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TWC denial after being fired - can I qualify now after layoff from new job?
So my unemployment situation is confusing me right now. I was put on a performance improvement plan (PIP) at my old job before getting fired about 6 months ago. I filed for unemployment right away but TWC denied my claim (said it was for misconduct I guess?). After that, I found a new job pretty quick and was working there for about 3 months until last week when they did a mass layoff and our entire department got cut. No warning at all! Now I'm wondering if I can file for unemployment again? Will my previous denial affect this new claim? And since I only worked at this latest company for 3 months instead of 4 quarters, will I even qualify? I really need some help understanding the base period calculation and if my previous wages count at all toward a new claim. Does anyone know if being laid off now (which wasn't my fault) changes things from my previous denial? I'm stressing over bills already.
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Did TWC Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) end on November 17th?
Can anyone confirm if DUA benefits for hurricane victims actually ended on Nov 17th? My neighbor said her payments stopped coming, but I thought we had until mid-December. I was affected by the flooding in East Texas and just got approved last month, but now I'm worried my benefits are going to suddenly stop. I've tried calling TWC literally 32 times this week and can't get through to ask them directly. The TWC website is super confusing about the end date. Has anyone received a DUA payment AFTER Nov 17th? I'm freaking out because I was counting on this to help with rent next month since my workplace is still closed for repairs.
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Why don't you just call the FEMA helpline instead? They coordinate with TWC on disaster benefits. I found them MUCH easier to reach than TWC. They helped me understand my DUA timeline when I couldn't get through to TWC.
This is partially correct but potentially misleading. While FEMA does coordinate with TWC on disaster declarations, they don't administer the DUA program directly. FEMA representatives often don't have access to specific claim details in the TWC system and can only provide general information about DUA eligibility periods. For specific claim questions, you still need to speak with TWC directly.
UPDATE: I finally got through to TWC this morning! For anyone who has the same question - DUA end dates vary depending on which disaster affected you. The November 17th date was specifically for Hurricane Emily victims in certain counties. My benefits (Jefferson County flooding) actually continue until January 15, 2026! The agent said I should have received a determination letter with this info, but they had my old address on file so I never got it. She's sending a new copy. Thank you everyone for your help! Such a relief to know I've still got benefits while my workplace is being repaired.
That's great news! Always a good reminder to keep your address updated with TWC. Glad you got it sorted out.
TWC denied my claim after employer suddenly changed positions - need appeal help
I'm completely lost about what to do with my TWC claim. My employer basically ghosted me and then fought my unemployment! Here's what happened: I was working as a cleaning staff member and one day my trainer called asking for the keys back. When I asked if I was being let go, she said she didn't know and told me to speak with the supervisor the next day. I called the supervisor first and actually asked if I needed to return my work shirts, and she said no and claimed she had a "better job" for me. When I went in, she described this supposedly better position and asked when I could start. I said the next day, and she told me she'd call me after speaking with the new trainer. She NEVER called me back. I tried calling her for 3 days straight with no answer. After being ghosted like this, I filed for unemployment. Now TWC sent me a determination letter saying I was denied because the employer claimed the "client wasn't satisfied with my work." This was NEVER mentioned to me - the supervisor would regularly call during my shifts to check if everything was okay! I had no performance warnings at all. How do I appeal this? I feel like they're completely making things up to avoid paying unemployment. Has anyone successfully appealed in a similar situation?
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Make sure you request a copy of your employer's response to TWC before your hearing! You have a right to see what they claimed about you. This way you can prepare to address their specific allegations. Call TWC and ask for this information - it might take some persistence to get through. Btw what kind of cleaning job was it? My wife works in that industry and unfortunately this kind of thing happens a lot with certain companies.
It was office cleaning for a small business complex. Evening shifts, about 25 hours a week. And thanks for the tip about requesting their response - I had no idea I could do that!
After your appeal is filed, TWC will mail you a notice with the date and time of your hearing, which will likely be conducted by phone due to the high volume of cases they handle. Make sure your phone number is current in the TWC system! On the day of the hearing: 1. Be in a quiet place with good reception 2. Have all your notes and evidence ready 3. Don't interrupt others (the hearing officer will give you time to respond) 4. Answer questions directly and truthfully 5. If you don't understand something, ask for clarification And remember to keep requesting payment every two weeks while waiting for your appeal. If you win, you'll receive benefits for all eligible weeks you requested payment.
