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I was in the exact same situation about 2 months ago and can definitely confirm what everyone else is saying - you absolutely don't need to use WorkInTexas exclusively! I did maybe 10% of my applications through WorkInTexas and the rest through LinkedIn, Indeed, and company websites. Never had any problems with my unemployment benefits. One thing that really helped me was using the notes app on my phone to immediately jot down application details right after submitting each one. Then I'd transfer everything to a proper spreadsheet at the end of each day. This way I never forgot important details like the exact job title or application method. Also, just a heads up - networking events and job fairs (even virtual ones) can count toward your work search requirements too. I attended a couple virtual job fairs through my local workforce center and those counted as activities. It's worth checking if your area has any upcoming events since they can be a nice break from just submitting applications online. You sound like you're being really thorough with your documentation, so I wouldn't stress too much about it. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll be fine!
Thanks for the reassuring response! The phone notes tip is really smart - I've definitely forgotten some application details by the time I get home to update my spreadsheet. Transferring everything at the end of each day sounds like a much better system than trying to remember everything later. I had no idea about virtual job fairs and networking events counting too - that's actually really helpful since I've been so focused on just submitting applications. I'll definitely look into what's available in my area. It's such a relief to hear from so many people who've successfully used non-WorkInTexas platforms without any issues!
I just wanted to chime in as someone who recently completed their unemployment period and found a job! I used exclusively Indeed and LinkedIn for my entire 12-week job search and never once touched WorkInTexas. Not only did I never have any issues with my benefits, but when I got randomly selected for a work search audit in week 8, the TWC representative actually complimented me on how well-organized my documentation was. My system was pretty simple: I kept a running Google Doc with each week separated by headers, and for each application I noted the date, company name, exact job title from the posting, platform used (Indeed/LinkedIn/company site), and a brief note about the role. I also saved PDF copies of job postings when possible since sometimes they get taken down. The audit was honestly way less scary than I expected - they just wanted to verify I was meeting the 3 weekly requirements and that my applications were to legitimate positions. Since I had detailed records from day one, the whole thing took about 15 minutes over the phone. Don't let anyone scare you into thinking you HAVE to use WorkInTexas - focus on applying to quality positions wherever you find them and keeping good records. You've got this!
This is exactly what I needed to hear! Congratulations on finding a job! Your experience with the audit is so reassuring - I've been anxious about potentially getting selected but knowing it was just a 15-minute phone call to verify records makes it seem much less intimidating. I love the tip about saving PDF copies of job postings since I've noticed some do disappear. Your Google Doc system sounds really organized and straightforward. It's inspiring to hear from someone who successfully completed the whole process using the same platforms I've been using. Thanks for taking the time to share your positive experience!
Wow, this thread turned into an amazing resource! I'm going through something similar right now - been trying to call TWC for days about a payment issue and getting nowhere. Reading through everyone's strategies has been incredibly helpful. I'm definitely going to check my Correspondence Inbox tonight (probably kicking myself for missing something obvious), and I'm saving all these alternative phone numbers. The Technical Support line at 800-939-6631 and the Work Search Services approach sound promising. It's frustrating that we have to become detective-level experts just to access our benefits, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people actually share what works. Going to try the exact 7:00 AM calling strategy tomorrow and see if I have better luck. Thanks everyone for turning this into such a comprehensive guide to beating the TWC phone system!
This thread really has become the ultimate TWC survival guide! I'm in a similar boat - just started my claim process and already dreading having to call if something goes wrong. Reading everyone's experiences has been both terrifying and incredibly helpful. I'm definitely bookmarking all these alternative numbers and strategies. The 7:00 AM exact timing trick seems to come up a lot, so that must really work. It's ridiculous that we need a whole community-sourced manual just to navigate a government system that's supposed to help us, but at least we're all helping each other out. Hope your payment issue gets resolved quickly!
Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm currently dealing with my own TWC nightmare - been trying to get through about a wage determination issue for over a week now. The phone system is absolutely brutal, but seeing all these creative workarounds gives me hope. I'm definitely going to check my Correspondence Inbox first thing (probably should have done that weeks ago), then try some of these alternative numbers if needed. The Technical Support line at 800-939-6631 and the Work Search Services approach sound particularly promising. It's wild that we've collectively figured out more effective ways to reach TWC than their own official guidance provides! Bookmarking this thread as the unofficial TWC customer service bible. Thanks to everyone for sharing what actually works instead of just the standard "keep trying" advice. This community support makes dealing with bureaucratic nightmares so much more manageable!
This thread really has become the ultimate resource for dealing with TWC! I've been lurking here for a while dealing with my own claim issues, and the collective knowledge everyone has shared is incredible. The wage determination issues can be particularly tricky - definitely check that Correspondence Inbox because those letters sometimes have super tight deadlines for appeals. I had a similar issue last year and almost missed the window because the notification was buried. The Technical Support line trick has worked for me multiple times when the main claims line was impossible. It's honestly sad that we've had to reverse-engineer better customer service than what TWC provides officially, but I'm so grateful for communities like this where people actually help each other navigate the system. Hope you get your wage determination sorted out quickly!
This thread is amazing - so grateful to everyone who shared their actual timelines! I'm on day 2 of waiting after completing ID.me verification Tuesday morning. Reading through all these experiences has really helped calm my nerves about the process. The 3-5 business day window seems super consistent across everyone's stories, and I love all the practical tips like checking the portal daily and setting up text notifications (just enabled mine!). It's such a relief to see that the system actually works, even though the waiting period is stressful when bills are piling up. Going to keep submitting my payment requests on schedule and hopefully see some progress by Friday. Thanks again to everyone for sharing - this is exactly the kind of real-world info we need when navigating TWC!
Day 2 is still really early in the process, so don't stress too much yet! Based on all the timelines shared in this thread, you should definitely see movement by Friday at the latest. It's great that you already set up the text notifications - that was one of the best tips I picked up from reading through everyone's experiences. The waiting really is the hardest part, especially when you know bills are coming due, but it sounds like you're doing everything right by staying on top of your payment requests. Hang in there, you're likely just 1-3 days away from seeing your funds!
This thread is incredibly helpful! I'm currently on day 1 after completing my ID.me verification this morning. The stress of waiting when you need those funds is real, but seeing everyone's actual timelines here (mostly 3-5 business days) is really reassuring. I had no idea about checking the TWC portal daily for status updates or setting up text notifications - definitely going to enable those right now! It's amazing how much better it feels to have realistic expectations instead of just wondering endlessly. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially the tip about continuing payment requests while waiting. This community support makes such a difference when dealing with TWC's system!
Welcome to day 1 of the waiting game! I just went through this exact process a few weeks ago and completely understand that mix of relief (finally got the verification done!) and anxiety (now what happens?). You're absolutely doing the right things by enabling those notifications and planning to check your portal daily. Based on everyone's timelines here, you should see your funds by Thursday or Friday at the latest. The hardest part is behind you - the actual ID.me verification - now it's just waiting for TWC's system to catch up. Keep up with those payment requests and try not to obsessively check your bank account like I did! You've got this!
I'm so sorry this happened to you! What your employer did is textbook pregnancy discrimination and you absolutely should file for unemployment benefits immediately. Don't let being close to your due date discourage you - your pregnancy actually strengthens your case, not weakens it. A few important points: - File your claim TODAY through WorkinTexas.com - When describing your separation, be clear that you were terminated after providing employer-requested medical documentation - Emphasize that reasonable accommodations were available (reassignment to older kids' rooms) - Keep all documentation - texts, emails, doctor's note, anything related to this You'll likely qualify for benefits right away, and when you give birth you can temporarily pause your claim during recovery, then resume when you're medically cleared to work again. Your claim stays open during that time. Also consider filing an EEOC complaint within 180 days - it's free and could result in additional compensation for the discrimination. You don't need a lawyer to file either the unemployment claim or EEOC complaint, though consulting one wouldn't hurt if you can manage it later. Stay strong - you're fighting for your rights and your baby's future! 💪
This is such comprehensive advice, thank you! I feel so much more confident about applying now. I was really scared they'd automatically deny me because of my due date, but understanding that my pregnancy actually protects me legally changes everything. I'm definitely filing tonight and will keep all my documentation organized. The EEOC option is something I hadn't considered at all - 180 days gives me time to focus on the unemployment claim first and then look into that. Really appreciate you taking the time to break this down so clearly!
