Yes, for combined W-2 and 1099 income, you should submit the complete tax return including all schedules along with any W-2 forms. TWC will consider the total income when recalculating the DUA amount. Make sure the return is signed (even if e-filed) and includes all pages of Schedule C for any self-employment. If possible, also include a signed statement breaking down how much came from each source of income. This isn't strictly required, but it helps the claims examiner process things faster since they don't have to spend time figuring out which portions came from which source.

I went through this exact situation last month! Got approved for the minimum DUA amount and it was so frustrating trying to figure out what went wrong. Here's what I learned from my experience: First, don't panic about the minimum amount - it's actually normal when TWC can't immediately verify your income. They approve the minimum to get payments flowing while they wait for documentation. For getting through on the phone, I had success calling right at 8 AM when they open. Set multiple alarms and start dialing at exactly 8:00. I also tried calling around 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM when call volume sometimes drops. But honestly, going to a Workforce Solutions office in person (if you can) is probably your best bet. For the income verification, make sure you're uploading documents from the correct tax year. Since this is a disaster claim, they need proof of income from the tax year BEFORE the disaster occurred. I made the mistake of initially sending this year's pay stubs and had to resubmit everything. One tip that really helped me: when you upload documents, give each file a clear, descriptive name like "2024_Tax_Return_Complete" or "2024_W2_Forms" instead of just leaving the default file names. This seems to help the processors find and review your documents faster. My amount was adjusted within about 8 business days after I submitted the right paperwork. They also backdated the increase to cover all my previous payments. Hang in there - it's a frustrating process but it does get resolved!

Just wanted to add that when your husband files his initial claim, he should be very detailed about the reason for the reduction. TWC will ask for specific information about why his hours and pay were cut, so have him explain clearly that it was due to the employer's financial difficulties and not any fault of his own. Also, keep copies of everything - his old pay stubs showing the higher salary, the new ones showing the reduction, and any written communication from his employer about the changes. If TWC requests additional documentation later, you'll have it ready to go. One more tip: if he gets stuck in the online application process, try different browsers or clear your cache. The TWC website can be glitchy sometimes and switching browsers helped me get through when I had issues. Good luck with the application process! It sounds like he has a solid case for partial benefits given the significant reduction in both hours and pay.

I went through a similar situation about 8 months ago when my employer cut my hours from full-time to part-time due to budget constraints. Here's what I learned from the process: Texas partial unemployment is definitely possible, but there are a few key things to keep in mind: 1. He'll need to file his claim online at ui.texasworkforce.org - the system walks you through everything step by step 2. Make sure he has his Social Security card, driver's license, and recent pay stubs ready before starting 3. When they ask about separation reason, choose "reduction in hours/wages" not "laid off" or "fired" 4. Be prepared to wait - my claim took about 2-3 weeks to process initially The good news is that once it's approved, the bi-weekly payment process becomes pretty routine. I found it helpful to set a calendar reminder for my payment request days so I never missed the deadline. Also, don't let the negative stories scare you off completely. Yes, the system can be frustrating, but many people (myself included) do successfully get partial benefits. The key is being patient and persistent with the process. Hope this helps and that things improve for your family soon!

UPDATE: The money finally hit my account this morning! Seems like it takes exactly 3 business days with Wells Fargo. Thanks everyone for your help and reassurance - I can stop panicking about rent now. I'll know what to expect for future payments!

Congrats on getting your payment! This is actually a really helpful thread for future reference. For anyone else reading this - it's totally normal for first-time TWC payments to take longer, especially with bigger banks like Wells Fargo, Bank of America, etc. They tend to be more conservative with processing times compared to online banks like Chime or Capital One 360. The 2-3 business day window is pretty standard, but don't panic if it hits day 3 like it did for you. The important thing is that "processed" status - that means TWC has sent the money and it's just working its way through the banking system.

One thing I learned going through my appeal that might help you: get the TUCA handbook online. It's the Texas Unemployment Compensation Act handbook that the hearing officers use. Look up the sections on misconduct and especially search for precedent cases related to attendance issues and family emergencies. I actually cited a previous case during my hearing where someone had childcare issues and still qualified for benefits, and the hearing officer seemed impressed that I'd done my homework. You can find the handbook on the TWC website under the Appeals section. During your hearing, focus on explaining that your tardiness was: 1) Limited (only 3 times) 2) For a good cause (childcare emergency) 3) Communicated to your employer This approach is often more effective than spending money on an attorney. Just be organized and professional during the hearing.

I'm in a similar situation right now - got denied for "misconduct" after being terminated for attendance issues related to my kid getting sick multiple times. Just wanted to add that you should also request a copy of your personnel file from your employer if you haven't already. Sometimes there are notes or documentation in there that can actually help your case, like if they noted that you called in or explained your situation. Also, don't let them intimidate you during the hearing. My friend went through this last year and said her former manager tried to make it sound way worse than it was, but the hearing officer saw right through it. Stick to the facts and timeline of what actually happened. One more tip - if you qualify for legal aid services, definitely reach out to them even if you decide to represent yourself. They can at least review your case and give you advice on what to focus on during the hearing. Texas Legal Services has a hotline specifically for unemployment issues.

UPDATE: I wanted to let everyone know what happened in case someone else has this issue. I called right at 7am and got through after about 20 minutes. I specifically asked them to check for identity verification flags as suggested here. Turns out there was a name mismatch - I had used my nickname when creating the account instead of my full legal first name that's on my social security card. They transferred me to the identity verification department who removed the flag and reset my account. I had to wait on hold for about 30 minutes for that transfer, but once they fixed it, I could log in right away! Thank you all for the helpful suggestions! My claim is processing normally now and I can see everything in my account.

This is such a helpful thread! I'm dealing with a similar issue right now but mine's slightly different - I can actually log in, but when I try to certify for benefits, the system kicks me out and tells me to call. Been on hold for hours trying to get through. Based on what everyone's saying here, sounds like I should specifically ask about identity verification flags when I finally get someone on the phone. It's frustrating how their system gives these vague "call TWC" messages without explaining what's actually wrong. Thanks to everyone who shared their solutions!