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UPDATE: I finally got it resolved! For anyone with similar problems in the future: I ended up using Claimyr this morning (the service someone mentioned above) and got connected to a TWC rep in about 30 minutes. The rep was able to reset my PIN, help me file my initial claim, AND backdate it to my actual layoff date four weeks ago. She said they've been having major system problems with PIN resets for the past month, which explains why none of my contact requests were answered. Now I just need to wait 2-3 weeks for the claim to process, but at least I'm in the system now! Thanks to everyone who offered advice. This has been incredibly stressful but I'm so relieved to finally have it submitted.
Congratulations on getting it resolved! Your post is going to be so helpful for others dealing with this same nightmare. I went through something similar last year and it's amazing how broken the TWC system is for something so basic as a PIN reset. The fact that you had to pay a third-party service just to reach a human being at a government agency is pretty ridiculous, but I'm glad it worked out. Make sure to keep detailed records of all your payment requests and job search activities going forward - TWC loves to randomly audit people and ask for documentation weeks later.
Thanks for sharing that advice about keeping detailed records! I'm definitely going to be extra careful about documenting everything after going through this mess. It's crazy that we have to pay third parties just to access basic government services, but honestly it was worth it to finally get through. Do you remember what kind of documentation they typically ask for during audits? I want to make sure I'm tracking the right things from the start.
I'm a former TWC employee and want to clarify something important that might help with your planning. While it's true that benefits stop on your work start date, there's one detail that sometimes gets overlooked: if you're starting work mid-week during your benefit week, you can still claim partial benefits for the days you didn't work in that week. For example, if your benefit week runs Sunday-Saturday and you start work on Wednesday, you can claim benefits for Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday of that week. This won't solve the whole 3-week gap, but it might give you a few extra days of coverage. Also, make sure you understand exactly when your benefit week starts and ends - this timing could make a difference in maximizing your final payment. Best of luck with the new job!
This is incredibly helpful information that I hadn't seen anywhere else! Thank you for the clarification about partial benefits for mid-week start dates. Unfortunately my start date is Monday which begins a new benefit week, but it's really good to know this detail exists for others who might be starting mid-week. I really appreciate you sharing your insider knowledge from working at TWC - it's so valuable to get accurate information from someone who actually knows the system inside and out. Thanks for the well wishes on the new job too!
I'm a financial counselor and see this situation frequently. Here are some immediate steps that might help bridge that 3-week gap: 1) Contact 211 (dial 2-1-1) - they can connect you with local emergency assistance programs for rent, utilities, and food, 2) Many employers have employee assistance programs (EAPs) that offer small emergency loans or advances even for new hires - ask HR about this on your first day, 3) Some banks offer "early pay" services if you can show proof of employment and direct deposit setup, 4) Look into local "diaper banks" or family resource centers - they often have emergency cash assistance beyond just baby supplies, 5) Consider a small cash advance app like Earnin or Dave if you can show proof of employment. Document everything with your job offer letter and keep receipts - this temporary hardship might be tax deductible as job search expenses. The key is being proactive and asking for help early rather than waiting until bills are overdue. Congratulations on the new position!
This is amazing advice! I had no idea about 211 or that some banks offer early pay services for new employees. The EAP suggestion is really smart too - I'll definitely ask HR about that on my first day. I'm writing all of these down so I don't forget to follow up on them. The cash advance apps are interesting too, though I'll be careful about any fees. Thank you so much for taking the time to share such detailed and actionable advice - it's exactly what I needed to hear right now. Having a concrete list of steps to take makes me feel so much more prepared to handle this transition!
Just wanted to update everyone - I finally got through to TWC this morning using the Claimyr service that was recommended. They fixed my account in about 5 minutes! The rep said there's been a widespread issue with the work search log page causing security flags on accounts. Apparently when the page times out or gives errors, some security algorithm flags it as suspicious activity. I was able to submit my work search logs and complete my payment request. They also put a note on my account about the technical issue so I won't be penalized for the delay. Thanks for all the help and suggestions everyone!
Great to hear this was resolved! For others reading this thread later - if you experience similar issues, be sure to take screenshots of any error messages you receive. This can help document that the problem was on TWC's end rather than yours, which can be important if there are any disputes about timely filing.
I'm dealing with something similar right now! My account got locked yesterday when I was trying to submit my work search activities. The website kept timing out and then suddenly I couldn't log in at all. It's so stressful when you're depending on these benefits and the system just fails like this. I'm going to try calling first thing in the morning like Romeo suggested, but if that doesn't work I'll definitely look into that Claimyr service. Thanks for sharing your experience everyone - it helps to know I'm not the only one dealing with this mess!
