Received unexpected TWC voicemail - what could this mean for my claim?
I just checked my phone and found a voicemail from someone at TWC. The lady didn't explain much, just said she was calling about my unemployment claim and asked me to call back. I'm freaking out a little - is this good news or bad news? I filed about 10 days ago and my online portal still shows 'pending.' I've never received unemployment before, so I'm not sure if this is standard procedure or if there's some problem with my claim. Has anyone else gotten random calls from TWC? Should I be worried? And of course she left a direct number but it goes straight to voicemail when I try calling back. 😫
38 comments


Ellie Lopez
This is actually pretty normal! TWC representatives often call to verify information or ask follow-up questions about your claim. It could be something simple like needing to confirm your last employer's contact information or verifying your work separation reason. I wouldn't panic - they make these calls routinely during the processing period. Make sure you keep calling that number back. Sometimes their direct lines only accept calls during certain hours. Try calling first thing in the morning around 8:01am if you can. Leave a voicemail with your claim ID number and a good callback number if you get their voicemail again.
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Lauren Wood
•Thanks for this! That makes me feel a bit better. Do you know if missing their call could delay my claim? I'm already anxious about bills coming up next month.
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Chad Winthrope
got the same thing last week! dont worry about it 👍 mine was just to verify my identity since i had moved recently. they just asked like 3 questions and that was it. claim was approved 2 days later
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Lauren Wood
•That's reassuring! Did they call you multiple times or just once? I'm worried about missing them again.
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Paige Cantoni
DON'T IGNORE THIS CALL!!! I missed TWC callbacks THREE TIMES last year and my claim got DENIED because they couldn't "verify information" - then I had to file an appeal which took SEVEN WEEKS to resolve!!! Their system is BROKEN and they will absolutely use any excuse to deny benefits. Call back EVERY DAY until you reach someone. The TWC phone system is DESIGNED to frustrate people into giving up!!
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Kylo Ren
•Exactly what happened to me too! Missed one call and my claim was delayed for over a month. So frustrating.
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Nina Fitzgerald
Since you're new to the unemployment system, here's what's likely happening: TWC typically calls claimants during the initial processing period to verify information that might be unclear on your application. Common reasons include: 1. Verifying your reason for separation from your employer 2. Confirming dates of employment 3. Checking contact details for your former employer 4. Clarifying wage information 5. Addressing potential eligibility questions Missing their call won't automatically disqualify you, but it could extend the processing time for your claim. Keep calling back at different times of the day. Their individual lines are often only monitored during certain hours, and many TWC staff are still working hybrid schedules post-pandemic. In the meantime, continue requesting payments on your scheduled days (based on your assigned reporting day) even if your claim shows as pending. This ensures you'll receive all eligible payments once your claim is approved.
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Lauren Wood
•Thank you for the detailed explanation. This is really helpful. I'll keep trying that number at different times of day. I've already missed one payment request period because I wasn't sure if I should request before being approved - now I know better!
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Jason Brewer
I had this same exact situation when I filed back in December. The TWC lady was calling because my former employer contested my unemployment claim (I didn't know they had done this). She just needed to ask me a few more questions about why I left the job. The number she left went to voicemail every time I called for like three days straight which made me super anxious! But eventually I got through. Have you checked your correspondence inbox on the TWC portal? Sometimes they send a message there explaining why they're calling.
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Lauren Wood
•I didn't even think to check the correspondence inbox! Just looked and there's nothing there yet. Did your claim status change online before or after you finally spoke with them?
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Jason Brewer
•Mine stayed as "pending" until about 2 days after I spoke with them. Then it changed to "approved" and I got my first payment like 3 days after that. So roughly a week total from the call to money in my account.
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Kiara Fisherman
I work with unemployment claims every day, and I can tell you that getting through to TWC on those direct lines can be nearly impossible sometimes. They're severely understaffed and many of their agents handle hundreds of claims. If you're struggling to reach them after multiple attempts, you might want to try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps you get through to TWC agents much faster than waiting on hold or playing phone tag. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh that shows how it works. I've had several clients use it when they were in situations exactly like yours - waiting on critical claim information but unable to reach anyone. Regardless of how you reach them, make sure you're prepared with your claim ID, last four of your SSN, and details about your employment separation when you do connect with them.
