TWC approved my benefits but zero dollars paid and can't get payment method fixed - HELP!

omg this EXACT thing happened to me in January!!! the system is completely broken and nobody cares. i waited 6 WEEKS before i finally got through to someone. turns out there was a 'payment hold' on my account that nobody bothered to tell me about and they needed additional verification documents. check your correspondence inbox for any letters requesting additional info - sometimes they don't even email you when they add something new.

This is a common issue with the ReliaCard system right now. When it says you've been paid but shows $0, it usually means one of three things: 1. Your ReliaCard is actually in transit but USPS is delayed (taking 3-4 weeks lately) 2. There's an identity verification flag on your account that needs clearing 3. Your payment method selection didn't properly process The fastest solution is reaching an actual TWC rep. Try calling at exactly 7:00am when the lines open - that's when I finally got through. Also make sure you're calling the correct benefit payment line (800-558-8321) not the general helpline. Select option 2 for payment status, then 4 to speak to a representative.

has anyone else noticed they NEVER answer on fridays? like ever? i swear they all go home early on fridays lolol

I was in the exact same situation last month. After two weeks of constant calling, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and they got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes. You can see a video of how it works here: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh The agent explained that there was a system glitch showing my payment as processed when actually my ReliaCard hadn't been issued yet. They had to manually trigger the card issuance and fixed my account to show the true status. My card arrived 8 days later with all my benefits loaded.

Let me clear up some confusion about the $0 payment issue, as I work with unemployment claimants regularly: When your portal shows a payment was issued but the amount is $0, this is almost always related to one of these issues: 1. You're approved for benefits but there's a payment method problem (most likely) 2. Your identity verification hasn't fully cleared in the system 3. There's a pending issue that wasn't properly coded in the system This isn't the same as a payment hold, which would show differently in your portal. For the ReliaCard specifically, TWC contracts with U.S. Bank, and sometimes there are synchronization issues between their systems. The card may be in process but not showing properly in your account. The most effective solution is speaking directly with the Payment Services department, not the general TWC line. Call 800-558-8321 and use option 2, then 4 to request a representative. Tuesday through Thursday between 10am-11:30am tends to have the shortest wait times based on what my clients report.

Yes, you can contact U.S. Bank ReliaCard customer service directly at 800-657-6343. However, they can only help if your card has already been issued in their system. If the card issuance hasn't been properly processed from the TWC side, U.S. Bank won't have any record of you yet. Another option: TWC has a dedicated email for payment method issues: TWC.BPC_Debit_Card@twc.texas.gov Include your full name, last 4 of SSN, and claim ID in the email along with a description of the issue. They typically respond within 3-5 business days, which is often faster than reaching someone by phone.

This payment system is COMPLETE GARBAGE! I got approved in February and didn't see a DIME until April!!! Nobody at TWC cares AT ALL about us. They lost my ReliaCard request TWICE and then blamed ME for not "following up sooner" when I called EVERY SINGLE DAY!!! This state hates unemployed people and makes everything as difficult as possible on purpose to discourage people from collecting what they're owed. And don't even get me started on the work search requirements...

Quick update on payment method issues - TWC just introduced a new feature in the portal that allows you to check your ReliaCard status directly. Look for "Payment Method Details" under the Claim and Payment Status section. If it shows "ReliaCard processing" that means the card request has been sent to U.S. Bank but hasn't been mailed yet. Also, make sure your mailing address is 100% correct in the system. Even small differences like "Street" vs "St" can cause delivery problems. If you need to update your address, you'll need to speak with a TWC representative before the card is mailed, as U.S. Bank won't have your information to verify identity for address changes until the card is active.

whatever you do DON'T request a new card if you havent gotten the first one yet!!! it cancels the first one and then you have to start the waiting process all over again ask me how i know 😭

3 weeks for the first card (that never came), then another 3 weeks for the replacement! nearly 7 weeks total with no money. i was about to be evicted when it finally showed up

UPDATE: I tried the payment services number that was suggested (800-558-8321) and after 17 calls I finally got through! The agent confirmed there was a system glitch where my payment method wasn't properly recorded even though I had selected ReliaCard. They had to manually trigger the card issuance and said I should receive it within 7-10 business days. They also said my benefits will all be loaded once the card arrives. For anyone else facing this issue, definitely use the specific payment services number rather than the general TWC line. Also, calling at 10:15am on a Wednesday worked for me after multiple failed attempts at 7am. Thank you all for your help and suggestions!

Glad it worked out! If anyone else is struggling to get through on the phone, seriously consider using Claimyr. After weeks of frustration, it was worth it to finally get connected to a human at TWC who could actually help me.