Did TWC stop backpay for waiting weeks during payment requests?

The waiting week is still being paid, but there's a specific process for it. Your buddy is confusing the waiting period with something else. Texas law still requires TWC to pay you for that first week after you've received benefits for 3 compensable weeks (meaning weeks you were eligible and received payment). Make sure you continue requesting payment every two weeks as scheduled. After your third successful payment request, the system should automatically process your waiting week payment. It doesn't happen immediately - usually takes about 1-2 business days after that third payment posts to your account. If you don't see it within a week after your third payment, then you should contact TWC to ask about it specifically.

i got my waiting week paid last month so your friend is wrong. took about 2 days after my 3rd payment hit my account

This is NOT entirely accurate!! The waiting week IS still being paid BUT they changed some of the rules this year!!! My husband filed in January and they DID pay the waiting week but then my sister filed in March and they said she didn't qualify for waiting week backpay because of some new rule about how you separated from your employer!! It depends on your specific situation now - if you were laid off due to lack of work you SHOULD still get it but if you quit or were fired you MIGHT NOT!!! The TWC website never makes this clear and it's SO FRUSTRATING!!

My waiting week payment showed up randomly like 5 weeks into my claim. I wasn't even expecting it anymore lol. Just keep filing your payment requests and it'll show up eventually.

Tried calling TWC last week about this exact issue and got nowhere - busy signals for 3 days straight! Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a rep in about 20 minutes. They confirmed waiting weeks are still being paid after your third benefit payment. You can see how their service works here: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh - totally worth it to avoid the calling headache.

I've been through 3 unemployment claims in the last few years and the waiting week policy has been the same each time. What HAS changed is how long it takes for them to process it. Back in 2023, my waiting week payment came through automatically right after my 3rd payment. For my most recent claim (started in February 2025), I had to actually call TWC and remind them about my waiting week after my 4th payment because it never showed up automatically. The rep processed it while I was on the phone. So yes, they still pay it, but their system seems more glitchy about processing it automatically now. Document everything and don't be afraid to call if it doesn't show up when expected.

My boyfriend went through this whole process in January. The waiting week payment is definitely still a thing, but what's confusing people is that it doesn't show up as a separate payment request. After his third payment, there was just an additional deposit for the waiting week amount. The online account didn't show any explanation - it was just there. BTW make sure you're doing your work search activities every week (minimum 3 per week in Texas). If you miss reporting those, it can delay everything including the waiting week payment.

Anyone know if this applies to partial unemployment too? I got reduced hours but not completely laid off and I'm getting a small UI payment each week. Will I still get that waiting week paid eventually?

The TWC website is NEVER up to date!!! Half the info on there is from like 2021 still!! I always have to call to get real answers and even then half the reps tell you different things!!! The whole system is a MESS!!

hey just wanted to update that i checked my account and my waiting week payment came exactly 4 days after my third regular payment hit. so you should be fine just keep an eye on your account