Update on your question about documentation: Even without written documentation, you can still make a strong case. Focus on: 1. The recency of the procedure change 2. How the training was conducted 3. Whether others also misunderstood the new procedure 4. Your overall performance history before this incident During your interview, clearly articulate that you were making a good-faith effort to follow procedures but misunderstood some aspect of the new process. The fact that you made the same specific mistake consistently actually helps your case - it shows a genuine misunderstanding rather than negligence. Regarding the phone interview timeline: Currently TWC is scheduling these about 2-3 weeks after initial claims are filed for separation issues. Continue requesting payment every two weeks even while waiting for the determination.

I went through something very similar with a call center job in Dallas. Got fired for "policy violations" that were really just me not understanding a new system they rolled out. TWC approved my benefits after the phone interview because I was able to show it was an honest mistake, not willful misconduct. The key things that helped me: 1) I emphasized my good work history before the incident, 2) I explained exactly how the new procedure was confusing, and 3) I stayed calm and factual during the interview. Don't let them intimidate you - honest mistakes happen and TWC knows the difference between that and actual misconduct. File your claim ASAP and don't stress too much about the employer fighting it. Most of these cases come down to whether you were trying to do your job correctly or not, and it sounds like you clearly were.

Final advice about your appeal: Make sure to keep requesting payments every two weeks even while your appeal is pending. Complete and document all 3 work search activities for each week. If your appeal is approved, TWC will release any payments that were held during the appeal process. But if you don't continue requesting payments during this time, you can't receive those benefits retroactively even if you win your appeal.

Good luck with your appeal! I went through something similar a few months ago and it's really stressful. One thing that helped me was creating a simple spreadsheet to track all my work search activities going forward - date, company name, method (online application, phone call, etc.), and confirmation numbers if available. This makes it super easy to reference if they ever question your activities again. Also, when you do your appeal, be very specific about the dates and what activities you completed for that week - show them you were actively job searching, just short by one activity due to the misunderstanding. The fact that you're being proactive about fixing this and following all the advice here shows you're handling it the right way!

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!

Just to clarify for everyone - there's an important distinction between regular Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits exhaustion and Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). When your regular UI benefits exhaust, you typically don't automatically qualify for DUA unless you're in an area affected by a federally declared disaster AND your continued unemployment is directly related to that disaster. The OP may have qualified because they were in an affected area and could demonstrate their continued unemployment was disaster-related. For most people whose benefits have exhausted, Extended Benefits or other UI extensions would be more appropriate than DUA (when available). If you need to contact TWC about your specific situation, persistence is key. If you're struggling to get through on the phone, consider scheduling an in-person appointment at your local Workforce Solutions office. They can sometimes help facilitate communication with TWC.

This is really helpful to hear! I've been struggling to get through to TWC for weeks after my benefits exhausted in early July. I'm also in one of the flood-affected counties but didn't realize I might still be able to apply for DUA. Did you have to provide any documentation proving your job loss was disaster-related, or was being in an affected county enough? Also, when you say you "completed 6 payment requests" - were those for all the weeks between when your regular benefits ended and when the DUA was approved? I'm trying to figure out how much backpay might be possible if I can get through to someone helpful like you did.