I went through this same thing just last month! Got the identity verification request after being on benefits since December - totally freaked me out at first because the timing seemed so random. But it's definitely legitimate and pretty common. One thing I learned that might help: TWC actually has quotas for these verification checks that they have to meet throughout the year for compliance reasons. So sometimes it really is just bad luck timing when your account gets flagged for review. Has nothing to do with anything suspicious on your end. The ID.me process was honestly not as bad as I expected. Make sure your husband does it on a computer rather than his phone if possible - the document upload works much better. And definitely do it during daytime hours with good lighting. I made the mistake of trying it at night and the camera couldn't read my license clearly. Also heads up - after he completes the ID.me verification, he'll get a confirmation email, but don't expect his TWC account to update immediately. Mine took about 6 days to show as verified, and then payments resumed automatically. The waiting is the worst part, but hang in there!

I just wanted to add another voice of reassurance here - this happened to me too back in January after collecting benefits since October! I was completely blindsided by the timing and honestly thought something was wrong with my claim. Turns out TWC has really ramped up these identity verification checks as part of their fraud prevention efforts. What I found interesting is that when I called to ask about it, the rep told me they actually verify a certain percentage of active claims each month regardless of how long someone has been collecting. So it really is just random selection, not anything you did. The ID.me process was pretty painless - took about 15 minutes including the video verification call. The agent was friendly and just had me hold up my license and confirm some basic info. My biggest tip: make sure your husband's TWC account information (especially name spelling and address) matches exactly what's on his driver's license before starting the verification. Any mismatches can cause delays. After completing ID.me, it took about 4 business days for my TWC account to show as verified and for payments to resume. All my held payments were released in one batch, so no money was lost - just delayed. Don't let the timing stress you out too much. It really is standard procedure, even though they could definitely communicate that better to claimants!

Yes, you need to document all your work search activities. This includes job applications, attending job fairs, networking events, creating profiles on job sites, etc. WorkInTexas.com is Texas's official job matching system - you must register there and can use it to find and apply for jobs that count toward your work search requirements. Keep detailed records of all activities: company name, position, date, method of application, contact person if available. TWC may randomly audit your work search activities at any time.

I went through something very similar about 8 months ago - toxic management, constant schedule changes, and feeling like my mental health was crumbling. Here's what I wish I had known: START FILING IMMEDIATELY even if you're unsure about qualifying. The process takes time and you want to get your claim date established. When filling out the voluntary quit statement, focus on specific workplace violations rather than just "stress" - things like denial of legally protected time off, creating hostile work environment, or unsafe conditions carry more weight. Also, Texas law requires employers to provide a separation statement (Form C-28) within 10 days if you request it - this can sometimes work in your favor if they admit to the conditions you're describing. Don't let anyone discourage you from applying - I was initially denied but won my appeal because I had documentation. The key is being persistent and thorough with your evidence. Good luck!

I've been following this discussion closely as someone who went through a similar situation in Texas about a year ago. What strikes me about your case is how well-documented your issues seem to be already - the 30% hour reduction, safety concerns, and unpredictable scheduling are exactly the types of "good cause connected with the work" situations that TWC recognizes. From my experience and what I've observed helping others, your strongest points are likely to be: 1. The significant hour reduction (30% is well above the threshold TWC typically considers substantial) 2. The documented safety issues you've reported multiple times without resolution 3. The last-minute schedule changes that prevent you from securing additional employment I'd recommend taking a systematic approach: finish documenting everything as others have suggested, file that formal HR complaint you mentioned, and give them a reasonable timeframe to respond. If they don't address your concerns, you'll have a solid paper trail showing you exhausted all internal remedies. One additional tip: when you do file your TWC claim, focus on the business/financial impact rather than just the emotional stress. Phrases like "hour reduction made it financially impossible to meet basic living expenses" or "unpredictable scheduling prevented securing supplementary employment" tend to resonate more with hearing officers. The success stories in this thread show it's definitely possible to get approved after quitting for good cause, but preparation and documentation are absolutely critical. Good luck with your decision!

