TWC application confusion: How to reapply after returning to work then getting laid off again?

You don't actually need to file a new claim! This is a common situation. Since your benefit year (12 months from your January application) hasn't expired yet, you can just start requesting payments again on your existing claim. TWC calls this "reopening" your claim. Log into your TWC account, go to the payment request section, and choose the option to reopen your claim. You'll need to provide information about your most recent employment, including the reason for separation. As long as this new layoff qualifies you for benefits, you should be able to start receiving payments again. The system will automatically calculate any remaining benefits from your original claim.

The same thing happened to me last year! It's so confusing. I was told I had to call them because I missed more than 3 payment requests in a row. The website won't let you restart it yourself after that much time has passed.

u need 2 call them ASAP cuz ur old claim is probably still active but on hold. the website wont work 4 this. and b prepared for them 2 ask why u didnt report ur job in march, just tell them u didnt know.

I was in this exact situation and spent days trying to reach TWC with no luck. Then I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC agent in less than 30 minutes! They basically keep calling on your behalf until they get through, then connect you. Saved me from spending hours redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. After I finally got through, the agent was able to reactivate my claim and I just had to answer questions about my recent employment.

It's definitely legit. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for days. They don't do anything magical - they just have an automated system that keeps calling TWC until it gets through, then connects you. Saved me hours of frustration.

To clarify some confusion in this thread: When you stop requesting payments for more than 3 weeks, your claim becomes inactive. Since you're still in the same benefit year (which runs for 52 weeks from your initial claim date), you don't file a new application - you reactivate your existing claim. Here's what you need to do: 1. Call TWC at 800-939-6631 2. Select the option to speak with a representative about your claim 3. Tell them you need to reactivate your claim after returning to work and being laid off again 4. They'll ask for details about your most recent employment 5. Be honest about not reporting your March employment - this happens often Regarding your benefits: You'll receive whatever balance remained from your original claim. If you exhausted those benefits or your new employment would qualify you for a higher benefit amount, ask the representative if you might qualify for a new claim based on more recent wages.

You won't be penalized for not reporting your employment as long as you didn't request any benefit payments after you started working. Since you mentioned you stopped requesting payments when you found work, you should be fine. TWC only considers it fraud if you claimed benefits while working and not reporting those wages. Just be completely honest with the representative about your work history and dates when you speak with them.

The TWC system is TERRIBLE about explaining this process!!! I went through this exact nightmare scenario last year and wasted TWO WEEKS trying to figure it out. When I finally got through to someone, they acted like I should have magically known all their stupid procedures. The online system should clearly explain what to do if you get a job and then lose it again! I swear they intentionally make it confusing so people give up and don't collect benefits they're entitled to!!

UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC this morning! For anyone who might have the same problem in the future: I called exactly at 8:00 AM and only had to wait about 20 minutes. The rep explained that since I stopped claiming when I got the job in March, everything was fine. My original claim from January was still valid, and I just needed to reactivate it. They asked about my most recent employment history and why I was laid off. The rep filed a new "additional claim" (that's what they call it) on my original claim. She said I should be able to request payment next week and will receive whatever balance I had left from my original claim. Thanks everyone for your help!