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Lauren Wood
•I'll check out that service if I don't hear back in the next couple days. At this point, I'd do almost anything to get this resolved. The uncertainty is killing me.
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Kylo Ren
they probably calling to verify your work search activities. make sure u got those 3 activities documented each week!!! my roommate got denied cuz he only had 2 per week and they randomly called to check
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Nina Fitzgerald
•They typically don't call about work search activities until after a claim is approved and the claimant has been receiving benefits for a while. Since OP mentioned they just filed 10 days ago and their claim is still pending, this is more likely about initial claim verification.
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Chad Winthrope
just keep trying the number like every hour seriously. twc people usually pick up eventually if you're persistent. my brother had to call like 20 times before someone answered!!
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Ellie Lopez
One important thing to know - if TWC left you a voicemail, make sure to save it! Sometimes they leave a specific extension number or case ID that can help you reach the right person faster when you call back. Also, when you do reach someone, be sure to write down their name and direct number if they provide one. TWC staff often specialize in different aspects of claims, so getting back to the same person can save you from having to re-explain your situation.
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Lauren Wood
•Good advice! I did save the voicemail and wrote down the number. She mentioned her name was Melissa but didn't give an extension. I'll keep trying her direct line tomorrow morning.
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Liam Cortez
Omg this whole TWC system is such a nightmare! I've been on unemployment three times in the last 5 years (oil and gas industry layoffs) and every single time there's some new ridiculous hoop to jump through. Last time I got FIVE different voicemails from FIVE different TWC people all asking slightly different questions about the same thing. So inefficient! And then they wonder why their system is always backed up. 🙄
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Lauren Wood
Update: I FINALLY got through! Turns out they just needed to verify my last day worked because my employer reported a different date than what I put on my application (they counted my two weeks notice period differently). The lady was super nice and said my claim should be processed within 3-5 business days now. Thanks everyone for the advice and keeping me from panicking too much!
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Ellie Lopez
•That's great news! Glad it was something simple. This is pretty common with TWC claims - the employer reports dates one way, you report them another, and TWC needs to clarify. Make sure you request your payment on your assigned day even if the claim still shows pending.
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Chad Winthrope
•awesome!! told ya it was probably nothing serious! 😊
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LordCommander
So glad you got through and it was something simple! This is exactly why I always tell people not to panic when TWC calls - 90% of the time it's just routine verification stuff. The date discrepancy thing happens ALL the time, especially with notice periods. Some employers count your notice period as "worked" days, others don't, and TWC needs to make sure they're calculating your benefit week correctly. Pro tip for anyone else reading this: when you file your initial claim, try to use the exact same dates and terminology that would appear on your final paystub or separation paperwork. It can help avoid these clarification calls altogether. But honestly, even when you're super careful, these verification calls still happen sometimes because employers don't always report things consistently. Congrats on getting it sorted out! 🎉
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Sofia Gomez
•This is such helpful info! I'm definitely saving this thread for future reference. The tip about using the same dates/terminology as your final paystub is brilliant - I wish I had known that before filing. Would have saved me a lot of stress this week! Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, it really helped calm my nerves during what felt like a scary situation.
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James Maki
This is such a relief to read! I'm in almost the exact same situation - filed about 2 weeks ago and got a voicemail yesterday from TWC asking me to call back. I've been stressed out all day thinking something was wrong with my application. Reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel so much better about it being routine verification stuff. @Lauren Wood - I'm so glad you got through and it was just a date issue! That gives me hope that mine will be something simple too. I'm going to try calling first thing tomorrow morning like @Ellie Lopez suggested. Has anyone had luck with calling the main TWC number versus the direct number they leave in the voicemail? I'm wondering if I should try both approaches.
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Sean Fitzgerald
•@James Maki I d'definitely try the direct number they left first - that s'usually your best bet for reaching the specific person handling your case. The main TWC number can take forever to get through and you might end up talking to someone who doesn t'have your file readily available. I tried calling the direct line at different times throughout the day and finally got through around 10:30am on my third day of trying. If the direct line doesn t'work after a few days of attempts, then maybe try the main number as a backup. Good luck!
