TWC not backpaying from my layoff date - can't reach anyone for help
I'm seriously frustrated with TWC right now. I was laid off on February 15, 2025, but couldn't file my unemployment claim until March 30 because of some website glitches and personal issues (had to help my mom after surgery). When I finally got approved, my benefits only started from my filing date - not my actual layoff date! I'm missing like 6 weeks of payments that I desperately need for rent and bills. I've been trying to contact TWC about this backpay issue for 2 weeks straight. Called at least 30 times, always busy signal or disconnected. Sent 3 emails through the portal and ZERO response. I even tried messaging on their social media - nothing! Does anyone know why they wouldn't backdate my claim to my actual layoff date? And more importantly, how can I actually get through to a human at TWC to fix this? I'm about to lose my mind (and possibly my apartment).
22 comments


Aidan Percy
TWC generally doesn't automatically backdate claims - you have to specifically request it. When you filed, there should have been a question asking if you wanted to request an earlier claim date. If you missed that or the system glitched, you need to submit a backdating request through your portal or by speaking with an agent. Backdating isn't guaranteed though - you'll need to provide good cause for why you didn't file immediately after your layoff. Technical issues with the website could qualify, but you'll need to explain the full 6-week delay. They typically expect people to file within 1-2 weeks of losing employment.
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Axel Bourke
•I definitely don't remember seeing any option about backdating when I applied! The system was so glitchy that day, I had to restart the application twice. Is there a specific form for backdating requests in the portal? I've looked everywhere and can't find it.
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Fernanda Marquez
same thing happend to me last year!!! TWC is such a mess i swear they do this on purpose so they dont have to pay people what there owed. i waited 3 months trying to get someone on phone and kept getting disconnected. so annoying
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Axel Bourke
•3 MONTHS?? I can't wait that long... did you ever get it resolved? What finally worked?
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Norman Fraser
This is actually a common issue. TWC has a specific process for backdating claims, but it's not widely advertised. Here's what you need to do: 1. Submit a backdating request through the "Request a Call Back" feature in your TWC account (under Contact Us) 2. Specifically mention "Backdating Request" in the subject line 3. Provide documentation of your layoff date (termination letter, final paystub, etc.) 4. Explain in detail why you couldn't file earlier (be specific about the website issues) Unfortunately, TWC is extremely strict about backdating since COVID. They require "good cause" for not filing timely, and "I didn't know I could file" usually isn't accepted. Technical issues with their website is a valid reason they'll consider. You'll need to be persistent. The backdating request can take 3-4 weeks to process on its own.
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Axel Bourke
•Thank you so much for these specific steps! I do have my termination letter with the exact date. I tried the "Request a Call Back" feature last week but haven't heard anything back. Is there a specific department I should ask for when trying to call?
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Kendrick Webb
LOL good luck ever reaching TWC!!! I spent WEEKS trying when my benefits suddenly stopped last month. Their phone system is a JOKE and emails go into a black hole. I finally got my issue resolved by going IN PERSON to a Workforce Solutions office even though they claim they "can't help with TWC issues" - the staff there actually helped me navigate the system and get my issue escalated. Try that if there's an office near you.
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Axel Bourke
•That's a great idea, I didn't even think about going to a Workforce office! There's one about 20 minutes from me. Did you need an appointment or could you just walk in?
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Kendrick Webb
•I just walked in but had to wait like 2hrs. Bring ALL your paperwork and be super nice to the staff. Some offices r better than others. Good luck!!
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Hattie Carson
I had this exact issue in January and finally got it resolved. The key is getting through to a TWC claims specialist (not just any agent). Regular agents can't process backdating requests. After struggling for weeks with busy signals, I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me through to TWC in about 20 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Once I got through, the claims specialist submitted a backdating request right there on the call. I had to explain my reason for the late filing, and they approved backdating to my layoff date. The back payments showed up about 10 days later. Make sure you have your termination letter ready when you call.
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Axel Bourke
•I've never heard of Claimyr before - does it really work? At this point I'm desperate enough to try anything that might get me through to an actual person at TWC. 10 days for backpay to arrive sounds amazing compared to waiting months...
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Hattie Carson
•Yeah, it definitely worked for me. The regular TWC phone system is completely broken - I spent 3 days trying to get through before I found this service. Just make sure you're prepared with all your documentation and a clear explanation of why you couldn't file right away. The claims specialist will need to enter notes about your good cause reason.
