Can I claim my approved TWC benefits from 2021 after incarceration?

Texas UI benefits generally expire if not claimed within a certain timeframe. TWC has a rule that you need to request payment within 14 days of your designated filing day. Since we're talking about 2021 benefits and it's now 2025, those funds have almost certainly been reabsorbed into the state unemployment trust fund. You can call TWC to confirm, but I'm 99% sure those benefits can't be retroactively paid after such a long time has passed.

i had something kinda similar happen but i was only in county for 3 weeks back in 2022... when i got out my benefits were on hold but i was able to call and explain and they released them. but that was just a few weeks not years...

Unfortunately, there's nothing in TWC law that makes exceptions for incarceration. The payment request deadlines are strict, and even when claims are approved, you must actively request payment every two weeks to receive benefits. While TWC can sometimes make exceptions for a few missed payment requests with good cause, they won't go back years. That said, you should definitely call and speak with a TWC representative to confirm. They can look up your specific claim and give you a definitive answer about your situation. Just be prepared that it will likely be what you don't want to hear - those benefits from 2021 are probably no longer available to you.

When you say TWC reversed your denial, did you receive an actual determination letter with the benefit amount? And did you ever actually certify for ANY weeks before you went to prison? Those details might matter for your case. Also did you have someone handling your affairs while incarcerated who could have received the payments?

The EXACT same thing happened to my cousin!!! TWC approved his appeal but he never got paid cuz he went to jail for a DUI thing for like 6 months. When he got out and called them they said too bad so sad, you didn't request payment during the required periods. Its sooooo unfair but thats how the system works 😡

Listen, I know exactly what you're going through with trying to call TWC. I was in a similar situation (not with incarceration, but with backpayments) and spent WEEKS trying to get through on the phone. Complete nightmare. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes instead of trying for days. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh I know it sounds too good to be true, but seriously, it saved me so much frustration. At least then you can talk to someone official who can look at your specific case and tell you if there's ANY possibility of getting those funds. Worth a shot if you're desperate for answers.

From my experience working with re-entry programs, you're unfortunately going to face an uphill battle with this. The TWC system isn't designed to accommodate long gaps in payment requests, especially spanning multiple years. Your best approach is to focus on current employment assistance programs specifically designed for formerly incarcerated individuals. Many workforce centers have specialized re-entry programs with dedicated case managers who understand these unique challenges. They can connect you with immediate resources rather than spending time pursuing benefits that may no longer be available.

Im confused on something - if they approved your appeal in 2021 and u certified for 4-5 weeks like u said, why didnt u get THOSE payments before u went to prison?? Did u check that your direct deposit info was correct?? Maybe the payments went to a closed account or something?

If your direct deposit failed, TWC would typically default to sending a paper check to your address on file. If you were incarcerated, those checks may have been returned to TWC or simply expired after 180 days. When you use the Claimyr service that someone mentioned to speak with a TWC rep, ask specifically about: 1) whether payments were attempted for those 4-5 weeks you certified for, 2) if those payments failed or were returned, and 3) if there's any way to reissue payment for just those specific weeks you properly certified for before incarceration. Focus on those initial weeks rather than the entire claim period, as you might have a better case for those.