TWC Says 'Don't Call Us, We'll Call You' For Those Who Can't File For Unemployment Online
KELLER, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - When Krystal Erekson lost her job as a dental assistant last month, like tens of thousands of others she went online to file for unemployment.
But as she tried to file for benefits, the Texas Workforce Commission's website alerted her there was an issue with her password and she would have to call to get it fixed.
For the past two weeks, she's tried calling the state's unemployment office but has been unable to get through.
"I started calling at 7:58 this morning, even before it was open, and it was already busy," she said. "Every time it's just busy tone."
Thousands of Texans are running into the same general issue when trying to apply online for unemployment benefits.
The state's outdated computer system does not allow most password or PIN issues to be fixed online.
In a Facebook video, Texas Workforce Commission Director Ed Serna said this has been one of the more 'frustrating' issues as his agency has been overwhelmed in recent weeks with applications.
Serna said his agency is now generating a list of everyone who has gone online but has been unable to finish their application due to a password or PIN issue.
He said, instead of having these people try and call in, state employees will call them.
"So if you have a pin or password issue, if you encounter that problem, you don't need to continue to call to get that resolved. We will be reaching out to you to resolve that problem," Serna said in the Facebook video.
Erekson said she hopes that call comes soon.
"It's all been very frustrating to the point where it's overwhelming," she said.
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