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Sofia Torres

TWC online application showing Error EM22 - can't get past this screen

I've been trying to file my initial unemployment claim online for the past 2 days and keep hitting a brick wall. Every time I get to the employment history section, I get error code EM22 with a message saying 'To best serve you, please call.' Has anyone run into this error? I've tried calling the main TWC number at least 15 times today but just get busy signals or it hangs up after the automated message. I've tried using different browsers, clearing my cache, and even using my phone instead of my laptop. Nothing works! Is this happening to everyone or is there something wrong with my specific info? I really don't want to start my application all over again.

OMG I HAD THE EXACT SAME ISSUE LAST WEEK!! The EM22 error is a nightmare. I think it happens when something in your work history needs manual review - in my case it was because I had worked for the state government before. I wasted 3 DAYS trying to call them until I was ready to pull my hair out!!! The regular TWC number is USELESS.

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Ugh, that's frustrating. My last job was at a hospital so maybe that's triggering something? Did you ever get through to them? I'm worried my benefits will be delayed.

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The EM22 error typically means there's something in your work history or application that TWC's system can't process automatically. Common triggers include: 1. You worked for a government entity 2. You worked out of state within the last 18 months 3. You had wages under a different name or SSN 4. Your employer reported your wages incorrectly Unfortunately, yes - you do need to speak with a live agent to resolve this. They need to manually review and override something in your application.

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This is correct. I work with the TWC system often and EM22 is what we call an "escalation error" - it requires manual review. It doesn't mean your claim will be denied, just that a human needs to look at it.

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I hit this error back in January when I applied. For me it was because I had worked for a school district part-time while also having a regular job. The TWC online system struggles with certain employment scenarios and kicks you to phone support. One tip: try calling exactly at 7:01am when they open. I got through on my third attempt doing this. Otherwise the lines are jammed all day. Also make sure you have all your employment info ready because once you get through, they'll need to take all that information over the phone.

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Thanks for the tip about calling right at opening. I'll try that tomorrow morning. Did it take a long time to complete the application once you got someone on the phone?

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has anyone tried the tele-serv number instead of the main twc line? i think its different and sometimes less busy

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The Tele-Serv number (800-558-8321) is only for checking claim status and requesting payments once you already have an established claim. It won't help with application errors like EM22 that require a claims examiner to resolve. You need to reach the main TWC claim center at 800-939-6631 for this specific issue.

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I ran into the same issue and spent nearly a week trying to get through on the phone. Eventually I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com) which got me connected to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Basically they keep dialing for you and connect you when they get through. Saved me days of frustration with the EM22 error. The agent told me my error was because I had worked for two employers simultaneously and the system needed manual verification.

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This sounds really helpful, I'll check out that video. At this point I'll try anything to get this application finished. Did the TWC agent completely finish your application over the phone?

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Yes! The agent took all my employment history over the phone and submitted it directly. She told me that some application scenarios just can't be processed online. I got my confirmation number before hanging up and could check my claim status the next day on the TWC website.

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its bsically impossible to get thru on the regular number i tried 4 TWO WEEKS last month!!! good luck lol

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THIS!!! The system is totally broken. I literally set up auto-redial and still couldn't get through most days.

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Just to add some clarity - the EM22 error is actually a protective feature in the TWC system, not a bug. It flags applications that need human review to ensure you get the correct benefit amount and proper processing. While frustrating, it's better than having the system potentially miscalculate your benefits or wrongly deny your claim. For the quickest resolution, have these ready when you do reach an agent: 1. Complete work history for the last 18 months (employer names, addresses, phone numbers) 2. Start/end dates for all employment 3. Reason for separation from each employer 4. Any severance or vacation payout information This will help the agent process your application efficiently once you connect.

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Thank you for this detailed explanation. It makes sense that certain situations need human review. I'll gather all that information before I call tomorrow.

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Just checking back - were you able to get through to TWC? If not, you might also try contacting your state representative's office. They sometimes have dedicated caseworkers who can help constituents with TWC issues. It's not an immediate fix, but it's another option if you're still stuck.

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Update: I tried the early morning call approach but still couldn't get through. I ended up using that Claimyr service that someone mentioned above and got connected to TWC in about 30 minutes! The agent said the EM22 error was happening because I had a 3-week gap between jobs that the system couldn't process correctly. She finished my application over the phone and I got my confirmation number. Thanks everyone for the help!

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Glad to hear you got it resolved! The EM22 error is definitely one of the more frustrating ones to deal with. For anyone else running into this issue, I'd also recommend trying the TWC chat feature on their website during off-peak hours (usually mid-morning or early afternoon). Sometimes you can get connected to an agent through chat faster than phone, and they can often help with application errors like this. The chat agents have access to the same systems as the phone reps and can complete your application if needed.

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I'm dealing with a similar EM22 error right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm curious - for those who successfully got through to TWC, how long did the actual phone call take once connected? I want to make sure I block out enough time and have all my documents ready. Also, did anyone have issues with the system timing out or disconnecting during the call? I'm worried about getting cut off halfway through providing all my employment information.

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Great question! When I finally got through using Claimyr, my call took about 25-30 minutes total. The agent was really thorough and patient. She walked me through each employer one by one, asking for dates, addresses, and separation reasons. I didn't have any disconnection issues, but I made sure to have a strong phone signal and stayed in one spot during the call. Definitely have all your employer info written down beforehand - it makes the process much smoother and faster!

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I went through the exact same EM22 nightmare about 2 months ago! In my case, it was because I had worked for both a private company and did some freelance work for a nonprofit during the same period. The TWC system just couldn't automatically verify the nonprofit employment. After reading through all these responses, I wish I had known about Claimyr earlier - would have saved me literally days of frustration trying to get through on the phone. I eventually got connected after calling at 7:02 AM on a Wednesday and waiting on hold for about 90 minutes. The whole call with the agent took around 40 minutes once connected. One thing I'd add that I haven't seen mentioned - if you have any pay stubs or W-2s from the employers that might be causing the EM22 error, have digital copies ready on your phone or computer. The agent asked me to verify specific dollar amounts and dates, and having that info immediately available made the process much smoother. Also, they asked for the exact spelling of my employers' legal business names (not just what they go by), so check your pay stubs for the official company names. The good news is once they manually process your application, everything works normally for your weekly certifications. Hang in there - it's frustrating but definitely solvable!

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