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Nathan Kim
•@James Maki Definitely stick with the direct number first! I had the same anxiety when I got my call - it s'totally normal to feel stressed about it. The direct numbers are usually monitored by the specific case worker who needs to talk to you, while the main line just routes you to whoever is available and (the wait times are brutal .)One thing that helped me was calling right when they open at 8am - seems like that s'when most people have success getting through. Also keep your claim documents handy when you call so you can quickly reference dates, employer info, etc. if they need verification. You ve'got this! 💪
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Paolo Conti
Just wanted to add my experience for anyone else dealing with this anxiety! I got a similar voicemail from TWC about 3 weeks ago and was completely panicked thinking I'd done something wrong on my application. Turned out they just needed to verify my hourly wage because my employer had reported it slightly differently than what I listed (they included some overtime hours that affected the calculation). The whole call took maybe 5 minutes once I finally reached them. The TWC representative was actually really patient and explained exactly what information they needed and why. My claim was approved within 2 days after that call. One tip that worked for me: I called the direct number every hour on the hour starting at 8am until someone picked up. Took about 6 attempts over 2 days, but persistence paid off. Also, having my W-2 and last few paystubs ready made the conversation go much smoother since I could quickly verify any wage or date questions they had. Don't let the anxiety eat at you too much - these verification calls are genuinely routine, even though they feel scary when you're new to the system!
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Ruby Garcia
•@Paolo Conti This is exactly what I needed to hear! I m'dealing with the same situation right now and your tip about calling every hour on the hour is brilliant. I ve'been randomly calling throughout the day but doing it systematically like that makes so much more sense. Also great point about having W-2s and paystubs ready - I didn t'even think about needing those documents during the call. Thanks for sharing your experience, it really helps to know that even wage discrepancies are totally normal and quick to resolve!
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Callum Savage
Reading through all these responses is so reassuring! I'm currently in a similar boat - got a voicemail from TWC yesterday and have been stressed about it all night. It's really helpful to see that most of these calls are just routine verification stuff rather than problems with the claim. @Lauren Wood - congrats on getting it resolved! The date discrepancy thing makes total sense since employers and employees often think about notice periods differently. For anyone else dealing with this anxiety, it sounds like the key takeaways are: 1) Don't panic - it's usually routine, 2) Keep calling the direct number at different times, especially early morning, 3) Have your documents ready (W-2s, paystubs, etc.), and 4) Be persistent but patient. The TWC system definitely seems overwhelming when you're new to it, but this community is amazing for sharing real experiences and keeping people calm during stressful situations. Thanks everyone for the detailed advice!
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A Man D Mortal
•@Callum Savage You re'absolutely right about this community being amazing for sharing experiences! I m'new here too and was so grateful to find this thread when I was panicking about a similar TWC voicemail last week. The step-by-step advice from everyone really helped me approach the situation systematically instead of just randomly calling and getting frustrated. One thing I d'add to your great summary: if you do get their voicemail when calling back, make sure to leave a detailed message with your claim ID and best callback times. Sometimes they ll'actually call you back if their schedule allows, which saves you from playing phone tag. The waiting and uncertainty is definitely the worst part, but knowing that 90% of these calls are just routine verification makes it so much more manageable!
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Annabel Kimball
I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! Got a voicemail from TWC two days ago and have been anxiously trying to call back ever since. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful - it's such a relief to know that these calls are usually just routine verification rather than bad news about your claim. @Lauren Wood - so glad you got through and it was just a simple date discrepancy! That gives me hope that mine will be something straightforward too. I'm going to try the early morning calling strategy that several people mentioned. One question for those who've been through this - did any of you get a follow-up email or message in your TWC portal after the phone call, or does everything just update automatically in the system? I'm wondering if there's a way to track the progress after you complete the verification call. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences and keeping the anxiety levels manageable! This thread is going to be bookmarked for sure. 😊
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Romeo Quest
•@Annabel Kimball I just went through this process last month! After I completed my verification call with TWC, I didn t'get any immediate email confirmation, but my online portal updated within about 24-48 hours. The status changed from pending "to" show that the verification was complete, and then a few days later it switched to approved. "You" can check your correspondence inbox in the TWC portal periodically - sometimes they ll'send a message there if they need any additional documentation after the call. But in most cases, if they get what they need during the phone conversation, everything just processes automatically in their system. The waiting period after the call is still nerve-wracking, but at least you know you ve'done your part! Keep trying those early morning calls - that 8am time slot seems to be the magic window when people actually answer. Good luck! 🤞
