TWC flagged COVID overpayment after I skipped ID verification - filed appeal - will they reverse it?

OMG i had almost the EXACT same issue!! They tried to say I owed $4,600 from benefits in 2022 because I 'failed to verify identity' when they randomly asked for it like 6 months after I was already back working. I appealed and they completely reversed it after I did the ID.me verification during the appeal process. Just make sure you complete the verification now even though it's late! The appeal people were actually super understanding about it.

wait did you try calling them yet? sometimes you can just fix stuff like this with a phone call instead of waiting for appeal.

I work as an employment advisor and see these cases frequently. The appeal process is designed to handle exactly these types of situations. You'll need to provide: 1. Proof you were legitimately eligible during your claim period (separation documents) 2. Complete the ID.me verification now (even though it's late) 3. Documentation showing you returned to work when you said you did Most importantly, in your appeal hearing, explain that you didn't intentionally ignore the verification request - you simply had moved on from unemployment and weren't checking for TWC correspondence. In my experience, about 75% of these cases get reversed when the claimant can show they were legitimately eligible and the only issue was missing the identity verification.

Have you tried calling TWC? It took me 3 days of calling but I finally got through and they helped me fix a similar issue without having to go through the whole appeal process. The wait is miserable though.

This is a relatively common issue that I've seen numerous times. The good news is that the appeal board does understand that people stop checking correspondence once they return to work. Here's what typically happens: 1. At the hearing, explain you were legitimately eligible (which it sounds like you were) 2. Clarify you didn't receive/notice the ID verification request because you had returned to work 3. Show proof that you've now completed the ID.me verification In most cases I've seen, they reverse the overpayment determination entirely. TWC is primarily concerned with fraud prevention - once they verify you were a legitimate claimant who simply missed a procedural step, they typically rule in your favor. The hearing notice will explain exactly what documentation to bring.

Update: I managed to get through to TWC this morning! The representative was actually really helpful and said this happens all the time. She noted on my account that I've completed the ID.me verification now and said while she can't guarantee anything, most of these cases get resolved in the claimant's favor as long as they were legitimately eligible for benefits (which I was). She said to still attend my appeal hearing with all my documentation. Feeling much less panicked now!

I had a similar situation but with a different outcome. They initially wanted me to repay $7,300 from 2022 because of a missed verification, but after my appeal hearing, they reduced it to just $850 for one week they determined I was actually ineligible for. So even if they don't reverse the entire thing, they might significantly reduce it. Make sure to be super organized with your documentation at the hearing - I think that's what saved me from having to repay the full amount.

so when is ur hearing? they schedule mine for like 2 months out it was so annoying

One more tip: in the hearing, focus on these key points: 1. You met all eligibility requirements during your claim period 2. You stopped claiming benefits properly when you returned to work 3. You never received/noticed the ID verification request because you had already moved on 4. You've now completed the verification to demonstrate you are who you claimed to be Avoid mentioning that you saw but ignored the verification request, as that could complicate your case. Instead, frame it as you weren't monitoring your TWC correspondence after returning to work. The appeal board understands that people naturally stop checking for unemployment-related notices once they're employed again.

Make sure you attend the hearing!!! My friend missed his hearing because he got the date mixed up and they automatically ruled against him. Even if you think everything is fine after talking to the rep, still show up to the hearing.