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!

Rita, I'm really sorry you're going through this stress - losing a job is tough enough without worrying about rent! I went through a similar situation last year and wanted to share what worked for me. First, definitely reopen your claim ASAP through your TWC account. Since you're still within your benefit year from March, you should be able to access those remaining weeks. The investigation into your termination is unavoidable, but based on what you've described, you have a solid case - only 2 absences in 3 months with proper call-ins shows you were following procedures. Here's something that really helped me: when I had my phone interview with TWC, I emphasized that I had legitimate emergency reasons (sick child, car trouble) and followed their notification process each time. The investigator told me they see a big difference between employees who just don't show up versus those who communicate properly when emergencies happen. Also, don't stress too much about the 2-3 week timeline - in my case, it was closer to 2 weeks because I had documentation and the employer couldn't really dispute that I'd followed their call-in policy. Keep those text messages handy and maybe try to get a copy of their attendance policy if possible. Hang in there - your situation sounds very defensible to me!

Hey Rita! I'm really sorry you're dealing with this - job loss is stressful enough without having to navigate the TWC system. I actually went through something very similar about 6 months ago, so I wanted to share what I learned. The good news is that you can absolutely reopen your March claim since you're still within your benefit year. When you log into your TWC account, don't look for a "reopen" button - just click "Request Payment" and the system will automatically detect that you need to reopen and guide you through it. Now here's the reality check: TWC will investigate your most recent separation regardless of which claim the benefits come from. BUT based on what you've described, I think you have a really strong case. Only missing 2 days in 3 months with proper call-ins shows you were trying to be a responsible employee. Sick child and car trouble are exactly the kinds of legitimate emergencies that TWC understands. Make sure you save those text messages showing you notified your supervisor - that documentation will be crucial during your phone interview. Also, if their policy required warnings before termination and you never got any, that's another point in your favor. The investigation will probably take 2-3 weeks, but keep requesting payments on your assigned days during this time. And definitely start your work search activities right away (3 per week minimum) even while waiting for approval. You've got this! Your situation sounds very defensible to me.

To address your specific question about wages needed: You need to have earned at least $2,500 in total during your base period AND have wages in at least 2 of the 4 base period quarters. If your seasonal job spans across 2 quarters (like Nov-Jan), you MIGHT qualify if you earn enough. For example, if you make $15/hr and work 30 hours/week for 12 weeks, that's about $5,400 which exceeds the minimum amount, but it needs to be properly distributed across quarters. I'd suggest applying regardless - TWC will calculate your eligibility based on the specific quarters that apply to you.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you do apply for unemployment after your seasonal job ends, make sure you have all your documentation ready. Save your hiring paperwork that shows it was designated as seasonal/temporary work, keep your paystubs, and if possible get something in writing from your employer when they lay you off that confirms it was a seasonal separation. Also, Texas allows you to file your claim the Sunday of the week your employment ends, so don't wait too long after your last day. The sooner you file, the sooner your claim can be processed. And definitely keep track of your work search activities from day one - you'll need to report 3 per week once you start receiving benefits. Good luck with your seasonal job! Sounds like you have a good chance of qualifying based on your hours and pay rate.

Another thing that helped me when I was in your shoes - make sure you have your Social Security card and driver's license handy when you call, even though you probably won't need them. Sometimes they ask for verification of personal info. Also, if you get disconnected (which unfortunately happens sometimes), don't panic! You can call back and explain you were cut off mid-conversation - they can usually look up your case notes and continue where you left off. One last tip: if the first agent seems confused about your situation, it's totally okay to politely ask to speak with someone else or call back later. Not all agents are equally knowledgeable, and you want to make sure you get accurate information. Hang in there - the stress of not knowing is honestly worse than the actual process once you get through it!

One more thing that might help ease your anxiety - I just went through this whole process last year and got that same "call us" message. Turned out they just needed to verify that my layoff wasn't due to misconduct (it wasn't, just company downsizing). The phone call took maybe 15 minutes and was way less scary than I'd built it up to be in my head. The agent was actually really helpful and walked me through what to expect next. My first payment showed up exactly 3 weeks after that call. Also, definitely take advantage of any job search workshops or career counseling services they offer - those count toward your work search requirements AND they're actually pretty useful. You're asking all the right questions and being proactive about getting information, which puts you way ahead of where I was when I started this process!

This whole thread is so reassuring! I'm going through the exact same nightmare right now - employer missed the original deadline, no-showed the first appeal, and somehow got approved for a Commission Appeal. It's absolutely maddening how the system gives employers unlimited chances while holding us to impossible standards. What's really helped me prepare after reading everyone's experiences is creating a detailed timeline with every single missed deadline and procedural failure by my employer. I'm also bringing printed copies of all determination letters showing the pattern of non-compliance. The fact that so many people have successfully defended these cases, even when employers bring lawyers, gives me hope. The vindictive nature is so obvious when they keep appealing after benefits are exhausted - they're clearly just trying to force repayment out of spite. But hearing from people like Emma Wilson who won despite the employer lawyering up shows it's definitely beatable with proper preparation. To everyone dealing with this - we need to show up and fight back against these intimidation tactics. They're counting on us getting worn down and giving up, but we have every right to those benefits and multiple TWC determinations backing us up. Don't let petty employers win through pure harassment!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this frustrating situation! I went through something very similar last year where my employer kept getting chances despite missing every deadline. What really helped me was understanding that this is unfortunately a common employer tactic - they know most people will get worn down and either not show up to hearings or just give up entirely. Since your benefits are exhausted, the main risk now is having to repay everything if they somehow win this Commission Appeal. But here's the thing - you've already won twice (initial determination and first appeal), so you're in a strong position. The burden is on them to prove misconduct, not on you to prove innocence. My advice: definitely attend that Tuesday hearing! Bring copies of everything - the original determination, the notice showing they missed the 14-day deadline, the results from the first appeal they didn't attend. Create a simple timeline document showing all their failures to comply with deadlines and procedures. Also, don't be intimidated if they bring a lawyer. I've seen people successfully defend these cases by just sticking to the facts and pointing out the pattern of non-compliance. You collected those benefits in good faith based on TWC's official determination - you did nothing wrong. Stay strong and don't let them wear you down with these harassment tactics. You've got this!