im about to start a new job next week after unemployment and now im worried the same thing will happen with my final payment! does anyone know if theres a way to get proof when you submit a payment request? like maybe print the screen or something?

Quick update on appeal timing: As of 2025, TWC appeal hearings for payment request issues are currently being scheduled about 4-6 weeks out from filing. This is actually faster than it was last year when the backlog was much worse. So if you do decide to appeal, you might not have to wait as long as some people experienced in the past.

make sure ur checking ur spam folder for emails from TWC too! i missed a request for additional info and it delayed my claim by like 2 weeks 🤦‍♀️

Just wanted to update that based on recent reports from other claimants, TWC seems to be experiencing higher than normal processing times for regular unemployment claims right now. I've heard from several people who waited 4-5 weeks for approval in July and August. If you're approaching week 4 with no changes, that's when I'd recommend trying to reach someone by phone or through your state representative.

That helps your case then. Warehouse jobs have high injury rates and TWC knows this. They'll be more likely to suspect retaliation. My buddy won his appeal in a similar situation. Just make sure you mention it was a warehouse job during your appeal.

The key thing that helped me win my appeal was proving the real reason was different than what the employer claimed. If they told you \

To answer your follow-up questions: 1. Yes, you need to do 3 work search activities EVERY week starting immediately, even before your first payment request. 2. You don't need to upload proof with each request, but you need to keep records in case you're audited. TWC randomly checks people's work search activities. 3. WorkInTexas.com is separate from your TWC account. It's Texas's job matching system - you need to register there as part of your unemployment requirements. 4. And yes, job fairs definitely count as work search activities! Just make sure to get some kind of proof you attended (take a photo, get a flyer, etc).

Glad you're getting on track! One more thing - when you do your first payment request, have your bank account information ready for direct deposit setup if you haven't done that already. It's much faster than waiting for a debit card or paper check.

After reading through all the comments, I want to add a few more points: 1. If you do decide to quit, be very specific in your TWC application about the hostile work environment and retaliation. Use the phrase "constructive discharge" - it's when an employer deliberately creates intolerable working conditions forcing an employee to resign. 2. Texas law protects workers who report sexual assault from retaliation. Cutting hours after your report could qualify as retaliation. 3. When documenting, include dates, times, what was said/done, and who witnessed it. 4. If you're able to speak with a TWC representative directly about your situation before filing, that can be helpful. The standard phone lines are usually jammed, which is why someone mentioned Claimyr - it can be worth it for complex cases like yours.

So sorry you're going through this! One thing nobody mentioned - if you do need to quit, try to line up another job first if possible. Even with a valid "good cause" quit, TWC benefits can take 4-6 weeks to start if everything goes smoothly, and MUCH longer if your employer contests it (which they probably will). My determination letter took 8 weeks, and then I had to appeal which took another month. I almost lost my apartment waiting for benefits to start. Just something to prepare for financially if you can.