TWC approved claim but can't request payment - stuck on 'call to request' message for weeks

I had the exact same issue last month. The 'must call to request payment' message usually appears when there's an eligibility question they need to clear up before releasing funds. In my case, they needed to verify why I left my previous job.\n\nA few things that might help:\n\n1. Try calling the Tele-Serv automated line (800-558-8321) instead of the main TWC number. Sometimes you can request payment through the automated system even when the website says you can't.\n\n2. Check his TWC correspondence inbox online - there might be a letter explaining why he needs to call in (missing work search activities, employment verification, etc.)\n\n3. If he has a WorkInTexas.com account, make sure that's completely set up with an updated resume. Sometimes that can trigger the payment hold.\n\nUnfortunately, getting through to TWC is genuinely difficult right now. The \

Thank you for the detailed response! We checked his correspondence inbox and there's nothing unusual - just the determination letter. His WorkInTexas account is all set up properly too.\n\nWe'll try the Tele-Serv number tomorrow morning. Is there a specific time that worked best for you to get through?

same thing happened to me!!! took foreverrrrr to get thru. i ended up calling at like 6:58am right before they opened and somehow got in the queue. still waited like 45 min but at least i got thru

We've tried calling right at 7am three times now with no luck. Did you call the main TWC number or a different one? I wonder if some days are less busy than others?

THE TWC PHONE SYSTEM IS BROKEN BY DESIGN!!!! They deliberately make it impossible to get through so people give up and don't collect benefits. I had the same

While it's definitely frustrating, the system isn't deliberately designed to block people. The \

Sorry but I've worked in call centers before. If they wanted to fix the phone system they would've done it YEARS ago. They know exactly how many calls they get and choose not to staff properly. It's all about making it so difficult that people give up.

After struggling with the same issue for weeks, I finally got through using Claimyr. It's a service that basically holds your place in line and calls you when a TWC agent is available. Saved me days of constant redialing. You can see how it works at claimyr.com or check their demo video at https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh\n\nMy issue was that I needed to verify my identity again because of some discrepancy between my application and my employer's records. Once I got through, the agent fixed it in about 5 minutes and I was able to request payment immediately after. The hold probably would have stayed forever if I hadn't gotten through to an actual person.

is that legit? seems weird to use a 3rd party just to call unemployment

Yeah, I was skeptical too but it worked perfectly. They don't access your TWC account or anything - they just connect you with a TWC agent. Then you handle everything yourself once connected.

The Tele-Serv number didn't work for me when I had this issue - it just directed me back to calling the main number. Have you tried contacting your state representative's office? That's what finally worked for me after 3 weeks of constant calling. \n\nI reached out to my state rep's office, explained the situation, and they have a direct contact at TWC who was able to escalate my case. Had my payment issue resolved 2 days later.\n\nGoogle \

That's a great suggestion! I hadn't thought about contacting our state rep. I'll look them up right now. Did you email or call their office? And what information did they need from you to help with the TWC issue?

I called first and they had me fill out a consent form allowing them to inquire about my case. Then I emailed them the form along with my TWC account number, the last 4 of my SSN, and a brief explanation of the issue. They need the consent form because of privacy laws. Their office said TWC issues are like half their constituent requests these days!

my cousin works for twc (not an agent tho) and she says they flag accounts for calling in when something doesnt match up right. could be his id info or something with his previous employer. they wont tell you whats wrong on the website so you HAVE to talk to someone. its stupid

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - make sure your husband continues to do his work search activities every week (minimum 3 per week) and keeps detailed records, even while he's trying to resolve this payment request issue. If he goes too long without reporting work search activities, it could create another problem with his claim.\n\nAlso, once he does get through to TWC, make sure to ask the agent why his account was flagged for calling in to request payment. Getting that flag removed should be part of the resolution so he doesn't have to call for every payment request going forward.

Thank you for this reminder! He's been keeping detailed records of his work search activities (actually doing more than the required 3 per week). We'll definitely ask about getting that call-in flag removed once we get through to someone.

UPDATE: We finally got this resolved! For anyone with the same issue in the future, here's what worked:\n\n1. We used the Claimyr service mentioned above - got connected to a TWC agent in about 2 hours instead of endless busy signals\n\n2. Turns out the system flagged his account because his former employer disputed the reason for separation (they claimed he quit, but he was actually laid off)\n\n3. The TWC agent was able to verify the information in their system since they already had the determination letter showing he was eligible\n\n4. They removed the call-in flag and he was able to request payment for the past 3 weeks immediately\n\nThe agent said this is happening a lot right now because their automated system flags accounts for manual review even after they've been approved. Such a frustrating process but at least it's resolved now. Thanks everyone for your help!

Glad Claimyr worked for you too! It really is a game-changer when you're stuck in that TWC phone loop. And thanks for posting the full resolution - that info about employer disputes is really helpful to know.

Great news! It's always helpful to hear what the actual issue was. This could help others who are experiencing the same problem.