TWC identity verification request after months of benefits - normal or suspicious?

Yes thats actually totally normal!! TWC does random identity checks throughout the year even if you've been receiving benefits for months. My bf got one after 4 months last year. Just make sure the email actually came from the real TWC website (the correspondence inbox) and not just a random email that looks similar. The real verification will ask him to use ID.me which is the official verification service.

This is completely normal and happens to many claimants. TWC conducts periodic identity verification checks throughout a benefit claim period as part of their fraud prevention measures. While it may seem odd after receiving benefits for months, it's actually one of their standard procedures. Make sure your husband completes the ID.me verification as soon as possible. Once verified, benefits typically resume within 3-5 business days. The verification process involves uploading identity documents and possibly doing a video call verification if the automated system can't verify his identity. If he encounters any difficulties with the ID.me process, he should contact TWC directly to explain the situation.

For the ID.me verification, he'll definitely need: 1. A valid government-issued photo ID (Texas driver's license works perfectly) 2. Social Security number 3. A smartphone or computer with a camera for the possible video call verification Additional documents that could be helpful to have ready just in case: - Passport (if he has one) - Birth certificate - A recent utility bill showing his name and address The basic verification often just needs the driver's license and SSN, but having the others ready saves time if they ask for secondary verification.

I went through this EXACT thing in January after receiving benefits since November. It's definitely legit but incredibly frustrating timing. TWC has been ramping up fraud prevention since they lost millions to scammers during the pandemic. One important tip: if your husband gets stuck in the ID.me verification process (which happens A LOT), don't waste time with the TWC contact center phone system. It's completely overwhelmed - I spent 3 days trying to get through. I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC agent in about 25 minutes instead of days of redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P88?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Saved me a ton of stress when my verification got stuck in pending status.

Did your husband claim any out-of-state wages or did you guys move recently? My boyfriend had this happen and it turned out it was because he had worked in Oklahoma for part of his base period, so they did an extra identity check after a couple months. Also sometimes they do this if there's a claim from someone with a similar name or SSN in their system.

the same tihng happened to me last year and yep its normal BUT make sure he gets it done ASAP! they give u like 5 days to complete it or they can shut ur whole claim down and u have to appeal to get it reopened which is a NIGHTMARE trust me lol

id.me was pretty easy for me but some ppl get stuck in the video verification part. if hes got a clear photo ID and good lighting it should go quick. took me like 15min total

They did this to me too!!! I swear TWC just likes to make our lives difficult lol. My verification was triggered because someone with my same name filed in FLORIDA the same time I was on TX unemployment. Took almost 2 weeks to sort out and I missed a payment. So annoying!!

When my sister had to verify through ID.me, she found out there's actually two parts to the process - first is the ID.me verification itself, then there's sometimes a delay before TWC processes that verification on their end. Just a heads up that even after he successfully completes ID.me, it might take TWC a few days to update his account status.

It updated automatically after about 3 days, but I've heard others say they had to call. Probably depends on how backlogged the system is. If it's been more than 4-5 business days after completing ID.me with no change to his account status, then definitely call.

Just wanted to add one important thing: while waiting for the ID verification to process, your husband should STILL submit his payment requests on his regular scheduled days, even though payments will be held. This way, once the verification is complete, TWC can release those held payments without further delay. If he misses his payment request schedule, it creates additional complications.