TWC account PIN issues after identity theft - husband can't file unemployment claim

This EXACT thing happened to my brother last year! Turns out someone had stolen his identity during COVID and filed for benefits using his info. The system thinks he already has an account because technically he does - but it was created by a fraudster. You NEED to talk to a real person at TWC to fix this. They'll have to flag the account for identity theft investigation.

I work with unemployment cases regularly, and unfortunately this is becoming a common issue. What you're describing sounds like identity theft. During the pandemic, there was a huge spike in unemployment fraud. Here's what your husband needs to do: 1. Keep trying to reach TWC directly - early morning (right when they open at 7am) is usually the best time to call 2. Prepare identity verification documents (driver's license, social security card, birth certificate) 3. File an identity theft report with the FTC at IdentityTheft.gov 4. Check his credit report for other suspicious activity Once you reach TWC, explain the situation and they'll likely create a case to investigate. They'll need to verify his identity before he can establish a new PIN and file a legitimate claim. This process can take 2-3 weeks, but they should expedite payments once his identity is verified.

When I had trouble getting through to TWC on the phone, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get connected to an actual TWC representative without waiting for hours. They have a system that keeps trying the line for you and then calls you back when they get through. Saved me days of frustration. Check out their demo video to see how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh

Yep, it really works. Got me through to TWC in about 40 minutes instead of spending days redialing. Especially helpful for complicated issues like identity theft where you NEED to talk to a real person not just the automated system.

hey have u tried the local workforce office in person? sometimes faster than phone. my cousin had similar problem & going in person worked better

The system is absolutely broken!!! I had a similar problem last year and it took me SIX WEEKS to get it resolved. SIX WEEKS with no income! The TWC phone lines are DELIBERATELY understaffed - they don't want to pay benefits so they make it impossible to resolve problems. I ended up having to contact my state representative's office and magically got a call back from TWC the next day. Try that route if you get desperate.

Make sure when you call you're using the right phone number for PIN resets. It's different than the regular TWC number. I think it's 800-558-8321 specifically for PIN issues. Good luck!

Update! Called the number at 7am and was on hold for 30 minutes. It turns out someone stole my husband's identity and filed for benefits during Covid. They told him to send in some proof of identification and will proceed from there. Thank you all for your help.

This is exactly what happened to my brother! Once he sent in his ID documents, they cleared the fraudulent account within about 10 days and he was able to set up a legitimate account with a new PIN. Definitely follow the advice about filing identity theft reports too - my brother ended up finding other accounts opened in his name when he checked his credit reports.