Need help getting my TWC debit card faster - stuck in automated phone system
I've been approved for unemployment benefits but still haven't received my ReliaCard after almost 3 weeks! I found the number for U.S. Bank ReliaCard customer service (the one on the back of the card) from another post, but it's just a frustrating automated system that doesn't help when you don't have the card yet. Has anyone figured out how to speak with an actual human being at U.S. Bank about getting my card shipped faster? Or maybe is there someone at TWC I can talk to about expediting this? My rent is due next week and I'm getting really desperate. Any help would be appreciated!
23 comments


Nia Johnson
have u tried hitting 0 repeatedley? sometimes that works to get a real person. also try saying 'representative' over and over when the robot is talking
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Luca Conti
•Thanks, I'll try that trick! I was just pressing random options hoping something would connect me to a person.
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CyberNinja
I've been there! So frustrating when you need the money but can't access it. I think you can request a replacement card through the automated system even if you don't have the first one yet. They asked me for my SSN and DOB to verify instead of the card number.
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Luca Conti
•Oh that's good to know! I'll try using my SSN for verification instead. Did they expedite shipping when you did that?
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Mateo Lopez
The ReliaCard customer service number is 1-855-279-1678. When you call, try these steps to reach a human: 1. Wait through the initial greeting 2. Press # when it asks for your card number 3. It will then ask for your SSN and date of birth for verification 4. After verification, press 0 twice 5. Say "speak to representative" clearly This usually works to get a person. Ask specifically for expedited shipping on your card (they can do 3-day shipping in urgent situations). Alternatively, you can set up direct deposit through TWC instead of using the ReliaCard, which is much faster for future payments. You'll need to log into your TWC account and update your payment method.
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Luca Conti
•Thank you so much for these detailed steps! I'll try this right away. And definitely switching to direct deposit once I get this sorted out.
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Aisha Abdullah
This whole ReliaCard system is RIDICULOUS! I had the same issue last month and wasted HOURS trying to get through. TWC claims they send the cards out "promptly" but mine took over 4 weeks!!! And good luck trying to reach anyone who actually cares. The whole unemployment system is designed to be frustrating so people just give up. I ended up having to borrow money from family while waiting for this stupid card.
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CyberNinja
•4 weeks?! That's insane. I think they're supposed to mail them within 7-10 business days of your first payment approval.
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Ethan Davis
I had the same problem last month and couldn't get through to anyone. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual TWC agent within about 20 minutes. The agent was able to check my ReliaCard status and put in a request to expedite it. Saved me days of trying to get through. They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Once I talked to TWC, my card arrived like 3 days later.
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Luca Conti
•That sounds really helpful! I've been trying to reach TWC for days with no luck. Did they ask any specific questions about your claim when you finally got through?
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Ethan Davis
•They just verified my identity with the usual questions (SSN, address, etc). Then I explained I hadn't received my card yet and they looked up my payment status. The agent confirmed my payments were approved and then put in a request to expedite the card. Much easier than I expected once I actually got to talk to someone!
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Yuki Tanaka
Here's what most people don't know: U.S. Bank actually has a dedicated ReliaCard direct line that bypasses most of the automated system: 1-855-282-6161. You'll still need to verify with your SSN and DOB, but it gets you to a human much faster. For future reference, I recommend switching to direct deposit as soon as you get access to your TWC account. It's much more reliable than the ReliaCard system. To do this: 1. Log into your TWC account at ui.texasworkforce.org 2. Select "Payment Option" from the Quick Links menu 3. Choose "Direct Deposit" and enter your bank information Direct deposit payments usually arrive 2-3 business days after TWC releases your payment request.
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Luca Conti
•This is SO helpful! I had no idea there was a different number that gets you through faster. Definitely planning to switch to direct deposit ASAP.
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Carmen Ortiz
Is anyone else having troble with the TWC website too? It keeps logging me out whenever I try to view my payment status. I tried calling the main TWC number but it just says "all representatives are busy" and hangs up on me! how r we supposed to fix anything if we cant talk to anyone??
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Nia Johnson
•omg same!! the website is total garbage. crashes every time i try to do anything important!
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Mateo Lopez
Just wanted to check back - were you able to get through to someone about your ReliaCard? If you're still having trouble, remember that TWC also has an email option through your account portal. It's not as fast as calling, but sometimes they respond within 24-48 hours. Look for the "Contact Us" link after you log in. Also, make sure your mailing address is correct in both your TWC account and with the post office. Sometimes the cards get delayed because of address verification issues.
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Luca Conti
•I finally got through using that direct ReliaCard number someone shared! They confirmed my card was mailed last week but offered to cancel it and send a replacement with expedited shipping. Should have it by Friday! Thanks everyone for the help - this community is amazing.
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Ravi Patel
So glad you got it sorted out! That's great news about getting the expedited card by Friday. For anyone else still struggling with this issue, I'd also recommend checking if your local workforce office can help. Sometimes they have direct contacts at TWC that can push things through faster. Also, if you're in immediate financial distress, some local food banks and emergency assistance programs can help bridge the gap while you wait for your benefits. Don't be afraid to reach out - that's what these resources are there for!
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Ava Thompson
•That's really good advice about the local workforce offices! I didn't even think about that option. It's reassuring to know there are other resources available for people in tough situations while dealing with these bureaucratic delays. The unemployment system can feel so isolating when you're struggling, but communities like this really help remind you that you're not alone in dealing with these issues.
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Avery Flores
Just wanted to add another tip that helped me when I was in a similar situation - if you're really stuck and need money urgently, you can also request a check instead of waiting for the ReliaCard. When I finally got through to TWC, they told me I could switch my payment method to paper check for just one payment while waiting for my card to arrive. The check took about 5-7 business days to arrive by mail, which was still faster than waiting for the ReliaCard to be processed and shipped. You can request this through your TWC account under payment options, or ask the representative when you call. It's not ideal long-term since checks take longer than direct deposit, but it can be a good temporary solution when you're desperate!
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Isabella Silva
•That's such a helpful tip about requesting a paper check! I had no idea that was even an option. It's crazy how many workarounds exist that they don't really advertise clearly. Between the direct phone numbers, the check option, and all the other suggestions in this thread, it seems like there are actually quite a few ways to get around the ReliaCard delays if you know what to ask for. Thanks for sharing this - I'm sure it'll help other people who find themselves in similar situations!
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Andre Laurent
This thread is so helpful! I just wanted to add that if you're having trouble with both the ReliaCard AND the TWC website (like some people mentioned), you can also try accessing your account through the TWC mobile app. Sometimes the app works when the website is down or glitchy. You can download it from your phone's app store - just search for "Texas Workforce Commission" or "TWC Benefits". The app lets you check payment status, update your info, and even request certain changes to your payment method. It's not perfect but it's been more reliable for me than the website lately. Also, if you do get your ReliaCard but it gets lost or damaged later, you can report it through the app too and request a replacement much faster than calling customer service.
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Collins Angel
•Great point about the mobile app! I've been struggling with the website crashing constantly, so I'll definitely try downloading the app instead. It's amazing how many different solutions people have shared in this thread - between the special phone numbers, the paper check option, the mobile app, and all the other tips, it really shows how much we have to rely on each other to figure out how to navigate these systems. The official channels never seem to give you all these workarounds! Thanks for adding another useful option to the list.
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