dont forget u have to do 3 work search activities EVERY WEEK and record them!! they can audit u and ask for proof so keep track of everything. i just use a spreadsheet with dates and companies i applied to

Yes, activities like updating your resume, attending job fairs, and participating in job-related workshops can count toward your work search requirements. TWC has a list of qualifying activities on their website. However, most of your activities should be actual job applications. Also, an important tip: After you're approved, you'll need to request payment every two weeks. Set a reminder for yourself because if you miss a payment request period, you may not be able to claim those weeks later. And finally, while you're waiting for approval, start your work search activities right away. You'll need to report them for your waiting week and every week after, even before you're approved.

One more thing! Make sure she requests payment on her designated filing day after applying! So many people file the initial claim and then don't realize they have to REQUEST PAYMENT every two weeks on a specific day of the week (based on the last digit of their SSN). Missing payment requests can mess up the whole claim!

To answer your earlier question - yes, payment requests are also done online through the same TWC account or through Tele-Serv (automated phone system). You'll need to help her request payment every two weeks, and she'll need to report any work and earnings during that period. For the Gmail account, make sure she can access it independently if possible. TWC sends important notices through email, and you don't want to miss a determination letter or appeal deadline because you weren't checking her email. Also, after the initial claim is processed (usually 2-3 weeks), she'll receive a Statement of Benefits in the mail that shows her weekly benefit amount (WBA). Check this carefully - if there are errors in her work history, this is when you'll see them reflected in a lower benefit amount.

UI claim specialist here. This 'inactive status' situation is extremely common, especially in industries like warehousing, retail, and hospitality. You qualify for benefits under TWC rules as long as: 1) Your reduction in hours was not your fault (which appears to be the case) 2) You're available to work (make sure you indicate this) 3) You're actively seeking work (minimum 3 work search activities per week) When you file, select 'still employed but hours reduced' and clearly explain your situation. If approved, you'll need to submit payment requests every two weeks and report any hours/wages if your employer does eventually give you some shifts. If your initial claim is denied, immediately file an appeal - you have 14 calendar days to do so. Many employers contest these claims despite them being legitimate, and appeals are often successful when the facts show zero hours for an extended period.

my company did this to me and called it 'temporarily furloughed' but it was just a way to not lay people off officially. i got unemployment no problem!! just make sure you do your work searches even though technically your still employed!

my brother had to pay back like $5000 to twc last year and he just ignored it. now they're garnishing his wages lol. dont be like my brother

Important point: If your second appeal is denied, you still have options before paying. You can request a payment plan to spread out the repayment, or in some cases, file for a waiver of overpayment if repaying would cause financial hardship. Don't ignore the overpayment notices though - that leads to collection actions including tax refund intercepts and eventual wage garnishment. Also, continue your work search and benefit requests while this is pending. The appeal process doesn't stop your ongoing benefits unless they specifically tell you otherwise.

wait so they TOLD u that gifts from friends count?? that makes no sense. did they say anything about how theyd even know about cash that wasnt from ur job???

If you really wanna hear something crazy I got furloughed last year then they gave us all "retention bonuses" to stay with the company even though we weren't working any hours? Makes no sense. TWC counted that against my benefits even though I wasn't actually working to earn it. The whole system is weird.