TWC website glitch: Can't file 2025 claim due to old 2020 claim still showing
I've been trying for 3 days straight to file a new unemployment claim but the TWC website keeps showing my old claim from 2020 and then crashes when I try to start a new application! Every time I click "Apply for Benefits" it loads for like 30 seconds and then kicks me back to the login screen. I've tried different browsers, clearing cache, even my phone - same problem everywhere. Called the main number probably 20+ times but all I get is the busy signal or it hangs up after the automated message. Really getting desperate as I was just laid off last Thursday (construction company downsizing) and rent is due in 2 weeks. Has anyone else had this issue with old claims blocking new ones? Is there some secret backdoor way to file or an actual working phone number?
20 comments
Ev Luca
same thing happend to me in January!! the old system is messed up and doesnt know how to handle expired claims properly. so frustrating!!!
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Did you ever get it resolved? I'm getting really worried because my savings are basically gone after paying for my kid's braces last month.
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Avery Davis
This is actually a known issue with the TWC system. What's happening is that your previous claim from 2020 is still in their database but in a status that confuses the application system. You have three options: 1. Keep calling the main TWC number (800-939-6631) early in the morning right when they open at 7am - that's your best chance to get through 2. Try using the Tele-Serv automated system (800-558-8321) and select option 2 to speak to a representative about your claim status 3. Visit a local Workforce Solutions office in person - they can help resolve these database issues The main thing is you need to get a TWC representative to manually reset your account status so you can file a new claim. Unfortunately, there's no DIY fix for this particular glitch.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Thank you! I'll try the Tele-Serv number tomorrow morning. Do you know if there's a way to tell if my old claim is actually closed in their system? The website shows it as "exhausted" but maybe that's different from closed?
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Avery Davis
"Exhausted" just means you used all available benefits, but the claim record itself stays in the system. A TWC rep needs to change your status flag in their database. And honestly, calling first thing in the morning is still going to be frustrating - you'll likely get busy signals for days.
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Collins Angel
•TWC is THE WORST with their phone systems! I spent 2 weeks trying to reach someone about my payment request issue before giving up and driving 45 minutes to the workforce center. Total joke that our tax dollars fund this broken system!!!
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Marcelle Drum
i had this exact problem last month!! u need to talk to someone in the benefits department not the regular customer service. when i finally got through they had to do something called a "claim reset" because the old one was blocking the new application. took about 5 minutes once i actually talked to someone lol
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•How did you finally get through? I've been trying all the numbers with no luck!
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Tate Jensen
After experiencing the same frustration with trying to reach TWC, I found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a TWC agent in about 20 minutes. It basically keeps dialing for you and calls you when it gets through. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked when I needed to fix an ID.me verification issue. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a demo video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh Once I finally reached someone, they were able to reset my account status so I could file a new claim. Apparently this is a common problem when you've had a previous claim in the system.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Thanks for the tip! I'm desperate enough to try anything at this point. Did they explain what causes this issue with old claims?
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Tate Jensen
The agent told me it's because their system was reconfigured after all the pandemic programs ended, and sometimes claims from that period don't get properly archived in their database. The rep has to manually update your status to allow a new application. They can also start your new claim over the phone once they fix the database issue.
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Ev Luca
•thats so weird because the lady I talked to said something totally different! she said it was because of my work search documentation from my old claim that was marked as pending or something?? seems like nobody at TWC knows whats really going on LOL
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Adaline Wong
Another option is to try emailing TWC through their contact portal on the website. I had an issue with claiming my payment requests and couldn't get through on the phone either. I sent a detailed email, and surprisingly someone got back to me within 3 days and helped resolve my issue. Make sure you include your claim ID (if you know it), last 4 of SSN, and a clear description of the problem you're having with the old claim blocking your new application.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•I'll try that too! Where exactly is the contact portal? I looked around the website but couldn't find an email option.
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Adaline Wong
Go to twc.texas.gov > Unemployment Benefits > Contact TWC (at bottom of page) > then there's a form where you can submit your question. I think it's technically not email but it goes to their customer service team.
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Gabriel Ruiz
The problem is that their contact form just generates an auto-reply most of the time. I submitted THREE messages about my ID.me verification issues and never heard back from a real person. Going to a Workforce Solutions office in person is honestly the most reliable solution if you can make it to one. They have direct lines to TWC that we don't have access to. Also, make sure when you do file that you accurately report your reason for separation. SO MANY people get tripped up because they select "laid off" when their situation was technically something else like "position eliminated" or "lack of work." TWC is super picky about these distinctions and will delay your claim if they need to investigate.
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•Thanks for the warning about separation reason. I got a letter saying "position eliminated due to company restructuring" - would that be "laid off" or something else in their system?
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Gabriel Ruiz
That would be "Reduction in Force" or possibly "Position Eliminated" depending on their current dropdown options. Definitely NOT "laid off" which TWC often interprets as temporary. Your situation sounds like a permanent separation through no fault of your own, which is what you want to communicate. Make sure you have that termination letter handy when you file!
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Marcelle Drum
update?? were u able to file yet??
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Lukas Fitzgerald
•YES! Finally got through yesterday using that Claimyr service someone mentioned above. Was connected to a TWC agent in about 30 mins. She said my old claim was still marked as "active" in their system even though benefits were exhausted, and that was preventing me from filing online. She did some kind of reset and then helped me file a new claim right over the phone. Such a relief! Now just waiting for the determination letter. Thanks everyone for your help!
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