< Back to Texas Unemployment

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.

0 coins

Sofia Torres

•

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.

0 coins

Ava Martinez

•

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.

0 coins

Miguel Ramos

•

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.

0 coins

QuantumQuasar

•

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.

0 coins

Sofia Torres

•

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?

0 coins

Zainab Omar

•

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

0 coins

Ava Martinez

•

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.

0 coins

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.

0 coins

Sofia Torres

•

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?

0 coins

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.

0 coins

Yara Sayegh

•

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

0 coins

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

0 coins

Miguel Ramos

•

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.

0 coins

Sofia Torres

•

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.

0 coins

QuantumQuasar

•

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.

0 coins

Sofia Torres

•

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!

0 coins

Diego Vargas

•

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.

0 coins

Yara Abboud

•

That's a great tip about the chat feature! I didn't even know TWC had chat support available. I'll definitely keep that in mind for future issues. It's so helpful to have multiple options when the phone lines are consistently jammed. Thanks for sharing that alternative - it could save people a lot of time and frustration.

0 coins

Demi Lagos

•

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.

0 coins

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!

0 coins

StellarSurfer

•

I went through this exact same nightmare with the EM22 error about 6 months ago! In my case, it was triggered because I had worked as a contractor for one employer while also being a W-2 employee at another company during the same time period. The TWC system just couldn't handle that scenario automatically. After reading through all these helpful responses, I wish I had known about some of these alternatives back then. I ended up getting through by calling at exactly 7:00 AM on a Tuesday morning and staying on hold for over 2 hours. The agent was super helpful once I finally connected and completed my entire application over the phone in about 35 minutes. One thing I'd add - make sure you have your Social Security card handy when you call. The agent asked me to verify the full number even though I had already entered it online. Also, if you received any final paychecks or vacation payouts, have those exact dates and amounts ready. The system is very particular about getting all the financial details correct. Don't give up! The EM22 error is frustrating but it's definitely resolvable once you get a human on the line.

0 coins

Miguel Ortiz

•

This is such a comprehensive breakdown of what to expect! I'm dealing with the EM22 error right now and it's reassuring to know that even complex employment situations like yours can get resolved. The tip about having your Social Security card ready is really helpful - I wouldn't have thought of that. I'm going to try the early morning call strategy tomorrow with all my documents organized. It's frustrating that the system can't handle these scenarios automatically, but at least there's a path forward. Thanks for sharing your experience and the detailed timeline!

0 coins

Alexis Robinson

•

I've been following this thread closely as I'm currently stuck with the same EM22 error. Based on everyone's experiences, it seems like this error is much more common than TWC lets on, especially for people with any kind of non-standard employment situation. For anyone still struggling with this, I wanted to share that I found the TWC website actually has a page explaining error codes (though it's buried deep in their help section). EM22 specifically means "Employment verification required" - which confirms what others have said about needing manual review. One strategy I haven't seen mentioned yet: if you have a local TWC office that's open for in-person visits, that might be another option. I called my local office directly and they said they can sometimes help with application errors during walk-in hours, though you'd need to bring all your employment documentation with you. The system really needs to be updated to handle these common scenarios automatically instead of forcing everyone through phone support. But until then, at least we have this community sharing solutions!

0 coins

Texas Unemployment AI

Expert Assistant
Secure

Powered by Claimyr AI

T
I
+
20,087 users helped today