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Rami Samuels
I'm going through this exact same situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! Got a TWC voicemail yesterday morning and I've been spiraling with anxiety ever since. Reading everyone's experiences here is so reassuring - it really helps to know that most of these calls are just routine verification stuff. @Lauren Wood - huge congrats on getting it resolved! The fact that it was just a simple date discrepancy gives me so much hope that mine will be something equally straightforward. I'm definitely going to try that early morning calling strategy that @Ellie Lopez and others have recommended. For anyone else in this boat, I think the key points from this thread are: don't panic (easier said than done!), be persistent with calling the direct number, have all your employment documents ready, and remember that TWC is just doing their due diligence to verify information. The waiting and uncertainty is absolutely brutal, but knowing that this is part of their normal process makes it so much more manageable. Thanks to everyone for sharing your real experiences instead of just generic advice - it makes all the difference when you're stressed about something like this! 🙏
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•@Rami Samuels You re'so right about this thread being a lifesaver! I m'actually dealing with something similar myself - got a TWC voicemail three days ago and have been calling back with no luck yet. Reading through everyone s'experiences here has really helped calm my nerves though. It s'amazing how much better you feel when you realize this is just part of their normal verification process rather than some major problem with your claim. The early morning calling strategy seems to be the real key - I m'going to set my alarm for 7:55am tomorrow and start calling right when they open. Having all the employment docs ready is such good advice too. I was just planning to wing it, but now I m'going to have my W-2s, last paystub, and separation letter all laid out before I call. Thanks for summarizing all the key points so well! Sometimes when you re'anxious it s'hard to process all the advice, so having it broken down like that really helps. We ve'got this! 💪
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Douglas Foster
This thread is so helpful and reassuring! I'm currently in week 3 of waiting for my claim to be processed and haven't gotten any calls yet, but reading everyone's experiences here makes me feel much more prepared if/when TWC does reach out to me. @Lauren Wood - so glad you got it sorted out! The date discrepancy issue is really common from what I've seen in other posts here. It's frustrating that something so simple can cause so much anxiety, but at least now we all know what to expect. One thing I wanted to add for anyone reading this who might be in a similar situation: make sure you're still requesting your weekly payments even while your claim is pending! I almost made the mistake of waiting until I was "officially" approved, but thankfully someone on here told me to keep requesting. You don't want to miss out on any weeks you're eligible for. The TWC system definitely has its flaws, but this community makes navigating it so much easier. Thanks everyone for sharing your real experiences - it makes such a difference when you're dealing with the stress and uncertainty of unemployment! 😊
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Seraphina Delan
•@Douglas Foster Great point about continuing to request weekly payments even while pending! I actually made that mistake initially and missed my first payment request week because I thought I had to wait for approval. Definitely don t'want anyone else to make the same error. This whole thread has been incredibly helpful for understanding what s'normal vs. what to worry about with TWC calls. It s'amazing how much anxiety these voicemails can cause when you don t'know what to expect! The collective wisdom here about early morning calls, having documents ready, and being persistent is so valuable. For anyone still waiting on their first TWC contact - don t'stress if you haven t'heard anything yet at 3 weeks. Some claims process without any verification calls needed, especially if all your information matches up perfectly with what your employer reported. But if you do get a call, this thread is basically a masterclass in how to handle it! 📚
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Anderson Prospero
This entire thread has been incredibly valuable for anyone dealing with TWC verification calls! Reading through everyone's experiences really highlights how common these calls are and how they're almost always just routine verification rather than problems with your claim. A few key patterns I noticed from all the success stories: - Early morning calls (8:00-8:30am) seem to have the highest success rate - Having employment documents ready (W-2s, paystubs, separation paperwork) speeds up the process significantly - Persistence is key - most people had to call multiple times over several days - The actual conversations are usually quick (5-10 minutes) once you get through - Claims typically process within 2-7 days after completing verification For anyone currently dealing with this anxiety - you're definitely not alone! The uncertainty is the worst part, but based on all these experiences, the vast majority of these calls result in quick resolutions and approved claims. Keep calling that direct number, stay persistent, and try not to let the stress overwhelm you. The TWC system may be frustrating, but these verification calls are just part of their standard process to ensure accurate benefit payments. Thanks to everyone who shared their stories - this kind of real-world experience sharing is exactly what makes this community so helpful! 🙏
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