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: You guys won't believe this! Just checked my correspondence inbox and TWC APPROVED my appeal already! Only took 2 days after I called that second time. The determination letter says they reviewed my documentation and found that I DID submit everything on time. They're releasing all my backpay from July 10th (hurricane date) through now - almost $5,000! I'm in shock that it happened so fast after all the headaches. For anyone else dealing with this - definitely call multiple times and file that appeal immediately if denied. Seems like their system is automatically denying people even when the documentation is there. Thank you everyone for your advice and support!

This is so encouraging to hear! I'm currently dealing with a DUA denial myself - applied after losing my job due to hurricane damage to my workplace in August. They're claiming I didn't provide adequate proof of employment, even though I submitted my final paystub, W-2, and a letter from my employer confirming the business closure due to storm damage. Reading all these success stories gives me hope that persistence really pays off with TWC. It sounds like their automated system is definitely flagging legitimate claims incorrectly. I'm going to follow the advice here and keep calling until I get someone who can actually review my case properly. For those who got approved after appeals - did TWC require any additional documentation during the appeal process, or did they just re-review what you had already submitted? Trying to prepare myself for what might be coming next.

Have you tried calling right when they open? I heard that's the best time to get through. Also, keep hitting 0 or # repeatedly - sometimes that'll bump you to a real person.

I totally get your frustration! I went through the same thing a few months back. What finally worked for me was calling around 2 PM on Wednesdays - seems like a weird time but I think it's when they have more staff available after lunch breaks. Also, make sure you have your Social Security number, last employer info, and exact dates of employment ready before you call. The reps move fast once you get through and they'll hang up if you take too long to find your paperwork. Don't lose hope - it took me 3 weeks but I eventually got everything sorted out!

After reading all the comments, I'd say it's worth filing the Further Appeal if you have those text messages to your supervisor and doctor's notes. Make sure to emphasize: 1. The timeline of your injury 2. Exactly how your supervisor ignored medical restrictions 3. Any witnesses who saw how you were treated 4. Why you felt going to HR wouldn't help (any past examples?) Also, definitely try to speak with a TWC representative about your specific case. Sometimes they can give insights about what the Commission looks for in these cases. The 14-day deadline is strict, so don't wait too long to decide.

Good luck with your Further Appeal! You're making the right choice by fighting this. Make sure to organize your documentation chronologically and focus on the legal standard - that any reasonable person in your situation would have quit due to the work injury and your employer's failure to accommodate your medical restrictions. The text messages showing you tried to communicate with your supervisor about your limitations could be crucial evidence. Even if the Further Appeal doesn't succeed, you're building a stronger record for any future claims or potential legal action. Keep us updated on how it goes!

UPDATE: The money just landed in my account this morning! So that was about 48 hours after the email. Thanks everyone for your help and keeping me from panicking!

Great to see it worked out for you! This is exactly why I always tell people not to panic until at least day 3. The TWC system can be stressful when you're new to it, but once you go through it a few times you get used to the timing. For future reference, if you ever need to contact TWC and can't get through on the phone, that Claimyr service someone mentioned is legit - saved me hours of frustration when I had an issue with my claim status last year.