantly which is super annoying. If you need to request payment and can't get in, you can try calling the Tele-Serv number at 800-558-8321 to do your payment request by phone instead of waiting for the website access.
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Nina Chan
•Thanks for the info! 3 days seems like forever when you're waiting on benefits. Did you have to do anything special with Tele-Serv since your account was locked?
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Diego Castillo
my account got locked 2 times already!!! the id.me thing is stupid and doesnt even work half the time. i had to do it 3 TIMES because the system kept saying my face didnt match. like what????? its MY FACE
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Logan Stewart
•The facial recognition can be frustrating. Make sure you're in a well-lit area with no shadows on your face when doing the verification. Also, if you're wearing glasses in your ID but not for the verification (or vice versa), that can cause problems.
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Logan Stewart
When your account gets locked due to suspected identity theft, completing the ID.me verification is just the first step. Here's what happens next: 1. ID.me sends your verification results to TWC (this is automatic) 2. TWC processes this information (typically takes 2-4 business days) 3. Your account is unlocked and you'll receive an email notification If it's been more than 4 business days since verification, you should contact TWC directly. Remember that while your account is locked, you can still request payments through Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321. Just have your PIN ready and follow the prompts.
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Nina Chan
•Thank you for the detailed explanation! That helps a lot. I'll try the Tele-Serv option tomorrow if my account isn't unlocked by then. Seems like I just need to be patient for now.
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Mikayla Brown
Same thing happened to me last month too. So annoying! I hate all this extra security stuff. Just let me get my benefits!
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Sean Matthews
I had this EXACT issue and waited almost TWO WEEKS with nothing happening!!! Called TWC about 50 times and kept getting busy signals or disconnected. Finally I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes instead of spending days calling. The agent manually unlocked my account while I was on the phone. Check out their video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Their website is claimyr.com. Seriously saved me from missing another payment cycle!
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Nina Chan
•Two weeks?? That's insane! I'll definitely check out that service if my account isn't unlocked by Monday. I can't afford to miss payments right now.
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Ali Anderson
•does that claimyr thing actually work? i've tried calling twc like 100 times this month and never get through
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Sean Matthews
•Yeah it really did work for me. They basically keep dialing for you until they get through, then they call you to connect with the TWC agent. Took about 22 minutes from start to finish.
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Zadie Patel
There's actually an issue right now with the TWC system not properly processing ID.me verifications. I went through this last week and had to call them. The agent told me there's a backlog of verification processing because of a system update they did in March 2025. Even though ID.me sends the verification to TWC automatically, sometimes it gets stuck in their queue. If you need to request payment ASAP and your payment request date is tomorrow, definitely use Tele-Serv as others have suggested. The number is 800-558-8321, and you'll use the same PIN you use for the website. The automated system will still let you complete your payment request even if the website shows your account as locked.
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Nina Chan
•That's really helpful information about the system update. At least it explains why there's a delay. I'll definitely use Tele-Serv tomorrow for my payment request.
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Ali Anderson
i had my accoutn locked to and i did the id.me thing and my account got unlocked liek 5 days later. dont worry it will happen but yeah use teleserv for now like they said
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Diego Castillo
the whole system is designed to make it hard to get benefits just saying
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Ruby Knight
•Sometimes it feels that way, but the ID verification is actually to protect legitimate claimants from fraud. There was a huge spike in unemployment fraud over the past few years, and people were getting their benefits stolen. It's frustrating but necessary.
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Nina Chan
UPDATE: My account just got unlocked! It took exactly 3 business days from when I did the ID.me verification. I received an email saying my account access had been restored. Thanks everyone for your help and advice!
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Logan Stewart
•Great news! Glad to hear it worked out. This is the typical timeframe for most people. Make sure you complete your payment request right away if today is your designated filing day.
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Mikayla Brown
•Nice! Always good to hear when something actually works like it's supposed to!
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