I've been reading through all these responses and wanted to add my perspective as someone who recently went through this exact process. I quit my job in San Antonio about 4 months ago due to similar issues - management kept cutting my hours (dropped from 38 to about 24 hours per week), ignored multiple safety complaints, and started scheduling me for shifts that conflicted with my second job without any notice. The good news is that I was approved for benefits, but it took persistence and really solid documentation. Here's what I wish I'd known from the start: **Document everything in real-time** - Don't try to recreate your timeline later. I used a simple notes app on my phone to record incidents as they happened, including dates, times, and witnesses. **Calculate the financial impact precisely** - I showed that my hour reduction cost me $640/month, which was more than my car payment and utilities combined. TWC seemed to really focus on the concrete financial harm. **The "good faith effort" requirement is real** - I had to show I tried multiple approaches: informal conversations with my supervisor, formal emails to HR, and even offered to work different shifts to accommodate their needs. None of it worked, but having that paper trail was crucial. **Be prepared for the long game** - My initial claim was denied, but I won on appeal. The whole process from filing to receiving my first payment took about 10 weeks, so make sure you have some savings or other support during that time. From what you've described, your situation sounds even stronger than mine was. The combination of 30% hour cuts, documented safety issues, and schedule manipulation that prevents additional employment is exactly what TWC considers "good cause." Just make sure you exhaust those internal remedies first and document every step. Feel free to reach out if you have specific questions about the process - happy to help a fellow Texan navigate this system!

I went through a very similar situation about a year ago and got approved for TWC benefits after quitting due to unsafe working conditions. In my case, it was a warehouse job where management ignored multiple reports about malfunctioning conveyor belt safety guards that kept coming loose and could have seriously injured workers. What really helped my case was having a clear paper trail just like you do. I had emails showing I reported the issues multiple times over several months, photos of the broken equipment, and documentation of management's dismissive responses. The key was showing TWC that I gave my employer reasonable time and opportunity to address the safety hazards before making the difficult decision to quit. Your electrical hazard situation sounds even more clear-cut than mine was - exposed wires near water is an obvious and immediate safety risk that any reasonable person would recognize as dangerous. The fact that you have months of documented complaints, photos with dates, witness statements from coworkers, and that final email specifically citing safety as your reason for leaving gives you a really strong case. A few things that helped during my TWC interview: - I created a simple timeline showing when I first reported the issue, each escalation attempt, what responses I got from management, and the final incident that led to my decision to quit - I emphasized that I tried to work collaboratively with management to find solutions before quitting as a last resort - I focused on the objective safety risk rather than my personal feelings about management's attitude Don't be discouraged if you get an initial denial - it's pretty common for good cause safety claims to require an appeal even when they're legitimate. The appeals process gives you a better opportunity to present your full case with all your documentation. Your situation is exactly what the good cause provision exists to protect. You documented everything properly, gave management multiple chances to address serious safety hazards, and only quit when they made it clear they wouldn't act. That's textbook reasonable behavior that TWC should recognize. Hang in there!

I successfully got TWC benefits approved after quitting due to unsafe working conditions at my previous job. Management was requiring us to work around faulty equipment that posed serious injury risks despite multiple safety reports from employees. Your case sounds really strong - electrical hazards near water with documented evidence is exactly the type of situation TWC recognizes as legitimate good cause. The fact that you have months of emails, photos with dates, and witness accounts puts you in an excellent position. A few things that helped me: - I organized all my evidence chronologically to show the progression from first report to final quit decision - During my TWC phone interview, I emphasized that I gave management reasonable time (several months) to address the hazards before quitting - I focused on explaining how the conditions made it impossible for any reasonable person to safely perform the job duties My initial claim was actually approved without needing an appeal, which took about 3 weeks total. Even if yours gets initially denied, don't panic - many legitimate safety cases require appeals but ultimately get approved with backpay. Keep documenting your work searches during this waiting period, and stay organized with your evidence. You clearly handled this situation the right way by trying to work with your employer first and only quitting when they refused to address serious safety hazards. That's exactly what the good cause protection is designed for!

I'm in a similar boat - just filed my claim after being laid off from my retail job. Reading through these responses, it sounds like the timeline is pretty variable but generally 7-12 business days for the first paper check. The direct deposit switch tip is really helpful! One thing I'd add is to make sure you keep checking your TWC account online for any status updates or additional requirements they might need. Sometimes they'll flag your account for identity verification or other issues that can delay payment, and you won't know unless you log in regularly. Also heard from a friend that setting up text alerts through the TWC system can help you stay on top of payment status. Hope your check arrives soon!

Based on my experience, first paper checks from TWC typically take 7-10 business days after your payment request is processed. Since you submitted yours last night, you're probably looking at receiving it sometime next week or the week after. I'd recommend tracking it through the TWC Tele-Serv system at 800-558-8321 (option 2, then 1) to check if your payment has been processed yet. Also, while you're waiting, make sure you're staying on top of your work search requirements - Texas requires 3 work search activities per week and you need to document them properly. If this timeline is too tight for rent, you might want to reach out to your landlord about the situation - many are understanding about unemployment delays. Good luck!