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.

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.

I've helped several people with their TWC claims, and I can tell you that the timing of your termination (right before a bonus payout) is definitely something that TWC will look at closely. When TWC reviews termination cases, they look at several factors: 1. Were you given warnings about performance issues before termination? 2. Did the employer follow their own documented discipline process? 3. Was the termination timing suspicious (like right before a bonus)? 4. Can the employer document specific instances of misconduct? If your employer can't demonstrate that you were fired for actual misconduct (as opposed to just general performance claims), you should be approved eventually. The process is frustratingly slow, but I've seen people in similar situations get approved after 4-6 weeks. Be prepared for a phone interview with a TWC examiner. Have documentation ready about your performance, any positive feedback you received, and definitely mention the bonus timing.

UPDATE: I took several of your suggestions and finally got some answers! I used Claimyr to reach TWC (after 30+ failed attempts calling directly) and found out my employer is claiming I was fired for not meeting performance metrics. The TWC agent scheduled a fact-finding interview for next week. I also contacted my state rep's office and they said they'd follow up on my claim. Between these two actions, things are finally moving! The agent confirmed that if approved, I'll get backpay for all the weeks I've been requesting payment. I'll update again after my interview. Thank you all for the help and advice during this stressful time!

wat about disaster unemployment assistance? thats different from regular benefits i think

Update: I took everyone's advice and filed my appeal online yesterday. I also managed to get through to TWC this morning after using Claimyr (thanks for that tip!). The agent was actually really helpful - she said she couldn't reverse the determination, but after reviewing my documents, she put in a request to expedite my appeal hearing based on financial hardship and the strong documentation I have. She said I should get a hearing date within 2 weeks instead of the usual timeframe. She also suggested I look into hurricane relief assistance through FEMA since our county was declared a disaster area. I'm going to check that out today. Thank you all for the advice - I'll update once I get my hearing date!