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I just tried the Claimyr service that someone mentioned, and it actually worked! I got through to TWC after trying for days. The agent I spoke with recommended I submit a statement explaining exactly why I couldn't request accommodation (the rigid shift schedule and mandatory overtime). She also suggested getting a written statement from one of my former coworkers confirming the company's inflexible scheduling policy. I'm feeling much more hopeful about my appeal now. Thanks everyone for all your advice!
That's great news! Getting specific advice directly from TWC is invaluable. Make sure you get that coworker statement and include it with your appeal. Keep us posted on how your hearing goes - your experience could help others in similar situations!
This is such a stressful situation, but it sounds like you're getting good advice here! I went through something similar when I had to quit my job to care for my disabled sister. The key thing that helped my case was documenting everything about WHY accommodation wasn't possible at my workplace. Since you mentioned it was a warehouse job with fixed shifts, that actually works in your favor - those types of jobs are notoriously inflexible. When you write your appeal, be very specific about the job requirements (10-hour shifts, mandatory overtime, etc.) and explain how those directly conflicted with your nephew's school schedule and your legal custody responsibilities. Also, don't beat yourself up about not formally requesting accommodation. If you can show that the nature of the work made accommodation impossible or highly unlikely, that strengthens your case. The fact that you already spoke to a TWC agent who gave you specific guidance is huge! Make sure to file that appeal ASAP and include everything everyone has mentioned - custody docs, school records, and especially that coworker statement about company policy. You've got this!
Thank you so much for the encouragement and practical advice! It really helps to hear from someone who went through something similar and came out successful. You're absolutely right about warehouse jobs being inflexible - I should emphasize that in my appeal. I'm feeling much more confident now that I have a clear plan of action. I'll make sure to file the appeal tomorrow and gather all the documentation everyone has suggested. This community has been incredibly helpful during such a stressful time!
Quick update to my earlier advice - when you file for unemployment, make sure to report that you've earned wages that weren't paid. There's a specific question about this in the application. This is important because TWC calculates your benefit amount based on your earnings, and you want those unpaid wages included. For your wage claim, you'll need to provide: - Your employment dates - Your regular pay rate - Hours worked that weren't paid - Names of managers/supervisors - Any written promises of payment And yes, file the unemployment claim ASAP because it can take 2-3 weeks for the first payment even after approval.
I went through something similar with a roofing company in Houston. They kept giving me the runaround for 3 weeks about my final check. What finally worked was sending them a certified letter stating I would file a wage claim with TWC if payment wasn't received within 5 business days. Got my check 2 days later! But honestly, don't even waste time with that - just file both claims now like everyone said. The construction industry pulls this stuff all the time thinking workers won't know their rights. Also, when you file for unemployment, make sure to keep detailed records of your job search activities from day one. TWC can audit those records anytime.
I DID take one of their training programs last month for basic accounting and it was actually pretty good! The instructor was knowledgeable and they provided certifications that look decent on a resume. So while you're definitely not required to go, they're not all bad if you actually want to learn something new. Just depends on your situation I guess.
That's good to know! If my job search drags on for a few more months, maybe I'll consider adding some complementary skills. Did they have any business management courses for trades? That might actually be useful for eventually starting my own HVAC business.
I'm in a similar situation - got laid off from my manufacturing job 3 weeks ago and already had two of these "training opportunity" calls. The first specialist was pretty aggressive about enrolling me in some welding certification program, even though I've been welding for 8 years and have multiple certs already. What bothered me most was how they made it sound like I was missing out on some amazing opportunity that might not be available later. Classic sales pressure tactics! I politely declined and explained my experience level, but she kept pushing for like 10 minutes. Good to see everyone confirming these are totally optional. I'm sticking to my job search strategy and keeping detailed records like others suggested. Thanks for posting this question - clearly a lot of us are dealing with the same thing!
Wow, that's exactly what happened to me! The "limited availability" pressure tactic is so annoying when you already have the skills they're trying to train you on. It's like they have a script they follow regardless of your background. I'm glad I trusted my instincts and declined - sounds like we're both handling this the right way by focusing on actual job opportunities instead of redundant training.
Anyone else notice how they always deposit the money on weird days? Like never when you expect it lol. Sometimes its tuesday sometimes thursday... driving me nuts trying to budget!
Just wanted to add - once you start receiving payments, they usually come 2-3 business days after you request them (as long as you request on your assigned day). The exact day can vary like others mentioned, but it's typically within that timeframe. Also, your first payment might take a little longer since it's your first time in the system. Don't panic if it doesn't show up immediately! And definitely set up direct deposit if you haven't already - it's faster than waiting for a debit card to arrive in the mail.
Lucas Schmidt
For your planning purposes, here's exactly what will happen with your final payment: 1. You'll receive your regular weekly benefit amount ($754 after taxes) one last time 2. Your claim will then show as exhausted 3. If you're still unemployed, you should immediately file for EB (Extended Benefits) if they're currently available in Texas 4. Remember to continue your work search activities (minimum 3 per week) even during the transition Don't forget that once you do find employment, you need to work for 6 consecutive weeks and then specifically request the waiting week payment. Mark your calendar with a reminder as many people forget this step.
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Brianna Muhammad
•Thank you so much for the detailed explanation! I wasn't aware of Extended Benefits - I'll look into whether those are available right now. And I'll definitely set a reminder about the waiting week for when I do find work.
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Dylan Baskin
Just wanted to add that you should also check if you qualify for any federal extension programs that might be available. Sometimes there are additional weeks of benefits beyond regular unemployment and EB, depending on economic conditions. Also, if you're considering any job training programs, some of them can extend your benefit period while you're enrolled. Worth looking into TWC's workforce development programs - they sometimes have partnerships that can help bridge the gap between when your benefits end and when you find steady work.
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Evelyn Kim
•That's really helpful advice about checking for federal extensions and training programs! I hadn't thought about workforce development programs potentially extending benefits. Do you know if TWC has a specific website section where I can look up what training programs are currently available? I want to explore all my options before my benefits run out completely.
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