Best time to call TWC after termination? Lost my PIN and desperate to file

same thing happend to me last month!!!! the lines are ALWAYS busy. i gave up trying to call and went to the workforce commission office near me in person. waited about 2hrs but they helped me reset everything. bring your ss card and id

The best time to call is right when they open at 8:00 AM. Don't wait until 8:01 - call exactly at 8:00. Also try calling on Wednesday or Thursday as those tend to be slightly less busy than Monday or Tuesday when everyone is trying to file their payment requests. You can also try to reset your PIN online through the TWC website. Go to ui.texasworkforce.org, click on "Forgot PIN" and you'll need to verify some personal information. If that doesn't work (sometimes the system makes you call anyway), then calling early is your best bet.

I was in the same situation last month and wasted 3 days trying to get through to TWC. Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh They basically keep dialing for you and then call you when they get through to an agent. Saved me a lot of stress since I also had a forgotten PIN and needed to get my claim started right away after being let go.

Here's some specific advice about resetting your PIN and the best times to call TWC: 1. If you're calling the main TWC number (800-939-6631), try calling at exactly 8:00 AM or between 4:00-4:30 PM. Those tend to be slightly better windows. 2. For PIN resets specifically, you can also call the Tele-Serv automated line at 800-558-8321. Select option 2 for PIN assistance. Sometimes this works without needing to speak to a representative. 3. Make sure you have your Social Security number, date of birth, and Texas driver's license or ID card ready when you call. 4. If you're getting terminated rather than laid off, be prepared that TWC will contact your employer about the reason for separation. If your employer claims misconduct, you might need to provide additional information during the application process. 5. While waiting to get your PIN reset, you can still start gathering documentation you'll need: your last employer's information (name, address, phone number), first and last day worked, and why you're no longer employed. The PIN reset is frustrating but once you get through it, the actual filing process is more straightforward.

I got fired back in January and the BEST advice I can give is don't say you were terminated!!! When you file say you were LAID OFF due to lack of work. If you say terminated TWC will delay your claim for weeks while they investigate. My neighbor works at TWC and told me this secret.

oh 4got to say they have a chat on the website 2. sometimes faster than calling!!

Just to update you on current work search requirements for when you do get your claim filed: Texas now requires 3 work search activities per week for regular unemployment benefits. Make sure you keep track of these - TWC can audit your work search activities at any time. Each week when you request payment, you'll need to certify that you've completed these 3 activities.

UPDATE: I GOT THROUGH! For anyone with the same problem, I tried the Claimyr service that someone mentioned below and it worked! Got connected to a TWC agent in about 15 minutes. They reset my PIN and I was able to file my initial claim right away. The agent said it usually takes about 21 days to process a new claim but could be faster. Such a relief to have this started finally!

Glad you got through @Sarah Jones! For anyone else still struggling with PIN resets, I found another trick that worked for me last year. If you have an old unemployment debit card from a previous claim (even if it's expired), the card number can sometimes help verify your identity when you call. The TWC agent was able to look up my account faster using that info. Also, keep trying the online PIN reset throughout the day - sometimes the system lets you through during off-peak hours when fewer people are trying to access it. Don't give up!

Another option that helped me when I was in a similar situation - if you have access to a local library, many of them have dedicated computers and staff who can help you navigate the TWC website during quieter times. The librarian at my branch actually knew quite a bit about the unemployment filing process and helped me figure out which documents I needed while I was waiting to get my PIN reset. Some libraries also have phone stations where you can make calls without tying up your own phone for hours. Plus it's free WiFi and printing if you need to download/print any forms. Just thought I'd mention it since not everyone knows libraries offer these kinds of services!

One more tip that saved me when I was dealing with TWC PIN issues - if you're still having trouble getting through by phone, try calling the employer hotline at 512-463-2699 instead of the main claimant line. I know it sounds weird, but sometimes they can transfer you to someone who can help with PIN resets, and that line tends to be less busy. Also, if you're getting disconnected a lot, try calling from a landline if you have access to one - I noticed I had better luck staying connected that way versus my cell phone. The whole system is definitely frustrating but don't give up! Once you get past the PIN hurdle, the rest of the process is much smoother.

Just wanted to add that if you're still having issues with the PIN reset, there's another option that worked for my sister last month. She went to the local American Job Center (they're part of the workforce system) and they have direct access to help with TWC issues. The staff there was able to call TWC on her behalf and get her PIN reset while she waited. It took about an hour total but was way less stressful than trying to get through on your own. You can find locations at jobcenterlocator.org - just search for "American Job Center" in your area. They also help with resume writing and job search stuff if you need that too. Hope this helps someone!

I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago and feel your pain! One thing that really helped me was creating multiple backup plans while trying to get the PIN reset sorted out. I started gathering all my employment documentation (pay stubs, termination letter, etc.) and even drafted my initial claim information in a Word document so I could copy/paste it quickly once I got through. That way when I finally connected with a TWC agent, I could file everything in one call instead of having to call back again. Also, if you're really struggling to get through, some local workforce development offices have computers you can use to try the online PIN reset during different times of day when the system might be less overloaded. The key is just having multiple strategies running at the same time rather than putting all your eggs in one basket. You'll get through this!