< Back to Texas Unemployment

TWC application timeout + can't reach human agent after layoff due to medical issue

Hi everyone, I'm in a frustrating situation with my unemployment claim. I was recently laid off because I need cataract surgery (which I can't afford without insurance now - great timing, right?). I filed for TWC benefits about 6 weeks ago, but the system is telling me my application might have timed out or expired because it's been sitting too long. Every time I call TWC, I get stuck in endless menu loops or get disconnected. I've tried mornings, afternoons, even right when they open - NOTHING works! Has anyone successfully reached a human being there recently? Also, does anyone know if I need to completely redo my application or if there's a way to just update/reactivate my existing one? I'm running out of savings and getting pretty desperate.

Rudy Cenizo

•

same thing hapend to me last month!! the twc phone system is literally the WORST. i spent 3 days trying to get through before i finally talked to someone. if ur app expired u gotta start over from scratch which is SO dumb

0 coins

Harmony Love

•

3 days?! That's insane. Did you just keep calling over and over? I'm worried about starting from scratch because my situation is complicated with the medical issue being the reason for layoff.

0 coins

Natalie Khan

•

If your application has been in the system for 6+ weeks without activity, it's likely expired and you'll need to submit a new one. The TWC system automatically times out applications after 30 days of inactivity. For your medical situation, make sure you specifically indicate in your new application that your separation was due to medical reasons beyond your control. This affects how your claim is processed. As for reaching someone, the phone system is overwhelmed most days. The best strategy is to call exactly at 7:00 AM when the lines open, but even then it's difficult. Have you tried sending a message through your TWC portal? Sometimes they respond within 3-5 business days.

0 coins

Daryl Bright

•

This is really good advice about calling at 7AM sharp, but even that doesn't always work. I've set alarms to call right when they open and STILL got the busy signal for days straight. The message system is hit or miss - took them 2 weeks to get back to me last time.

0 coins

Sienna Gomez

•

The trick i found to get someone is use Claimyr.com - it seriously saved me so much time when I was in a similar situation with TWC. It holds your place in line and calls you when an agent is available. I was skeptical at first but the video demo convinced me: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Regarding your application, yes unfortunately if it's been 6 weeks with no activity you'll need to file a new claim completely. Make sure you have all your employment info ready because starting over is a pain. When I had to restart mine, it took about 25 minutes to fill everything out again.

0 coins

Harmony Love

•

I've never heard of Claimyr before - does it actually work? I'm willing to try anything at this point. And thanks for confirming about the application. I was afraid I might need to start from scratch. 😞

0 coins

To address your specific situation: because your separation was due to a medical issue (cataract surgery), you'll want to be very precise when refiling your claim. Here's what to do: 1. File a completely new application - unfortunately after 6 weeks, your original application has definitely expired 2. When asked about the reason for separation, select "laid off" but in the explanation section, clearly state it was due to a necessary medical procedure (your cataract surgery) 3. Be prepared with documentation from your doctor about the necessity of the surgery in case TWC requests it during their review 4. When you submit the new claim, a TWC examiner will likely contact both you and your former employer to verify the circumstances Regarding your work search requirements, you'll still need to complete the minimum 3 work search activities each week while your claim is processing, even if you're temporarily unable to work due to recovery from surgery.

0 coins

Harmony Love

•

Thank you SO much for this detailed explanation! I didn't realize I needed to keep up with work search requirements even during surgery recovery. Do I need a specific note from my doctor saying I'm unable to work during recovery, or is the surgical documentation enough?

0 coins

Abigail bergen

•

The whole TWC system is DESIGNED to be impossible to navigate! They don't want to pay benefits so they make it impossible to talk to anyone or get help. I was laid off 3 months ago and had a similar issue with my original application timing out. When I finally got through after WEEKS of calling, the agent told me they couldn't help with the original application and I had to start over. Then they had the nerve to tell me I wouldn't get benefits for those weeks I spent trying to contact them!!! It's a complete scam designed to frustrate people into giving up!!!

0 coins

Rudy Cenizo

•

EXACTLY!!! its like they WANT us to just give up!!! my friend had to apply 3 TIMES because they kept "losing" her application!!

0 coins

Ahooker-Equator

•

I just went through this last month with my mom. She had her claim timeout after medical issues too. We ended up having to completely refile. Quick tip: if you can't get through by phone, try the TWC Tele-Serv at 800-558-8321. Sometimes it's easier to get help there than the main unemployment line. Good luck with your cataract surgery too - my aunt had that done last year and her recovery went pretty well.

0 coins

Harmony Love

•

I appreciate the Tele-Serv number! I'll give that a try tomorrow morning. And thanks for the well-wishes about the surgery - I'm nervous about the procedure but more nervous about paying bills during recovery.

0 coins

To answer your follow-up question: Yes, it's highly recommended to get a specific note from your doctor that clearly states: 1. The dates you'll be unable to work due to surgery and recovery 2. Any work restrictions during your recovery period 3. The expected date when you'll be medically cleared to return to full employment This documentation may be essential if TWC questions your availability for work, which is a requirement for receiving benefits. Without this, you might face a temporary disqualification during your recovery period. If your doctor indicates you can work with certain restrictions (like no heavy lifting or limited hours), make sure to document that you're searching for jobs that accommodate these restrictions.

0 coins

Harmony Love

•

This is really helpful - I'm calling my doctor tomorrow to get this documentation. I think he said recovery would be about 2 weeks where I shouldn't do certain activities, but I could probably do desk work after the first few days. Should I specifically mention this in my application?

0 coins

Sienna Gomez

•

Yes, Claimyr definitely works! I was skeptical too but after wasting 2 weeks trying to reach someone at TWC, I tried it and got through to an agent the same day. It basically holds your spot in the phone queue and calls you when an agent is about to answer. For your medical situation, getting a real person on the phone is going to be crucial since the online system doesn't handle complicated cases well.

0 coins

i tried calling for 3 weeks with no luck then used claimyr and talked to someone within 2 hours... worth every penny honestly

0 coins

Natalie Khan

•

Yes, absolutely mention in your application that you can do desk work after the initial recovery period. This demonstrates that you're available for suitable work, which is a key requirement for UI benefits. When you refile, be very explicit about: 1. The exact reason for separation (laid off due to upcoming medical procedure) 2. Your work capabilities during recovery 3. The temporary nature of your medical restriction Regarding your work search: focus on applying for jobs that you could physically perform during recovery. Document these clearly on your payment request forms. This approach shows TWC you're making good faith efforts to find suitable employment despite temporary medical limitations.

0 coins

Harmony Love

•

Thank you! I just checked and I have access to my TWC account still, so I'll start the new application tonight. One last question - will they backdate benefits to when I first lost my job, or only from when I submit this new application?

0 coins

Unfortunately, TWC generally won't backdate benefits to your original filing date if your application expired due to inactivity. Benefits will typically start from the week you submit your new application. However, if you can prove that system errors or inability to reach TWC prevented you from completing your original application, you can request backdate consideration. To do this, immediately after filing your new claim: 1. Send a detailed message through your TWC portal explaining the circumstances 2. Document all your previous attempts to contact TWC (dates, times) 3. Request that they consider backdating to your original filing date While this isn't guaranteed to work, some claimants have successfully had their claims backdated when they could demonstrate the delay wasn't their fault. Make sure to continue submitting payment requests for current weeks while this is being resolved.

0 coins

Harmony Love

•

Got it - I'll document everything and request backdating. Thank you all so much for the help! I'm feeling much more prepared to tackle this now.

0 coins

TaxRefund AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
7,141 users helped today