Where does my mom get her TWC PIN number for first-time online login?
My mom lost her job at the hospital last week and is trying to apply for unemployment benefits with TWC for the first time. She managed to create an account on the Texas Workforce Commission website, but now they're asking for a PIN number and she's totally confused. She says she never received one and doesn't know where to find it. I'm trying to help her remotely since I live in Dallas and she's in Houston. Does anyone know how first-time applicants get their PIN? Is it mailed? Or is there somewhere on the website where she can create one? She's getting really stressed because her savings won't last long.
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Dylan Cooper
For first-time TWC users, the initial PIN is usually mailed to the address on file after you create your account online. It typically takes 5-7 business days to arrive. However, she doesn't need to wait for the PIN to start her application process. She can call TWC directly at 800-939-6631 and request that they help her set up a temporary PIN over the phone to access her account. Once she has that temporary PIN, she'll be asked to create a permanent one when she logs in for the first time.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•Thank you so much! She's been trying to call that number for two days but keeps getting a busy signal or it disconnects her. Is there a better time of day to call or another way to get through?
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Sofia Perez
this happened to me in january. the pin comes in the mail but takes FOREVER. like almost 2 weeks for me. she should keep trying to call but good luck getting through lol
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•Two weeks?! That's ridiculous. She's already stressing about bills. Did you just have to wait or did you find another solution?
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Dmitry Smirnov
I had a similar issue and was getting really frustrated with the busy signals. I eventually used Claimyr to get through to TWC on the phone. It's a service that basically waits on hold for you and then calls you when a TWC agent is ready to talk. Saved me hours of redial attempts. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. The TWC agent I spoke with was able to verify my identity and set up a temporary PIN right away.
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ElectricDreamer
•Does that service actually work? I've been afraid to try these hold-for-you services because I'm worried they're scams.
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Dmitry Smirnov
•It worked for me. I was skeptical too but was desperate after trying for 3 days to get through. The agent helped me with my PIN issue and some other questions I had about my claim.
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Ava Johnson
THE SYSTEM IS DESIGNED TO MAKE U GIVE UP!!!! I spent TWO WEEKS trying to get my PIN sorted out in March. Called 47 TIMES in one day and nothing!!!! This is how they keep their unemployment numbers down - make it IMPOSSIBLE to actually file!!!! When you do finally get through the agents are actually helpful but good luck with that!!!
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Miguel Diaz
•While it can definitely be frustrating, there are a few alternatives your mom could try. If she has created her account online, she might be able to use the "Forgot PIN" option on the login page. She'll need to verify her identity another way, but it could bypass waiting for the mail. Also, if she has access to the Unemployment Benefits Services portal at all, she might be able to use the chat function to request PIN assistance from a virtual agent.
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Zainab Ahmed
tell her to hit forgot pin on the login page, sometimes that works and they can send a reset link to your email instead of waiting for mail
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•She tried that but it said she needed to have logged in at least once before using that feature. It's like a catch-22 situation!
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Dylan Cooper
Another option is to visit a local Workforce Solutions office in person. They can often help with PIN issues on the spot. There are several locations in Houston. I recommend having her bring multiple forms of ID (driver's license, Social Security card, etc.) to verify her identity. The in-person offices are usually less crowded in the middle of the week and early in the morning.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•That's a great idea! I didn't even think about going in person. I'll look up the nearest office to her house and see if she can go tomorrow morning. Thank you!
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Sofia Perez
btw make sure she knows that once she gets in she needs to do at least 3 work search activities each week and report them or they'll stop her benefits. they never told me this and i lost a week of payments
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Fatima Al-Farsi
•Thanks for the heads up! I'll make sure to tell her about the work search requirements.
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Fatima Al-Farsi
UPDATE: My mom was able to visit the Workforce Solutions office in Houston this morning. They verified her identity and helped her set up her account with a PIN right there! She's now submitted her initial claim. Thanks everyone for all your help and suggestions!
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