That's fantastic news! So glad you finally got through and got some answers. The employer response issue is super common - I've seen it happen when companies are going through restructuring and their HR departments are swamped or understaffed. It's great that TWC will make a determination even without the employer response. Definitely look into that payment advance option for your car payment - I didn't even know that was available! Hope everything processes smoothly for you now that you know what the holdup was.

That's wonderful news about finally getting through to TWC! It's such a relief when you can actually speak to someone who can look into your specific situation. The employer response delay is unfortunately very common, especially during company restructuring when HR departments are overwhelmed. I'm really glad TWC will make a determination even without the employer response - that's actually a protection for claimants so unresponsive employers can't indefinitely delay benefits. The payment advance option is something many people don't know about, so definitely worth exploring for your car payment situation. Thanks for sharing the update - it gives hope to others dealing with similar delays that persistence with calling really does pay off!

Just to update you on current timelines - I had another client with a disaster appeal from the January flooding get their hearing date yesterday. They filed their appeal on February 10th, so that's about 38 days to get the hearing scheduled. The actual hearing is set for April 2nd (so another two weeks out). This seems to be the current timeline for most disaster-related appeals right now.

I'm in a similar situation with a disaster claim from the same flooding in January. Filed my appeal on Feb 15th and still waiting. One thing that's helped me stay sane is setting up a simple spreadsheet to track all my attempts to contact TWC - date, time, who I spoke with (if anyone), what they said. Also screenshot your online account weekly showing the "Appeal Pending" status. I learned this from my previous regular UI claim - having documentation helps a lot if you need to escalate later. Hang in there, it sounds like we should both hear something soon based on what others are saying about the 35-45 day timeline.

this belongs in a social security forum not unemployment lol

I went through this same panic when I first started collecting unemployment last year! It's definitely confusing because you think "benefit = earnings" but that's not how Social Security works. What helped me feel better was logging into my SSA.gov account and seeing that all my previous work credits were still there - unemployment doesn't erase what you've already earned. One thing to keep in mind is that if you do any freelance or gig work while on partial unemployment (which TWC allows up to your weekly benefit amount), THAT income would count toward Social Security if you pay the self-employment taxes on it. So there are still ways to earn credits even while collecting benefits. Good luck with your job search!

Just to add something important - your friend should gather any evidence of his job search efforts while this is being resolved. Texas currently requires 3 work search activities per week to remain eligible for benefits. Even though his claim is denied right now, if he wins the appeal, he'll need to prove he was doing the required work searches during this waiting period to receive backpay for those weeks. Have him document everything and keep screenshots of job applications.

I work for a legal aid organization and see these employment verification denials all the time. A few additional things your friend should know: 1) He can request a copy of his entire TWC file through a Public Information Act request - this will show exactly what the employer told TWC when they were contacted. Sometimes employers give contradictory information that helps your case. 2) If he has any old work emails, employee handbook, name badge, uniform, or even photos of himself at work, include those with the appeal. Visual evidence can be very persuasive. 3) Consider having coworkers write brief affidavits (sworn statements) about his employment there. They don't have to testify at the hearing, but written statements under oath carry weight. 4) The employer's refusal to verify employment could actually constitute interference with unemployment benefits, which is illegal in Texas. Document every interaction he's had with them about this issue. The appeal hearing is his best shot - TWC hearing officers deal with dishonest employers regularly and know what to look for. With his W-2 and paystubs, he has a strong case. Good luck!

UPDATE: Just checked my portal and the deposit date is showing for tomorrow (Wednesday)! Looks like it was just a one-day delay due to the holiday. Thanks everyone for your help and advice. Hopefully the money will be in my account by Friday and I'll be all set for rent.

That's awesome that your deposit date showed up! Just wanted to add that even though you have the deposit date for Wednesday, don't panic if it doesn't hit your account until Thursday or Friday. I bank with Chase and they usually post TWC deposits the day after the deposit date, but I've had friends with smaller banks that sometimes take an extra day. Since your rent isn't due until the 10th, you should definitely be covered. Also, if for some reason there's any delay beyond Friday, most landlords are understanding about unemployment payments being a day or two late - just give them a heads up if needed.