Thank you bonniefits5... I work for TWC the main office in Austin and yes we are VERY SWAMPED!!!!! The thing I must stress to those applying is to READ EVERYTHING that is sent to you because one mistake can cause even more headaches and delays. All I can say is it will get worse before it gets better and we are trying our best. Your understanding of the situation is a breath of fresh air and so very appreciated. With so many claims coming in daily (1,000 a day avaerage)and then the disaster claims still looming everything will be taking even longer to process. Patience is a virtue. We are trying to get those QUALIFIED the help they need. I am glad someone sees outside the box and noticed the work we are trying to do in a more timely manner. Let's keep our heads up and just get through this situation as best we can.

I can relate to "Mr. Unemployed" because I was laid off last year & I too applied for unemployment benefits. Like all things, it took some time, but I was patient & I appreciated the fact that there were people who cared at my local workforce center & there were people who were compassionate about my situation when I spoke to them over the phone regarding my unemployment claim. I made it a point to read all of the information sent to me & followed their directives "to the letter". In doing so, I was able to receive my benefits without delay. WOAI should be ashamed of the way that they blatantly publicized the secured building where these unemployment claims are processed. WOAI should have considered the lives of these unsuspecting State workers who are doing their best to accomodate each & every one of these claims that are submitted as quickly & as efficiently as they can. Who's to say that out of desperation, one of these unemployed claimants decides to confront the person working on their claim & puts that workers life in danger. Does WOAI really want that on their conscience for the mere sake of a story? Shame on you WOAI. Shame on you. In closing, I'd like to commend State workers both at the Call Center & at the local WorkForce center for all of their hard work, disclipine, determination & the patience it takes to deal with people in their time of need who call regarding their claim. I know that there are those who call only to complain & are less than cordial when they call expecting miracles. If those claimants spent more time & energy focusing on getting a job, taking advantage of all that their local WorkForce Centers have to offer & fulfilling all of their requirements set by the Workforce Commission they would be able to take a look at the bigger picture here & see that these State workers are doing the best job that they can with what they have. Keep up the great work, Texas Workforce Commission. I appreciate you.