Can I claim past TWC payment requests after late approval? Missing 3 weeks
Just got my Texas unemployment claim APPROVED today after filing on July 21st (so that's about 3 weeks waiting). Here's my issue - I never requested payment for any of the previous weeks because I wasn't sure if I'd be approved. Now I'm wondering if I can go back and request those weeks or if I've completely lost them? The approval letter doesn't say anything about retroactive payments. Has anyone dealt with this before? I really need those first few weeks of benefits since I've been out of work this whole time. The TWC website is confusing me and I can't get through on the phone.
24 comments
Chris King
you can definitely request those back weeks! TWC lets you request payments for weeks that already passed. just log into your account and look for "Request Payments" then follow the steps. it'll show you which weeks you're eligible for. I missed 2 weeks once and was still able to get them after my claim was active
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Amelia Cartwright
•Thank you! I'm going to try this right now. Do you remember if there was any kind of time limit on how long you have to request past weeks?
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Rachel Clark
You can request payment for any weeks during your benefit year, but there's an important caveat - you must request payment within 14 days of the date you're scheduled to request payment. If you missed your designated filing date, you'll need to call TWC directly to request those back weeks. For example, if your filing day was supposed to be August 2, you would have until August 16 to request that payment online. After that window closes, you'll need to speak with a representative to have those weeks processed manually. Also make sure you can document your work search activities for those weeks, as you'll need to report them when requesting payment.
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Amelia Cartwright
•Oh no, it's definitely been more than 14 days for the first couple weeks. I didn't even know I had a filing schedule since I just got approved. This is stressful because I really need those payments. I've been tracking my work search activities though, so at least I have that documentation.
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Zachary Hughes
I went thru this EXACT situation in June!! Filed on 6/2, got approval on 6/25, and missed 3 payment request periods. Called TWC non-stop for 2 days trying to get help. When I finally got through, the agent filed all my backdated payment requests over the phone. They can 100% do this for you!!! You need to explain you were waiting for approval and didn't know you should file payment requests while waiting. DON'T GIVE UP - those are YOUR benefits that you're entitled to!
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Amelia Cartwright
•That's so reassuring to hear someone had the same situation! I've been calling constantly but just getting busy signals. Did they make you verify all your work searches for those weeks? I have records but not super detailed ones.
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Zachary Hughes
•Yes they asked for all my work search info for each week - where I applied, contact info, etc. Having some basic records will help. The most frustrating part was just getting through to someone! I called over 50 times before connecting with an actual person.
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Mia Alvarez
I had to deal with this same issue last month. Here's what you need to know: 1. TWC allows retroactive payment requests, but you MUST speak with a representative since it's been over 14 days 2. Have your work search activities documented for each week (minimum 3 per week) 3. Be prepared to explain why you didn't request payment (waiting for approval is a valid reason) 4. Use the Tele-Serv system (800-558-8321) in addition to trying the main TWC number The key is getting through to an actual person. I'd recommend trying Claimyr.com - they help you skip the TWC phone queue and get to a rep much faster. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Saved me hours of frustration when I needed to handle my backdated requests.
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Carter Holmes
•The Teleserv number is useless if your issue needs a real person! Been there done that got disconnected 12x last week 🤬
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Amelia Cartwright
•Thank you for the detailed breakdown! I've been trying the Tele-Serv system but it just redirects me when I try to request past weeks. I'll check out that Claimyr service - at this point I'm desperate to talk to someone at TWC.
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Sophia Long
your not going to be able to do this online, the system won't let you request payments that old. only a TWC rep can do it for you. i spent 3 DAYS calling non-stop before i got through. make sure you have all your work search stuff ready because theyll ask for each job you applied to for each week. also when you do get threw don't hang up until they confirm the requests went through!!! sometimes they say there filing them but then they don't actually show up!!!
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Amelia Cartwright
•3 days of calling?! Ugh, I was afraid of that. Thanks for the warning about confirming they've actually submitted the requests. I'm going to start calling first thing tomorrow morning.
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Angelica Smith
this is exactly why the TWC system is broken. they don't tell people to request payment WHILE waiting for approval, then make it nearly impossible to reach someone to fix it. I had a friend who lost 6 weeks of payments because he waited too long to try to get it fixed. The whole system is designed to deny people benefits they deserve.
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Amelia Cartwright
•That's my fear - that I'll end up losing out on those weeks completely. It seems ridiculous that they don't make this clearer in the application process. I just assumed I needed to wait for approval before requesting anything.
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Chris King
has anyone tried the TWC chat on their website? sometimes you can get help faster that way than calling
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Logan Greenburg
•I tried the chat last week for a different issue and waited 2 hours just to get disconnected when it was finally my turn 🙄 Calling is frustrating but still better odds than the chat in my experience
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Rachel Clark
Quick update on your situation - I just checked the TWC guidelines and confirmed that you CAN still get those weeks. According to their policy, as long as the request is made within your benefit year and you have a valid reason for the delay (such as waiting for approval), they should process those payments. However, you absolutely must speak with a representative directly. When you do get through, make sure to emphasize that you were waiting for claim approval and weren't aware you should request payment while waiting for the determination. This is a common misunderstanding and the representatives are generally understanding about it. Be persistent - those are benefits you're entitled to receive.
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Amelia Cartwright
•Thank you so much for checking! That gives me hope. I'll keep trying to get through to someone and make sure to explain exactly why I didn't request earlier. I appreciate everyone's help with this!
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Charlotte Jones
did u try filing a payment request yet? sometimes the system will let u do it even if its past the deadline. worth a shot before u spend days trying to call
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Amelia Cartwright
•I tried earlier today and the system wouldn't let me select those past weeks - it only showed this current week as available. Looks like calling is my only option at this point.
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Zachary Hughes
Pro tip: call right when they open at 7am! I got through in about 20 minutes when I called at opening time. If you wait until later in the day it's practically impossible.
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Amelia Cartwright
•Thanks for the tip! I'll set my alarm for tomorrow morning and try right at 7am.
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Mia Alvarez
Any update? Were you able to get through and request your backdated payments? The system can be frustrating but don't give up - you're entitled to those benefits as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for each week.
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Amelia Cartwright
•UPDATE: Success! I used the Claimyr service that was recommended and got through to TWC in about 30 minutes this morning. The rep was really helpful and filed all my back payments! She said they should be processed within 2-3 business days. Such a relief! Thanks everyone for the advice and encouragement.
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