Thanks for the tip! We'll definitely send it certified mail. On average, how long after they receive the documentation did most of you see the payment get released?

Just went through this exact same situation last month! My advice - don't panic, this is actually pretty routine. When I marked "unable to work" for my surgery days, my payment went into review status within 24 hours. The key things that helped me: - I kept requesting payments every week even while under review (this is CRUCIAL) - I gathered all my hospital discharge papers and doctor notes ahead of time - When the form arrived, I responded within 48 hours The whole process took about 8 business days from when I sent back the documentation. I did lose payment for the 3 days I was actually in the hospital, but got full benefits for the other days in that week when I was available to work. Your husband did the right thing by being honest - lying would have been way worse if they found out later. Hang in there, it will get resolved!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this stress! The good news is that appeals for work search requirement misunderstandings do have a decent success rate, especially when it's clearly an honest mistake like yours. Since you mentioned you were on unemployment in 2023 with the 2-activity requirement, that actually strengthens your case - it shows you had legitimate reason to be confused about the current requirements. A few additional tips for your appeal: 1) Include the specific dates you completed your 2 work search activities and what they were (online applications, networking calls, etc.) to demonstrate good faith effort, 2) Mention that you've been otherwise compliant with all other TWC requirements, and 3) State clearly that you now understand the 3-activity requirement and will comply going forward. The 14-day appeal deadline is firm, so definitely get that submitted ASAP. And yes, absolutely keep requesting payments with 3+ documented activities each week while your appeal is pending. Hang in there - this kind of bureaucratic mistake happens more often than you'd think, and TWC does recognize that people can genuinely misunderstand changing requirements!

I just went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! The stress is absolutely terrible, especially when you're depending on those payments. Here's what worked for me: I appealed immediately (which you've already done - good job!) and made sure to be super thorough in documenting everything going forward. One thing that really helped my case was that I printed out screenshots from the TWC website showing the old requirements from when I was previously unemployed, compared to the current requirements. This visual evidence of how the rules changed really seemed to resonate with the appeals officer. Also, don't let anyone discourage you about the process taking forever - mine was actually resolved in about 3 weeks, and I got all my back payments once it was approved. The key is staying on top of your weekly requests and doing those 3 work searches religiously. You're handling this the right way by being proactive and getting good advice from this community. Keep us updated on how it goes!

keep us updated!! i hope it works out for you!! the system is so unfair sometimes.

I went through something similar last year, though not quite as long a delay. A few additional tips that helped me: 1. Request a copy of your complete claim file from TWC before the hearing - you're entitled to see everything they have, including what your employer submitted 2. If your employer is claiming you were fired for misconduct, ask them to provide specific documentation of warnings, write-ups, or policies you allegedly violated 3. Keep the focus on facts, not emotions - even though it's infuriating to deal with this so long after the fact The good news is that TWC generally doesn't like to reverse determinations without compelling new evidence. Since you were already approved and followed all the rules during your benefit period, you're in a stronger position than someone appealing an initial denial. Also consider filing a complaint with TWC about the excessive delay if this causes you financial hardship - there should be reasonable time limits on when employers can challenge determinations.

Update to my earlier comment: I just checked TWC's official documentation. If you missed payment requests because the system didn't allow you to request them (as opposed to simply forgetting), you can file for what's called "backdated payment requests" after winning your appeal. You'll need to explain that the system didn't provide the option. Don't wait though - call them now to document your situation and get proper guidance for your specific case.

I'm going through something similar right now - filed my appeal two weeks ago and just realized I haven't been requesting payments because the option disappeared from my account too! This thread is a lifesaver. I had no idea we were supposed to keep requesting during appeals. Called Tele-Serv this morning after reading these comments and was able to submit my request for this week. For anyone else in this situation, the Tele-Serv number (800-558-8321) does work even when your online account doesn't show the payment request option. Just have your SSN and PIN ready. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences here - this could have cost me weeks of benefits!

Quick update on the evidence question - yes, you should provide whatever documentation you have. For my wage claim, I included: 1. A copy of my time card for the final week 2. Text messages with my manager about my last day 3. A calculation of exactly what I was owed (hours × rate) 4. Evidence that I attempted to collect my check (texts asking about it) TWC actually resolved my case pretty quickly (about 6 weeks total). The online submission is definitely faster than mail. The form will ask for very specific information about your employment, so have your start date, end date, job title, manager's name, etc. ready before you begin.

Just wanted to add that if you do decide to file for unemployment benefits alongside your wage claim, make sure to mention the excessive mandatory overtime when you fill out your application. Texas considers "working conditions that are so unreasonable that a person of ordinary prudence would have felt compelled to resign" as good cause for quitting. Working 12 days straight and consistently being scheduled for 50+ hours when you requested fewer hours could definitely fall under this category. Keep all those text messages and schedule copies - they'll be crucial evidence for both your wage claim and any potential unemployment case. Good luck getting your money back!