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Destiny Bryant
why couldnt u file for so long? they mite think ur lying about wen u got laid off thats why they start from filing date. i mean january to november is a super long time to wait
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Axel Bourke
•No no, I think you misunderstood my dates. I was laid off in February 2025 and filed in March 2025 - so about 6 weeks difference, not months. I had website problems and some family issues that delayed my filing.
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Destiny Bryant
•oh ok sorry i got confused with the dates lol. 6 weeks is way diffrent then what i was thinking!
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Dyllan Nantx
In my experience helping others with TWC issues (I'm not an employee but have navigated the system many times), backdating is actually fairly straightforward IF you can reach the right person. The problem is getting through. One thing no one has mentioned - make sure you've been claiming payment requests for ALL weeks since you filed, even while trying to get this backdating issue resolved. If you miss payment requests, you could lose benefits entirely. Also, when you do reach someone, the magic phrase is "good cause for late filing" - use those exact words. Technical difficulties with the website is considered good cause, as is helping a family member with a medical situation. Document everything - dates/times of call attempts, screenshots of errors, etc. Lastly, check your determination letter carefully. Sometimes they approve backdating but only for part of the period requested.
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Axel Bourke
•Yes, I've definitely been doing my payment requests every two weeks like clockwork! Good tip about the "good cause for late filing" phrase - I'll use that exact wording. And I've been taking screenshots of the busy signals and error messages I get, so hopefully that will help my case.
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Norman Fraser
Just to give you a realistic timeline expectation - even after you reach someone and get a backdating request submitted, it usually takes 2-3 weeks for them to make a determination. Then if approved, another 5-7 business days for the payments to process. Make sure you keep documentation of your layoff date (termination letter, final pay stub) and any evidence of why you couldn't file sooner (screenshots of website errors, medical documentation if applicable). The good news is that if they approve backdating, they'll pay you for all eligible weeks between your layoff and filing dates, assuming you would have qualified during that period (were able and available for work, etc.
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Axel Bourke
•Thank you for setting realistic expectations. I was hoping it would be faster, but I guess 2-3 weeks isn't terrible considering how long I've already been trying. I do have my termination letter and final pay stub, plus screenshots of the website errors I encountered, so hopefully that's enough documentation.
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Isabella Santos
I went through this same nightmare last year! Here's what finally worked for me after 3 weeks of trying: 1. Call TWC at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - set multiple alarms. The lines fill up FAST but you have the best chance in that first 10-15 minutes. 2. When you do get through (and you will eventually), immediately ask to speak with a "claims specialist" for a backdating request. Don't let them transfer you to general customer service. 3. Have everything ready: your termination letter, screenshots of website errors, dates of when you tried to file, and a clear timeline of why you couldn't file sooner. 4. Be prepared to explain that you had "good cause for late filing" due to technical issues with their website AND family medical emergency (helping your mom after surgery is legitimate good cause). The website glitches alone should qualify you for backdating, especially if you have screenshots. I got approved for 4 weeks of backdating and received the payments about 2 weeks later. Don't give up - you ARE entitled to those benefits from your layoff date if you can prove good cause!
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Sasha Ivanov
•This is incredibly helpful advice, thank you! I've been calling randomly throughout the day but never thought to try right at 8 AM. I'll definitely set multiple alarms tomorrow morning and try that strategy. It makes total sense that the lines would fill up quickly after opening. I really appreciate you sharing what worked for you - it gives me hope that I can actually get this resolved!
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Aisha Mohammed
I'm dealing with a similar backdating issue right now! Filed 3 weeks after my layoff due to childcare problems and website crashes. One thing that's helped me is documenting EVERYTHING - I started keeping a log of every call attempt with timestamps, screenshot every error message, and even took photos of busy signal screens on my phone. Also, try calling the Tele-Center at different numbers - sometimes one line is less busy than others. The main number (800-939-6631) is always slammed, but I've had better luck with the employer line (800-832-9394) and asking them to transfer me to claims. Another tip - if you get disconnected (which happens constantly), call back immediately. Sometimes you'll get lucky and slip into a queue that just opened up. I know it's frustrating but persistence really does pay off with TWC. Keep pushing for that backdating - 6 weeks of missing benefits is no joke, especially when you're facing losing your apartment.
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