@Aliyah Debovski I m'going through the exact same thing right now! Just got locked out this morning trying to submit my work search log. Reading through this thread has been really helpful - sounds like this is a widespread problem with their system update. I m'going to try calling right at 8am tomorrow like Romeo suggested, and if that doesn t'work I ll'definitely check out that Claimyr service that seemed to work for others. It s'so frustrating that we have to deal with their technical problems when we re'already stressed about finding work. Keep us posted on how it goes for you!
Hey Giovanni! I just wanted to jump in and say don't let that $0 disbursement get you down too much - I know it's scary when you're already stressed about finances, but it's honestly SO common for new claims. I filed my claim about 3 months ago and went through the exact same thing. What really helped me was creating a simple checklist to stay organized: - Check TWC account daily (set a phone reminder!) - Keep all confirmation numbers and screenshots - Certify every two weeks NO MATTER WHAT (even with $0) - Log work search activities consistently The waiting is absolutely brutal, but I eventually got 4 weeks of backpay once everything processed. The key is just staying consistent with all the requirements even when it feels pointless. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure you're checking both the desktop website AND the mobile app. Sometimes one shows information that the other doesn't (weird, I know, but the system has quirks). You're being really smart by asking questions early instead of just hoping everything works out. This community saved my sanity during the waiting period! Keep us posted on how things develop - we're all rooting for you! 🤞✨
Mateo, this is such practical and actionable advice - thank you! That checklist idea is brilliant and exactly what I need to stay organized through this process. I'm definitely setting up that daily phone reminder right now because I know I'll forget otherwise! The tip about checking both the desktop website AND mobile app is really interesting - I never would have thought the systems might show different information. That's definitely one of those quirky details that could make a huge difference. It's so encouraging to hear about your 4 weeks of backpay - it really reinforces that staying consistent with everything pays off in the end. I've been following everyone's advice about certifying every two weeks religiously, even with the $0, so hopefully that discipline will work out like it did for you. This community has honestly been incredible for helping me navigate this whole process and keeping my stress levels manageable. I'll definitely keep everyone updated as things progress! 🙏
Hey Giovanni! I just wanted to add one more perspective since I see you're getting tons of great advice here. I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago and that $0 disbursement had me questioning everything I'd entered on my application! One thing that really helped me was understanding that TWC has different "phases" of review for new claims: 1. Initial application review (1-2 weeks) 2. Wage verification with employers (1-3 weeks) 3. Eligibility determination (few days to a week) The $0 you're seeing is most likely because you're still in phase 1 or 2. Since you just filed last week, you're right on track timing-wise. Here's something specific I wish I'd known: check your "Payment Request" history page (not just the current status). Sometimes it shows more detailed information about why payments are pending, like "Under Review" or "Wage Verification in Progress." Also, if you haven't already, make sure you've got your TWC account set to send you text AND email notifications. I missed an important identity verification request because I was only checking one method. The system really is designed poorly and creates way more anxiety than necessary, but you're doing everything right by staying proactive and asking questions. Keep that momentum going and don't let the waiting period discourage you from staying consistent with everything! You've got this! 💪
Ethan Brown
Emma, I've been reading through this entire thread and I'm really impressed with how proactive you're being about this situation. You've gotten some amazing advice here! I went through benefit exhaustion about 6 months ago and it was such a stressful time, but having a clear plan like you do now makes all the difference. One small thing I'd add to all the great suggestions - when you're on the call tomorrow, if they put you on hold at any point, don't hang up even if it takes forever. I made that mistake once and had to start the whole process over. Also, if they give you any case numbers or reference numbers, write them down immediately. I've found that having those numbers can really speed things up if you need to call back later. Your Amazon earnings sound promising based on what others have shared here. The fact that you've been keeping up with those $0 payment requests and documenting everything shows you're doing everything right. Really hoping your call tomorrow leads to some good news - this thread has been so educational for all of us dealing with TWC issues. Can't wait to hear your update!
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Sean Murphy
Emma, I've been following your thread and wanted to share something that might help. I went through almost the exact same situation last year - exhausted benefits mid-claim year after getting some part-time work. The key thing that saved me was learning about Texas's "interim benefits" option that most people don't know about. When you talk to TWC tomorrow, specifically ask if you qualify for "interim monetary determination" based on your Amazon wages. This is different from filing a new claim - it's basically TWC reviewing whether your new earnings create additional benefit eligibility within your existing claim year. With $2,400 in wages, you might qualify for what they call "additional monetary determination." Also, don't let them rush you off the phone. I made the mistake of accepting the first "no" I got, but when I called back and got a different rep, they found options the first person didn't mention. Ask them to transfer you to the "monetary determinations unit" specifically - they handle these complex cases better than general customer service. One last thing - if you get approved for additional benefits, ask about expedited payment processing since you're in financial hardship. They sometimes can fast-track the first payment. Good luck tomorrow - really hope you get some relief!
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