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ID.me verification mess with TWC - got disqualified despite submitting docs

I'm at my wit's end with the TWC identity verification process! About 3 weeks ago, I received a notice on my TWC portal to call the Benefit Control Unit. When I called, the representative had me answer security questions and told me to upload documentation through their specific portal. She specifically told me I did NOT need to complete the ID.me verification because I was submitting everything directly to their department. I sent in everything she asked for - my social security card, driver's license, and utility bill. Fast forward to today, and I received a determination letter saying I'm "not eligible for payment" because I didn't complete the ID.me verification! When I called the Benefit Control number again, a different rep told me I apparently forgot to submit the BACKS of my social security card and license, and that fixing this would resolve the issue. But now I'm holding a disqualification letter and can't get anyone on the phone. Has anyone dealt with this kind of ID.me/documentation mixup? How long does the appeal process typically take if I have to go that route? I've got rent due in two weeks and was counting on this payment.

Hailey O'Leary

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OMG the EXACT same thing happened to me in January!!! The first person told me to just upload the docs to their portal, then I got disqualified because I "didn't verify my identity" even though I DID EXACTLY WHAT THEY SAID. It's like the left hand doesn't know what the right is doing at TWC. I had to file an appeal and it was a NIGHTMARE.

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Marcus Marsh

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How long did your appeal take to get resolved? Did you end up having to do the ID.me verification anyway?

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Cedric Chung

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I've seen this issue come up several times in the past few months. There seems to be a disconnect between the Benefit Control Unit and the ID.me verification team. What happened is that despite what the representative told you, the system still flagged your claim for incomplete identity verification. You have two options: 1. Complete the ID.me verification now (even though you were told you didn't need to) and call TWC to inform them. 2. File an appeal within 14 calendar days of the determination letter date. Make sure to include copies of all documentation you submitted and notes about your phone conversation (date, time, representative name if possible). Appeals typically take 4-6 weeks to be scheduled for a hearing in standard cases, but identity verification appeals sometimes move faster.

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Marcus Marsh

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Thank you for the clear explanation. I never got the rep's name, which I regret now. I think I'll do both - complete the ID.me verification tonight AND file the appeal tomorrow just to cover all bases. 4-6 weeks is a long time to wait though... is there any way to expedite?

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Talia Klein

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The WHOLE TWC system is designed to make you fail!!! I had to do THREE appeals last year when I got laid off from the oil field. Every single rep tells you something different and then they penalize YOU for their mistakes. Now they're pushing everyone to this stupid ID.me thing which is just another way to collect your data. Don't trust any of them!

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Yep! Happened to my brother too. They made him do the whole appeal thing even tho he did everything right. System is broken on purpose if you ask me

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PaulineW

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To answer your specific question about appeals - identity verification appeals are typically resolved within 3-5 weeks from filing. However, you can potentially resolve this faster without going through the full appeal process. Here's what I recommend: 1. Complete the ID.me verification immediately (today if possible) 2. After completing ID.me, call TWC at 800-939-6631 and explain the situation 3. Request that they review your claim with the newly completed ID.me verification 4. Ask them to expedite the review based on financial hardship Be prepared to call multiple times as their phone lines are constantly busy. Document every call attempt and successful conversation (date, time, representative name). In my experience, you'll have better luck calling right when they open at 7:00 AM or between 4:30-6:00 PM when call volume sometimes decreases.

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Annabel Kimball

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Thats good advice but good luck getting thru! I spent 3 days calling every 15 min and never got thru once lol

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Marcus Marsh

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Update: I completed the ID.me verification last night and have been trying to call TWC all morning. Still can't get through. I'm going to try that Claimyr service to see if it works. I also submitted my appeal online through the TWC portal and uploaded copies of all the documents I previously submitted, plus screenshots showing the dates I submitted them. Fingers crossed this gets resolved soon!

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PaulineW

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That's excellent progress! Make sure to specifically request that they review your claim with the new ID.me verification instead of waiting for the appeal hearing. In many cases, they can reinstate benefits within 3-5 business days if the only issue was identity verification. Keep us posted on what happens!

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i had to do appeal back in Febuary and it took about a month to get the hearing. they did it over the phone. make sure u pick up when they call!!! my cousin missed his call and had to start all over lol

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Cedric Chung

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Just a helpful tip for anyone facing identity verification issues: Always keep digital copies of ALL documents (front AND back) that you submit to TWC. Screenshot your submission confirmations with timestamps if possible. This documentation becomes critical during appeals. Also, when you complete ID.me verification, you'll receive a confirmation email. Save that and take screenshots of the completion page. These details can make a significant difference in how quickly your case is resolved. Finally, if you're experiencing financial hardship due to delayed benefits, mention this specifically when you speak with TWC. They can sometimes expedite reviews in hardship cases, especially if you provide specific details about upcoming bill deadlines or potential eviction concerns.

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Hailey O'Leary

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This is SUCH good advice! I wish I'd known to screenshot everything when I was going through my mess. I ended up having to get my state representative involved after 6 weeks of no movement on my appeal. Called their constituent services office and had benefits restored within 48 hours after that. Something to consider if things drag on!

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