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TWC eligibility after 7 months at job - fired in February 2024

Hey everyone, I just got terminated from my job last week after working there for 7 months (started in July 2023 and let go in February 2024). I've never filed for unemployment before and I'm wondering if I even qualify with only 7 months of work history? The termination wasn't my fault - they said it was due to 'business needs' but I'm worried that my employment wasn't long enough to qualify for TWC benefits. Does anyone know what the minimum employment time is to qualify in Texas? I'm stressing out about bills already.

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

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Good to know about the work search requirements! I'll definitely track everything carefully. Do activities like updating my resume or attending job fairs count toward the 3 weekly activities?

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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.

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I'll check out that list of qualifying activities. And good point about the payment requests - I'll definitely set calendar reminders so I don't miss any deadlines. This process seems pretty detailed but at least now I feel like I know what to expect!

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TWC application timeout + can't reach human agent after layoff due to medical issue

Hi everyone, I'm in a frustrating situation with my unemployment claim. I was recently laid off because I need cataract surgery (which I can't afford without insurance now - great timing, right?). I filed for TWC benefits about 6 weeks ago, but the system is telling me my application might have timed out or expired because it's been sitting too long. Every time I call TWC, I get stuck in endless menu loops or get disconnected. I've tried mornings, afternoons, even right when they open - NOTHING works! Has anyone successfully reached a human being there recently? Also, does anyone know if I need to completely redo my application or if there's a way to just update/reactivate my existing one? I'm running out of savings and getting pretty desperate.

Yes, absolutely mention in your application that you can do desk work after the initial recovery period. This demonstrates that you're available for suitable work, which is a key requirement for UI benefits. When you refile, be very explicit about: 1. The exact reason for separation (laid off due to upcoming medical procedure) 2. Your work capabilities during recovery 3. The temporary nature of your medical restriction Regarding your work search: focus on applying for jobs that you could physically perform during recovery. Document these clearly on your payment request forms. This approach shows TWC you're making good faith efforts to find suitable employment despite temporary medical limitations.

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Thank you! I just checked and I have access to my TWC account still, so I'll start the new application tonight. One last question - will they backdate benefits to when I first lost my job, or only from when I submit this new application?

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Unfortunately, TWC generally won't backdate benefits to your original filing date if your application expired due to inactivity. Benefits will typically start from the week you submit your new application. However, if you can prove that system errors or inability to reach TWC prevented you from completing your original application, you can request backdate consideration. To do this, immediately after filing your new claim: 1. Send a detailed message through your TWC portal explaining the circumstances 2. Document all your previous attempts to contact TWC (dates, times) 3. Request that they consider backdating to your original filing date While this isn't guaranteed to work, some claimants have successfully had their claims backdated when they could demonstrate the delay wasn't their fault. Make sure to continue submitting payment requests for current weeks while this is being resolved.

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Got it - I'll document everything and request backdating. Thank you all so much for the help! I'm feeling much more prepared to tackle this now.

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First-time TWC application for elderly parent - website vs phone?

My mom (67) just got laid off from her part-time bookkeeping job after 9 years and needs to file for unemployment. This is her first time EVER applying for benefits and I'm trying to help her. Should we use the TWC website or is it faster to call? The website seems really confusing with all the verification steps, but I've heard the phone lines are impossible to get through. Anyone have advice on which method is easier/faster for first-time applicants? She's not super tech-savvy so I'm worried about the ID.me verification stuff too.

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!

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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.

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This is all super helpful information. We'll definitely set up a payment request schedule on our calendar so we don't miss those deadlines. I appreciate everyone taking the time to share their experiences!

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Can TWC approve unemployment if I'm on 'inactive status' but not officially laid off?

I've been working at a warehouse company for about 3 years, but last month my supervisor told me they're putting me on 'inactive status' due to lack of work. They haven't officially fired me, but I haven't been scheduled for ANY shifts in 4 weeks! My bills are piling up, and I'm getting desperate. They keep saying 'we'll call you when we need you' but I'm not getting paid in the meantime. Can I apply for unemployment while technically still employed but not getting any hours? Has anyone been through something similar with TWC? I'm worried they'll deny me since I wasn't actually laid off, but I literally have zero income right now.

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.

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Jacob Lee

Author

Thank you for the detailed explanation! I've submitted my claim and explained the situation exactly as you suggested. Fingers crossed it gets approved without too much hassle.

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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!

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yep same thing happened to my brother they called it 'standby status' but TWC approved him in like a week

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TWC payment request by phone with bonus income - furloughed but not laid off

I'm in a weird situation and confused about how to request my TWC payment correctly. I got furloughed from my hotel job (not officially laid off, just zero hours) but still technically employed. My coworkers who are still working pooled together some of their tips and gave me a $950 "bonus" to help me out this month since they know I'm struggling. When I call Tele-Serv to request payment, do I need to report this money? It's not really wages from my employer, just friends helping out. I'm worried about messing up my claim since I've never been on unemployment before. Also, is requesting payment by phone different than doing it online? The website keeps crashing on me.

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???

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AstroAce

Author

Yes, they specifically said any income needs to be reported regardless of source. They didn't explain how they'd know, but honestly I'd rather just follow the rules than risk getting hit with an overpayment notice later. The agent mentioned they have ways of verifying income during audits, and it's not worth the risk to me.

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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.

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That's because any payment from your employer is considered wages, even if you're not actively working hours to earn it. Retention bonuses are specifically designed to be compensation, which is why they counted against your benefits. It's different from severance in some ways, but TWC treats most employer payments as reportable income.

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