TWC appeal in progress but can't request payments - will I lose benefits?
I got denied for my unemployment claim about 3 weeks ago and now the payment request option completely disappeared from my TWC account. I've already filed an appeal and had my hearing last week, but I'm still waiting on the decision. The problem is I haven't been requesting any payments since the denial because the option isn't there anymore. If I win my appeal, will I need to reopen my entire claim? Am I supposed to somehow keep requesting payments during this appeal process even though I can't see the option? Really worried I might lose all those weeks of benefits if I win the appeal but haven't been submitting payment requests.
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Luca Greco
YES! You absolutely need to keep requesting payments during your appeal! This is one of the biggest mistakes people make. Even though you can't see the option online, you need to call the Tele-Serv system at 800-558-8321 and request payment that way. Otherwise, if you win your appeal, you won't get paid for any weeks you didn't request payment for - regardless of the outcome of your appeal. TWC requires payment requests even during appeals to maintain eligibility.
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Zara Malik
•OMG thank you!! Nobody told me this! Not even during my appeal hearing! Do you know if there's a time limit to request those missed payments? It's been almost a month since my last request.
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Nia Thompson
same thing happened 2 me... had to reopen my claim even after winning appeal. so frustrating!!
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Zara Malik
•That's exactly what I'm worried about! Did you lose any weeks of benefits because of this?
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Mateo Rodriguez
I went through this exact situation last year. Here's what you need to know: 1. You MUST continue requesting payments every two weeks even during appeal 2. If you can't see the option online, use Tele-Serv (800-558-8321) 3. You have 14 days from your regular payment request date to submit each request 4. If it's been more than 14 days since your missed requests, call TWC directly to explain the situation 5. Document everything - when you called, who you spoke with If your appeal is successful, they'll only pay for weeks properly requested. The system is frustrating, but don't give up!
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Zara Malik
•Thank you for the detailed info! I definitely missed the 14-day window then. Will call TWC tomorrow to explain, though I've been trying for days and can't get through. Do you know if there's any special number for appeal-related issues?
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Aisha Hussain
I had this EXACT PROBLEM and spent 3 WEEKS trying to get through to TWC!!! Keep calling the main number and using Tele-Serv but ALSO send a message through your TWC portal under "Contact Us" explaining your situation. They might make an exception for the missed payment requests if you document that you were never informed about needing to continue requests during appeal. The system is BROKEN and nobody tells us these things!!!!
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Luca Greco
•Good advice about documenting everything. If you send messages through the portal, take screenshots as proof you attempted to resolve this. When you do connect with a TWC agent, reference those messages by date and time.
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GalacticGladiator
wait do we have to do work search activities during appeal too??
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Mateo Rodriguez
•Yes! You must continue all work search requirements (minimum 3 per week in Texas) during your appeal. Document everything carefully as you might need to prove those activities later.
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Ethan Brown
When I was in appeal last month, I had been trying for days to reach someone at TWC to ask about this exact issue. I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a TWC agent in about 10 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The agent confirmed I needed to keep requesting payments via phone during appeal and actually helped me submit my missed requests! Might be worth trying since this is time-sensitive with that 14-day window.
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Zara Malik
•Thank you for this! I've never heard of this service before but after wasting hours trying to get through I'm definitely checking it out. Did they actually let you submit missed payment requests retroactively?
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Yuki Yamamoto
i think you should be fine. my cousin won his appeal and got all his money even though he didnt request payment for like 6 weeks. they just did it automatically when he won.
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Luca Greco
•This is unfortunately incorrect information. TWC's official policy requires continued payment requests during appeals. Your cousin may have had a different situation or a very understanding agent who made an exception, but the official rule is that missed payment requests can lead to loss of benefits for those weeks, even if you win your appeal.
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Mateo Rodriguez
Update to my earlier comment: I just checked TWC's official documentation. If you missed payment requests because the system didn't allow you to request them (as opposed to simply forgetting), you can file for what's called "backdated payment requests" after winning your appeal. You'll need to explain that the system didn't provide the option. Don't wait though - call them now to document your situation and get proper guidance for your specific case.
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Zara Malik
•This is such a relief! Thank you for looking into this further. I'll definitely call them tomorrow and will try that Claimyr service if I can't get through the regular way. I'll make sure to mention "backdated payment requests" specifically when I talk to them.
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Maggie Martinez
I'm going through something similar right now - filed my appeal two weeks ago and just realized I haven't been requesting payments because the option disappeared from my account too! This thread is a lifesaver. I had no idea we were supposed to keep requesting during appeals. Called Tele-Serv this morning after reading these comments and was able to submit my request for this week. For anyone else in this situation, the Tele-Serv number (800-558-8321) does work even when your online account doesn't show the payment request option. Just have your SSN and PIN ready. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - this could have cost me weeks of benefits!
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Myles Regis
•So glad this thread helped you too! It's crazy that TWC doesn't make this requirement clearer - so many people are losing out on benefits just because they weren't told to keep requesting payments during appeals. Did you have any trouble getting through on Tele-Serv? I'm planning to call tomorrow morning and hoping it's not too busy. Also wondering if you had to provide any special information since you're in appeal status, or if it was just the normal payment request process?
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