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Update: I applied yesterday and listed both income sources. The online system was confusing but I managed to get through it. Now my claim status says "under review" and mentions something about determining my "base period wages" - whatever that means. Guess I'll be making some phone calls to figure out what's next. Thanks for all the advice everyone!
Base period" wages refers to how they calculate your benefit amount - they look at your earnings over the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters. This is why documentation is so important. Since'we re in Q2 of 2025 now,'they ll look at your income from January-December 2024. "The under" review status is normal while they verify both incomesources.
btw the hearng will probly be over the phone not in person. thats how mine was. make sure ur in a quite place with good signal so u dont get cut off!!!
Good point. Also make sure your phone is charged! My hearing lasted almost an hour.
The real problem is TWC is DESIGNED to side with employers initially. They know most people give up and don't appeal. And they make the appeal process as slow and painful as possible hoping even more people give up. I filed a complaint with the DOL after my case because of how they handled it. Didn't change anything for me personally but maybe if enough people report the issues they'll be forced to improve the system.
While there are certainly issues with the system, I don't think it's fair to say TWC is designed to side with employers. The initial determination process is just more streamlined and doesn't always allow for thorough review of all evidence. That's precisely why the appeal process exists - to provide a more comprehensive review when needed. The backlog is unfortunate but it's more a result of understaffing than an intentional barrier.
To address the original poster's follow-up question: If your workplace suffered additional damage from Beryl that extends your unemployment period, you should contact TWC to update your existing DUA claim. While you don't need to file a completely new claim, you may need to provide documentation showing the extended impact. This could include a letter from your employer stating the additional closure time due specifically to Beryl damage, photos of new damage, or repair estimates showing the extended timeline. The key is documenting that your unemployment duration has been extended specifically because of the subsequent hurricane damage.
This is super helpful, thank you! I'll get a letter from my boss explaining the situation with the extended closure. Really appreciate the clear advice.
guys remember to keep requesting payment every 2 weeks even while dealing with this confusion!! i almost forgot my payment request with all this beryl stuff happening
One important thing to remember about DUA that many people miss: You need to provide proof of employment within 21 days of applying. This can be pay stubs, employment records, or bank statements showing deposits from your employer. Since you're still with the same employer, ask them for a letter confirming your employment status and the dates you were temporarily laid off due to the disaster. Having this documentation ready will prevent delays in your claim processing.
I didn't realize I needed documentation! My boss already offered to write a letter explaining the situation since several of us are applying for DUA. We were closed for repairs after 2 feet of water got into the restaurant. I'll make sure to upload that with my application.
Paolo Conti
Hey, quick question - did you have any changes in your work situation during that pay period? Sometimes even a small shift can trigger a denial.
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Dylan Wright
•Now that you mention it, I did pick up a small gig for like 2 days. I reported it, but maybe that's what caused it?
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Paolo Conti
•Yep, that could definitely be it! Make sure you have all the details about that gig when you call them. Good luck!
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Amina Sow
idk man, maybe its time to learn to code 💻
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