TWC took my refund because I missed workforce registration deadline - any way to recover it?

Unfortunately, TWC is really strict about the workforce registration requirements. You're required to register with WorkInTexas.com within 3 business days of filing your initial claim, and they should have informed you about this during the application process. It's also mentioned in the Unemployment Benefits Handbook they mail out. You have a few options: 1. File an appeal within 14 days of the determination notice date (if you're still within that window) 2. Request a waiver of overpayment if you can prove financial hardship 3. Contact TWC to set up a payment plan if the appeal doesn't work The fastest way to resolve this is to speak directly with a TWC representative who can look at your specific case.

same thing happend to me last yr!! they took my whole refund ($1800) and i never got any email about uploading stuff to workforce site. its total BS how they dont make this clear when u apply

You might still have options even though you missed the appeal deadline. TWC sometimes allows late appeals if you can show "good cause" for why you missed the deadline. Good cause could include never receiving proper notice, misunderstanding the determination letter, or having personal circumstances that prevented you from filing timely. Call and explain that you didn't understand the determination letter's implications. Be persistent - TWC phones are always busy, but getting through to an actual agent is your best bet. If you absolutely can't reach anyone at TWC, try using Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that helps you get through to TWC agents without waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. I used it when I had an overpayment issue and got through to someone in about 15 minutes instead of spending days trying to call.

The workforce registration requirement is RIDICULOUS! TWC uses it as a technical trap to disqualify people and create overpayments. I had the EXACT same issue in 2023 and they took $3,500 from me!!!! I fought it all the way to an appeal hearing and STILL LOST because the law is written so they can basically steal your money if you don't perfectly follow every tiny rule they barely explain. The system is DESIGNED to confuse people so they can take back benefits. They make MORE MONEY from overpayments than most people realize! It's a total scam!!!

hav u talked to ur local workforce office? sometimes they can help u with this stuff cuz they got direct contacts at twc. thats what my neighbor did when they messed up his claim. worth a shot

To request an overpayment waiver, you need to: 1. Download the Waiver of Overpayment form from the TWC website (in the Forms section) 2. Fill it out completely, documenting your financial hardship (income, expenses, etc.) 3. Include any supporting documents (bills, bank statements, etc.) 4. Submit it through your online account or mail it to the address on the form TWC will review your request and determine if repayment would cause "extraordinary hardship." The process takes 4-6 weeks typically. But first, I'd recommend trying to reach a TWC representative to discuss your specific situation - they might see something in your case that could help resolve this more quickly.

I tried the Claimyr service someone mentioned above when TWC randomly stopped my payments for "work search verification" - it actually did get me through to someone in about 20 mins when I'd been calling for 3 days with no luck. The agent was able to fix my issue right away. Might be worth trying if you keep getting busy signals.

UPDATE: Finally got through to TWC this morning after trying that Claimyr service! The agent explained that even though I missed the appeal deadline, I can still submit a Request to Reopen the Appeal which basically asks for a late appeal due to good cause. She said my reason (not understanding the determination letter) might qualify, especially since I never received clear instructions about the workforce registration requirement. She's sending me both the appeal form and the hardship waiver form, and suggested I submit both at the same time. Fingers crossed this works! Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll update again when I hear something.

I work for a legal aid organization and see cases like this regularly. The workforce registration requirement is poorly communicated by TWC, and you're not alone in this situation. A few additional tips for your appeal: - Request copies of ALL communications TWC claims they sent you about workforce registration - Document exactly when and how you were (or weren't) informed about this requirement during your initial application - If you can show you never received proper notice, that strengthens your good cause argument significantly Also consider contacting Texas Legal Aid (texaslegalaid.org) or your local legal aid office - many offer free assistance with TWC appeals and overpayment issues. They know exactly how to frame these appeals for the best chance of success. The fact that you found work and stopped claiming benefits shows good faith - emphasize that in your appeal. You weren't trying to game the system, you just weren't properly informed about ongoing requirements after you stopped needing benefits.

I went through something similar last year and managed to get part of my overpayment waived. Here's what worked for me: 1. Be very detailed in your hardship waiver application - don't just say you're struggling financially, show exactly how losing this money affects your ability to pay for basic necessities like rent, utilities, food, and transportation. 2. When you submit your Request to Reopen Appeal, focus heavily on the fact that TWC failed in their duty to properly inform you. The law requires them to provide clear, understandable notices about ongoing requirements. 3. Keep detailed records of every interaction with TWC from now on - dates, times, who you spoke with, what was discussed. The workforce registration trap gets SO many people because TWC doesn't explain it clearly upfront and then acts like it's obvious. You have a legitimate case here, especially since you found work and stopped claiming benefits in good faith. Don't let them intimidate you into thinking this is your fault - their communication system is broken and you're paying the price for their failure. Stay persistent and don't give up. The system is designed to wear people down, but you have rights and options.