Approved for TWC benefits but can't request payment - stuck in phone loop hell

I'm totally lost with this TWC process and need advice ASAP. Last Monday I filed for unemployment online after being laid off (construction industry slowed way down). The system showed I was approved for benefits, which was a relief! But when I tried to request my first payment through TeleServ, the automated system suddenly said I need to 'speak with a representative' before payments can begin. No explanation why. I've called the TWC number like 30+ times over 3 days and either get a busy signal or the automated message saying 'call volumes are too high' before it hangs up on me. I've tried calling right at 8am, during lunch, and late afternoon - nothing works. My savings are getting dangerously low, and I have rent due in two weeks. What could possibly be flagged on my account that requires talking to someone? And more importantly, how on earth do I actually reach a human being at TWC? This feels like a cruel joke - approved but can't get paid unless I talk to someone, but can't talk to anyone...

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18 comments

Oscar Murphy

•17d

There are a few common reasons why TWC might need you to speak with someone before releasing payments. The most likely ones are: 1. Identity verification issues (they might need additional documents) 2. Questions about your work separation (they may need clarification on why you were laid off) 3. Wage verification (if your reported wages don't match employer records) 4. Work search requirement verification Unfortunately, reaching someone at TWC by phone is notoriously difficult. Keep trying early mornings (7:55am is better than 8am exactly, when everyone calls). You can also try submitting a message through your online TWC account under the "Contact Us" section, but even that could take weeks for a response.

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Ryan Andre

•17d

The system is DESIGNED TO FAIL. They approve you but make it IMPOSSIBLE to actually collect benefits. I've been dealing with TWC for over a month now after they flagged my account for some mysterious reason. Called 50+ times, sent messages through the portal, even drove to a Workforce office (where they just told me to call the same number). The whole thing is a SCAM to keep their numbers looking good - they can say "look how many people we approved!" while making sure a percentage of us give up before getting paid. It's sick.

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Lauren Zeb

•17d

I went through this exact nightmare last year. After trying for days to get through, I discovered a service called Claimyr that helped me reach a TWC agent within 30 minutes. It basically keeps dialing for you until it gets through, then connects you. Was absolutely worth it for me since I had a similar situation where I needed to talk to someone before getting paid. They have a website at claimyr.com and you can see how it works at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Just sharing what worked for me when I was in your exact position with bills piling up.

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Daniel Washington

•17d

Hey there, I work at a workforce center (not TWC directly, but we partner with them). Here's what's likely happening: the system is requiring verification before releasing payments, which is actually pretty standard. The most common reasons are: 1. They need to verify your identity (this happens with almost all first-time claimants) 2. They need to confirm details about your work separation (layoff vs. termination vs. quit) 3. There might be a wage discrepancy they need to clear up 4. You may have answered a question during filing that triggered additional review While waiting to reach someone by phone, make sure you continue requesting payments every two weeks on your designated filing day, even if you're not receiving benefits yet. Once your issue is resolved, you'll receive all back payments you're eligible for. Also, double-check your TWC correspondence inbox online - sometimes they send letters explaining what's needed rather than requiring a call.

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Daniel Washington

•17d

You're welcome! Regarding unreported wages - yes, this could potentially be the issue. TWC calculates your benefit amount based on wages reported by employers. If there's a significant discrepancy between what you're claiming and what your employer reported, TWC will want to investigate. When you do reach someone, be honest but careful about how you phrase things. Instead of saying you were paid "under the table," you might say you believe there may be a discrepancy in your wage reporting and you want to make sure everything is correct. They may ask for pay stubs or bank deposits to verify income. Just know that correcting wage information could potentially trigger other questions, but it's always better to be truthful with TWC than to have issues discovered later, which could lead to overpayment notices.

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Anthony Young

•17d

Just wanted to chip in - I had the same issue last month where I got approved but then couldn't request payment without talking to someone. I couldn't get through on the phone for DAYS! I ended up driving to my local Workforce Solutions office (not TWC directly) and although they couldn't fix my issue on the spot, they did have a direct line to TWC and were able to schedule a callback for me. Got a call the next day and fixed everything. Might be worth a try if there's an office near you!

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