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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!
That's awesome news! So happy it worked out quickly for you. Make sure you continue doing your payment requests every two weeks to keep the benefits coming. Did they say anything about whether you need to submit additional proof for continued eligibility?
Thanks! The letter just says to keep submitting payment requests on my scheduled filing day (every other Monday). It mentions I need to document at least 3 work search activities each week, but that's standard for all unemployment in Texas now. The back pay was deposited this morning - such a relief!
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.
Hey Tyler! I'm actually the original poster (NeonNova) but using a different account now. Just wanted to update you - I ended up getting approved after following everyone's advice here! They didn't require any additional documentation during my appeal process, just re-reviewed what I had already submitted. The key things that seemed to work: 1) Called multiple times until I got someone knowledgeable, 2) Asked them to add detailed notes to my appeal about the dates I submitted documents, and 3) Had them confirm in writing that my docs were visible in their system. My appeal was resolved in about a week. Your documentation sounds solid - paystub, W-2, AND employer letter should definitely be sufficient. Don't let their broken automated system discourage you. Keep pushing and document every interaction. You've got this! @Tyler Murphy
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!
Quick update for anyone reading this thread in the future: As of January 2025, TWC has made some improvements to the Tele-Serv system. It now explicitly states "Your payment request has been successfully processed" at the end of a successful call, rather than just saying to contact TWC. This should help reduce confusion for claimants like the original poster who switch between the website and phone system.
I'm glad you got this sorted out! Reading through everyone's responses, it's clear that the "too early to request payment" message is actually confirmation that your Tele-Serv request worked. I've been using both the website and Tele-Serv interchangeably for months without any issues - they're both connected to the same system, so switching between them doesn't cause problems. One tip for future reference: if you ever want to double-check that your payment request went through, you can call the Tele-Serv number again and just listen to your claim status without submitting a new request. It'll tell you when your last payment request was processed. The website's payment history section is also really helpful for tracking this stuff!
This is such helpful advice! I had no idea you could call Tele-Serv just to check your status without submitting a new request. That would have saved me so much stress yesterday. I'll definitely use that feature in the future if I'm ever unsure again. Thanks for taking the time to explain everything so clearly!
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!
Absolutely agree with Mason - organizing your documentation chronologically will really help your case! One thing I'd add is to specifically highlight in your Further Appeal how your employer's actions violated their duty to provide a safe workplace. The fact that they continued requiring heavy lifting despite your doctor's note could be seen as creating an unsafe work environment. You might also want to mention if there were any other safety violations or if other employees witnessed your situation. Sometimes having that additional context about workplace safety can strengthen the "reasonable person" argument. Definitely keep fighting this - work injuries shouldn't disqualify you from benefits when your employer failed to accommodate your medical needs!
AstroAdventurer
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.
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Javier Mendoza
•Great news! Glad it's moving forward as expected. The system is pretty reliable once you understand the timing patterns.
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Malik Davis
•Lucky you!! Make sure you still watch your account to confirm it actually arrives!
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Nalani Liu
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.
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Raúl Mora
•That's really helpful to know about the different bank timing! I have Wells Fargo so hopefully they're on the faster side. And good point about communicating with my landlord if there are any delays - I hadn't thought of that but it's probably better to give them a heads up than to stress in silence. Thanks for the reassurance!
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