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When I went through this last month, I tried calling TWC for DAYS with no luck - just constant busy signals and disconnections. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a TWC agent within 20 minutes. Totally worth it because the agent confirmed my payment was approved even though I hadn't received any letter. They even have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/V-IMvH88P1U?si=kNxmh025COIlIzKh. Saved me a week of anxiety wondering if I'd actually get paid.
I just wanted to follow up on my earlier comment. I did some research, and according to TWC's own guidelines, the current average processing time for Commission Reviews is approximately 6-9 months. This was extended during COVID to 10-12 months, but should have returned to the standard timeframe by now. Your 18-month wait is definitely outside their normal processing window. I strongly recommend utilizing the TWC Ombudsman office - this is a resource many claimants don't know about. The Ombudsman serves as an independent, neutral party within TWC that can investigate delays and other issues. You can reach them at: ombudsman@twc.texas.gov Include your case number, the timeline of events, and specifically mention that your case has exceeded the standard Commission Review timeframe by more than 6 months. This often produces results when regular channels have failed.
UPDATE: I just called the Appeals Department number that someone mentioned (512-463-8770) and FINALLY got some real information. Apparently there was a "system flag" on my case because my employer submitted additional documentation in March 2024 that I was never notified about! The rep said they're supposed to share any new evidence with both parties, but somehow I was never sent the documents. So my case has been sitting there because of THEIR mistake. The rep apologized and said she would have someone call me back within 3 business days to resolve this issue. I'll update again when I hear more, but everyone should definitely try calling the Appeals Department directly instead of the main TWC number!
i got denied when i quit my job at the mall even tho my manager was totally crazy and yelled at me infront of customers. twc said i should have just reported her to corporate but corporate never answers their phones lol. the whole system is rigged
In follow-up to your question about the appeal hearing process: Appeal hearings are typically conducted by phone with a Hearing Officer (sometimes called an Administrative Law Judge). Both you and your former employer will receive notice about the hearing date and time. During the hearing: - You'll be sworn in - The Hearing Officer explains the process and issues being decided - Both sides present testimony and evidence - You can question your employer and vice versa - The Hearing Officer asks clarifying questions Advice for the hearing: - Organize your evidence in chronological order - Prepare a brief outline of key points - Speak clearly and stick to relevant facts - Have your documentation readily available - Stay professional even if your employer makes false statements The decision typically comes by mail within 1-2 weeks after the hearing. If you lose the appeal, you can request a re-appeal to the TWC Commission, though the bar for overturning the Hearing Officer's decision is high.
Update: I filed my claim yesterday following everyone's advice. I listed my separation reason as layoff due to acquisition and explained the situation in detail. I uploaded my last paystub, leave approval, and return-to-work date documentation. Fingers crossed it goes through smoothly! I'll update once I hear anything.
That's absolutely correct about requesting payments. So many people make the mistake of waiting for approval before making their biweekly payment requests. Even if your claim is still under review, log in and request payment when scheduled. If approved, you'll receive all eligible back payments for properly requested weeks.
To answer your question about documentation - yes, I had emails showing I told my recruiter I could only accept assignments within 30 miles due to transportation issues. When Randstad offered something 50+ miles away, I had the email showing the location and my response explaining why I couldn't accept it. One more important tip: if you do file for unemployment, make absolutely sure you continue doing your work search activities even if Randstad says they're working on placing you. TWC requires 3 work search activities per week regardless of what your temp agency says they're doing. I've seen people get denied because they relied only on their agency and didn't do their own job searching.
One final consideration for your situation: since your assignment is ending December 31st, be aware that TWC's phone lines and website typically experience extremely high volume in early January. Many seasonal and year-end contracts terminate December 31st, creating a surge in new claims. If Randstad doesn't place you within those 3 days, I'd recommend filing your initial claim online rather than by phone if possible. The online system is generally more reliable during high-volume periods. Save screenshots of your application in case there are any technical issues. Also, the first payment request period after filing a new claim often has a one-week waiting period (non-payable week). Plan your finances accordingly for that initial gap.
I want to reassure you that if you already applied for DUA within the initial application window after Hurricane Samuel (which was April 15-May 15, 2025), your application should still be in their system. The process should work like this: 1. You exhaust regular UI benefits 2. TWC should automatically review your eligibility for DUA at that point 3. If additional documentation is needed, they'll contact you That said, government bureaucracy being what it is, it's always best to be proactive. About 2-3 weeks before your regular benefits end, contact the DUA specialists directly. Document every call (date, time, representative name, and what they told you). Also, continue to file your payment requests during the transition period so there's no gap in your claim history. This creates a record showing you remained unemployed due to the disaster throughout.
UPDATE: Finally got through to TWC this morning! For anyone else in this situation, here's what they told me: 1. Since I already applied for DUA within the 30-day window after Hurricane Samuel, my application is still valid 2. When my regular UI exhausts, I need to call them directly to activate the DUA benefits 3. There won't be any automatic transition - I have to initiate it 4. I should call 2 weeks before my regular benefits end 5. I need to bring proof my workplace is still closed due to hurricane damage Thank you everyone for your help! This community is amazing.
Just wondering - what kind of separation issue was your appeal about? Misconduct or voluntary quit? I'm asking because I've noticed misconduct appeals seem to take longer than quit-related ones. In my case (voluntary quit for good cause), I got my decision in exactly 8 business days. My friend who had a misconduct appeal waited almost a month.
It's a misconduct issue. My employer is claiming I was terminated for violating company policy, but I never received any warnings and the "violation" was something everyone did with manager approval. Now I'm really worried it's going to take forever to resolve.
mine took 12 days back in ferbuary. check ur mail everyday thats how i found out i won my apeal. good luck hope u get ur money!!
my friend had something kinda like this and she ended up having to go to an appeal hearing. she won tho! the judge could totally tell the boss was lying. make sure you write down everything that happened with dates so you dont forget anything important during the hearing!
Just checking back - were you able to reach TWC? One thing I forgot to mention is that if they rule against you initially, don't panic! You have 14 days to appeal, and many cases get reversed on appeal, especially when the employer responded late and there's documentation supporting your claim.
Yes! I used Claimyr this morning and got through to TWC in about 20 minutes. The agent confirmed they received my paystub and said the employer's late response was noted in my file. They've escalated my case to a supervisor for review and said I should hear something within 5-7 business days. Fingers crossed! Thanks again for your help.
Giovanni Mancini
my brother forgot to put his unemployment on his taxes last year and got a letter from the irs about it... they automatically get the info from twc so dont forget to include it or theyll come after u
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Jamal Wilson
•Thanks for the warning! I'll definitely make sure to include it on my return.
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Liam Fitzgerald
oh another thing nobody mentined... if u had any overpayments that u paid back to twc make sure thats reflected on ur 1099!! sometimes they mess that up and u end up paying taxes on money u had to return
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