This is absolutely infuriating - what they did to you is completely illegal! You have a rock-solid case here. Apply for unemployment benefits IMMEDIATELY through WorkinTexas.com - don't wait another day. Here's the key thing everyone's mentioned but I want to emphasize: being 3 weeks from your due date actually HELPS your case, not hurts it. This is textbook pregnancy discrimination under both state and federal law. They literally asked YOU to bring documentation, then fired you when you complied! When you file, be crystal clear: "Employer requested medical documentation for pregnancy-related lifting restrictions. After providing doctor's note limiting lifting to 5lbs, employer terminated me rather than reassigning me to available positions that would accommodate restrictions." Document EVERYTHING - save those texts where they asked for the note, keep your doctor's paperwork, write down dates and conversations while they're fresh. You'll likely get approved quickly since this is such clear wrongful termination. And yes, definitely file that EEOC complaint too within 180 days. Many employment lawyers take discrimination cases on contingency (no upfront costs) if you decide to pursue that route later. You've got this mama - focus on getting your benefits flowing first, then worry about holding them accountable for this discrimination! 💪
Thank you so much for this encouraging response! I was honestly feeling pretty defeated and worried I wouldn't have any options, but reading everyone's advice here has given me hope. I had no idea that what happened to me was so clearly illegal - I thought maybe they had the right to let me go since I couldn't do all parts of my job anymore. But you're absolutely right that they could have easily moved me to work with the older kids where heavy lifting isn't needed. I'm going to apply online right now and make sure I explain exactly what happened. It's such a relief to know that my pregnancy actually strengthens my case rather than making it harder. I'll definitely save all those texts and start documenting everything properly. Thank you for the reminder about the EEOC deadline too - having 180 days gives me some breathing room to handle the unemployment first. Really appreciate all the support from everyone here! 🙏
Michael Green
That's AMAZING news!!! 🎉 I'm so happy for you! I remember being in that same anxious headspace waiting for my decision last year. It's such a huge relief when you finally get that validation that you were right to leave an unsafe situation. Your supervisor probably thought they could get away with creating those conditions, but TWC obviously saw right through it. Enjoy those back payments when they hit - you definitely earned them after all that stress!
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AstroAce
•Thank you so much! It really is such a relief. I was starting to doubt myself and wondering if I made the right choice leaving that job, but seeing it in writing that TWC agreed with me feels incredible. You're absolutely right about the validation - it's not just about the money, it's about knowing that what I experienced was actually wrong and unsafe. I'm definitely going to treat myself to something nice once those back payments come through! 😊
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Demi Hall
Wow, what a rollercoaster! I've been following your story and I'm so thrilled you won your appeal! 🙌 It's incredible how much stress and anxiety these hearings cause, but you stuck to your guns about the unsafe conditions and it paid off. Stories like yours give me hope for others going through similar situations. Quick tip from someone who's been through this process - keep screenshots of your determination letter and any correspondence about your win, just in case there are any hiccups with the payment processing. TWC's systems can be glitchy sometimes and having that documentation saved you from potential headaches down the road. Congratulations again and thanks for sharing your journey with all of us!
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Jake Sinclair
•This is such great advice about keeping screenshots! I learned this the hard way during my own TWC ordeal last year when they had a "system glitch" that made my determination letter disappear from my online account for like 2 weeks. I was panicking thinking I'd have to start over, but luckily I had saved everything to my phone. TWC's tech issues are no joke - definitely better to be overprepared than scrambling later. @MoonlightSonata you've been through enough stress already, so protect yourself with good documentation habits going forward!
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