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Amelia Cartwright

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.

Chris King

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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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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

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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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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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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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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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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

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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

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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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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

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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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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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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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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

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has anyone tried the TWC chat on their website? sometimes you can get help faster that way than calling

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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

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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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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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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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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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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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Thanks for the tip! I'll set my alarm for tomorrow morning and try right at 7am.

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Mia Alvarez

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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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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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Harold Oh

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That's awesome news! So glad the Claimyr service worked for you - 30 minutes is amazing compared to what some people go through. Your success story will definitely help others in the same situation. Hope those payments come through quickly!

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Mohammed Khan

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Congratulations! That's such great news. I'm dealing with a similar situation right now - been waiting 4 weeks for approval and just realized I should have been requesting payments this whole time. Going to try the Claimyr service you mentioned. Thanks for sharing your success story, it gives me hope that I can get my back payments too!

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Lourdes Fox

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That's fantastic! Your success story is exactly what people in this situation need to hear. I'm dealing with a similar backlog issue right now - filed my claim 5 weeks ago and just got approved yesterday. Been stressing about those missed weeks but your experience gives me confidence that TWC will work with me to get those payments processed. Definitely going to try the Claimyr service first thing Monday morning. Thanks for following up with the good news!

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Ezra Collins

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So glad to see this thread - it's helping so many people! I work as a benefits advocate and see this exact situation constantly. Just want to add that TWC is actually required by law to process retroactive payments when there's good cause for the delay (like waiting for claim approval). Don't let anyone tell you those weeks are "lost" - they're not! The key points everyone should know: 1) You can request back payments for your entire benefit year, 2) Waiting for approval IS valid good cause, 3) Representatives can override the 14-day online deadline, and 4) Keep detailed records of your work search for each week. For anyone still struggling to get through by phone, also try emailing your local workforce solutions office - they can sometimes help escalate these issues. Stay persistent!

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Adrian Hughes

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This is incredibly helpful information! I had no idea that TWC is actually legally required to process retroactive payments with good cause. That makes me feel much more confident about pursuing my back payments. The tip about emailing local workforce solutions offices is great too - I hadn't thought of that approach. Thank you for sharing your expertise as a benefits advocate - it's reassuring to know there are people like you helping folks navigate this confusing system!

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Ravi Kapoor

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Thank you for this clarification! As someone who went through this exact process recently, I can confirm everything you've said. The legal requirement aspect is something I wish I had known earlier - it would have saved me a lot of stress and worry about potentially losing those benefits. Your point about emailing local workforce offices is brilliant - I didn't know that was an option. This thread has become such a valuable resource for anyone dealing with TWC payment request delays. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your professional insight!

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Grace Thomas

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This thread is incredibly valuable! As someone who just went through the TWC approval process myself, I wish I had found this information sooner. I made the same mistake of waiting for approval before requesting payments and almost lost 4 weeks of benefits. For anyone still dealing with this - don't panic! I finally got through to TWC after using multiple strategies: calling right at 7am, trying the Tele-Serv number repeatedly, and eventually using a callback service. The representative was actually very understanding about the situation and explained that many people make this same assumption. One thing I learned that might help others: when you do get through, ask the rep to add notes to your account explaining the delay was due to waiting for approval. This creates a paper trail that can help if you have any issues with the payments processing. Also, they told me to check my payment history online after 3 business days to make sure everything went through correctly. The system definitely needs to be clearer about this process, but don't give up on those benefits you're entitled to!

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Yuki Yamamoto

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This is such valuable advice, especially about asking the rep to add notes to your account! I'm new to unemployment benefits and this whole thread has been a lifesaver. It's frustrating that TWC doesn't make this process clearer upfront - seems like so many people fall into this same trap of waiting for approval before requesting payments. Your tip about checking payment history after 3 days is really smart too. I'm bookmarking this thread in case I run into similar issues. Thanks for sharing your experience and helping others navigate this confusing system!

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Amara Chukwu

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Just wanted to add another success story to encourage anyone still dealing with this! I was in almost the exact same boat - filed my claim in early July, got approved 3.5 weeks later, and panicked when I realized I hadn't requested any payments during the waiting period. After reading through all the helpful advice in this thread, I called TWC at exactly 7:02 AM yesterday morning and got through to a representative in about 45 minutes (which felt like a miracle!). She was super understanding and said this happens all the time - apparently it's one of the most common issues they help with. She was able to process all my backdated payment requests right over the phone and confirmed that the payments should appear in my account within 2-3 business days. The whole call took maybe 15 minutes once I got through. For anyone still trying - don't lose hope! Those benefits are yours and TWC will help you get them. The early morning calling strategy really does work. Having your work search documentation ready also speeds up the process significantly. This community has been so helpful - thank you everyone for sharing your experiences and advice!

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Amina Toure

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Thank you for sharing another success story! It's so encouraging to hear that the early morning calling strategy worked for you too. 45 minutes is definitely much better than the horror stories some people have about calling all day. I'm currently waiting for my own claim approval (filed 2 weeks ago) and this thread has been incredibly helpful in preparing me for what to do once I get approved. I'm definitely going to start requesting payments right away to avoid this whole situation. It's amazing how supportive this community is - everyone sharing their experiences really helps newcomers like me understand the process better!

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Drake

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This entire thread has been such a goldmine of information! I'm currently in week 2 of waiting for my claim approval and after reading everyone's experiences, I'm definitely going to start requesting payments now rather than wait. It seems like such a common mistake to assume you need approval first. One question for those who successfully got their backdated payments - did any of you have issues with the payments actually showing up in your bank account on time? I'm wondering if there are any delays in processing retroactive payments versus regular weekly payments. Also, for the work search requirements during those backdated weeks, did TWC accept basic documentation like just the company name and date you applied, or did they need more detailed information? Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - you're literally saving people thousands of dollars in benefits they might otherwise lose!

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Great questions! I can answer from my recent experience - my backdated payments showed up exactly on schedule, no delays compared to regular payments. As for work search documentation, the rep only asked for basic info: company name, position applied for, and date. I had more detailed records prepared but she said the basics were sufficient. Definitely smart to start requesting payments now while waiting for approval - you're learning from everyone else's mistakes! This thread really should be pinned somewhere for new filers to see.

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