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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.