This is really helpful - thank you! I didn't realize I needed to keep requesting payments during the appeal. I definitely wouldn't have known to do that.
TWC denied my claim because I 'quit' but texts show I was going to be fired for attendance - appeal help needed
I have an appeal hearing next week and I'm freaking out about how to handle it. TWC denied my benefits saying I quit voluntarily, and the exact wording on the determination letter is 'quit due to fear of possibly losing job'. But here's what actually happened: I was at 9.75 attendance points (company policy is termination at 10 points) and my supervisor texted me saying if I came in that day, I'd be fired on the spot. I panicked and texted my supervisor asking what to do, then messaged HR begging to keep my job. My supervisor got mad that I went over their head and told me to turn in my badge. They suggested it would be 'better to quit so I could reapply later' - which is what I wanted since I actually liked working there. I have screenshots of EVERYTHING - the texts saying I'd be fired if I came in, the email showing company policy that 9+ occurrences = written warning and 10 = termination. Since I was at 9.75, technically they shouldn't have fired me yet according to their own policy. What are my chances at the appeal hearing? Do I focus on the fact that I was essentially forced to quit? Or that they were violating their own attendance policy? I've never done one of these hearings before and I'm super nervous about facing my former employer.
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One more important thing: keep requesting payment every two weeks while your appeal is pending! If you win, they'll pay you for all those weeks, but ONLY if you've been submitting your payment requests on time. A lot of people forget to do this during the appeal process and miss out on weeks of benefits.
I didn't know this! I haven't been requesting payments because I assumed I couldn't while the appeal was happening. Thank you for telling me - going to do this right away!
Almost forgot - make sure you understand exactly how the hearing works. It'll be a phone call with you, the hearing officer (like a judge), and probably your former employer. You'll all be sworn in. The hearing officer asks questions first, then you and the employer each get to tell your side. At the end, you can make a final statement. Be super professional no matter what your ex-employer says. Don't argue or get emotional even if they lie. Just say "That's not accurate" and refer to your evidence. Also, expect the call to last 30-60 minutes, so be somewhere quiet where you won't be interrupted.
Thank you! I was planning to take the call from home, but I have a barking dog. Maybe I should go sit in my car instead to make sure it's quiet.
Definitely take it from your car if that's the quietest option! Also, USE HEADPHONES - it helps you hear better and sounds more professional. And have a phone charger just in case!
TWC claim after bar closed suddenly - employer ghosted us with no termination notice
I'm in a really tough spot with filing for unemployment. I've been bartending at this local place for almost 2 years, and the owner just completely shut down without warning on Sunday. He sent one message in our work group chat saying 'Business is closed permanently as of today. Final checks will be mailed.' Then he deleted the group chat, blocked everyone's numbers, and disappeared. I filed for TWC benefits yesterday, but I don't have any official termination letter or documentation. All I have is a screenshot of his message before he deleted the chat. Will TWC accept this as proof I was laid off? Has anyone dealt with a situation like this where your employer just vanishes? I'm worried they'll deny my claim without official paperwork.
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btw if ur stressing about money while waiting, once ur claim is approved they'll backpay u for all the weeks u requested payment during the waiting period. so make sure u keep requesting payment every 2 weeks even if its still pending
That's a huge relief! I was worried I'd just lose those weeks of benefits.
It's worth mentioning that your situation is classified as a "lack of work" separation, which is one of the clearest qualifications for unemployment benefits. When a business closes entirely, there's no question that the separation wasn't your fault. Your claim should be straightforward once TWC completes their verification process. The most important thing now is staying on top of your payment requests and work search activities while your claim is processing.
That makes me feel better about my chances of getting approved. I'll definitely keep up with the payment requests and work search.
Luca Marino
Make sure you do your work search activities too!!! They will deny you if you aren't doing the required number each week (it's 3 for most counties in Texas). Document EVERYTHING. The system is designed to trip people up!
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Anastasia Ivanova
I just wanted to update everyone - I filed my new claim yesterday and made sure to clearly explain the layoff situation. The online system says my claim is under review, so now I'm just waiting. I also reached out to my former manager who agreed to provide a letter confirming the department-wide layoff. Thanks everyone for the advice - I'll update when I hear something!
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Aisha Rahman
That's great! Having documentation of the layoff should help a lot. The review process usually takes about 21 days, but it can be faster. Good luck!
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