For your planning purposes, here's exactly what will happen with your final payment: 1. You'll receive your regular weekly benefit amount ($754 after taxes) one last time 2. Your claim will then show as exhausted 3. If you're still unemployed, you should immediately file for EB (Extended Benefits) if they're currently available in Texas 4. Remember to continue your work search activities (minimum 3 per week) even during the transition Don't forget that once you do find employment, you need to work for 6 consecutive weeks and then specifically request the waiting week payment. Mark your calendar with a reminder as many people forget this step.

Just wanted to add that you should also check if you qualify for any federal extension programs that might be available. Sometimes there are additional weeks of benefits beyond regular unemployment and EB, depending on economic conditions. Also, if you're considering any job training programs, some of them can extend your benefit period while you're enrolled. Worth looking into TWC's workforce development programs - they sometimes have partnerships that can help bridge the gap between when your benefits end and when you find steady work.

Thanks everyone for all the helpful responses! I'm feeling a bit more optimistic now. I've been doing my work searches and keeping records, and I'll definitely keep requesting payments every two weeks. I'll update this thread once I hear something. Hoping for that determination letter soon!

Fingers crossed for you! The caseworker call is definitely a positive step. I went through something similar last year - got laid off due to company restructuring and had my caseworker interview on a Wednesday. Got my approval letter the following Tuesday (6 business days). One thing that helped me was checking the TWC website multiple times a day, not just for the determination letter but also to make sure all my information was still showing correctly. Sometimes there are system glitches that can delay processing. Also, if you haven't already, make sure your direct deposit info is set up properly so when payments do start, they go through smoothly. The waiting is the worst part, but it sounds like you're doing everything right! Keep us posted on how it goes.

I just got off the phone with a TWC agent (finally!) who was much more helpful than the first one. She confirmed that since I'm in TWC-approved training, this should be considered

That's such great news! I'm really glad you got a more knowledgeable agent who could clarify the training benefits provision. It's frustrating how inconsistent the information can be between different TWC representatives. The fact that they're treating it as "good cause" because of the approved training program makes total sense - that's exactly what these workforce development programs are designed for. And having them expedite the review is huge since you're starting CDL training next week. Keep us updated on how it goes! Your situation will probably help other people in similar circumstances. CDL drivers are in such high demand right now, so this training investment should really pay off for you long-term.

Have you tried updating your info online? Sometimes the website works better than trying to call.

I went through this exact same thing last year! Here's what finally worked for me: I kept a detailed log of every attempt to contact them (date, time, method), then I reached out to my state representative's office with all that documentation. Their constituent services team was able to get through to TWC within 48 hours and got my issue resolved. It's ridiculous that we have to go through a politician's office to get basic customer service, but it worked. Also, try calling at exactly 8:00 AM when they open - I had better luck getting through early morning. Don't give up, you've got this! 💪

Thank you all for the helpful responses! So it sounds like I should: 1. Make my final regular payment request on May 23rd 2. Request the waiting week on my next filing date (June 6th) even though I don't have a job yet 3. Once I find work and earn 3x my weekly benefit amount, contact TWC to release the waiting week payment I really appreciate all the help. The TWC website and paperwork definitely don't make this clear!

This thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm in a similar situation and had no idea about the return-to-work requirement for getting the waiting week payment. I've been unemployed for 4 months and getting close to exhausting my benefits too. One question - does anyone know if part-time work counts toward that 3x weekly benefit requirement? My weekly benefit amount is $521, so I'd need to earn about $1,563. If I can only find part-time work initially, will that count as long as I eventually hit that earnings threshold? Or does it have to be full-time employment specifically? Also wondering if anyone has experience with how long it takes TWC to actually process and send the waiting week payment once you call them after meeting the work requirement. I'm trying to plan my finances accordingly since this whole process seems to take forever with TWC!